My Little Ace Attorney: Elements of Justice/Crusading for a Turnabout - Part 9/Transcript

Part 9

Crusading for a Turnabout
~The Resolve of Athena Cykes~

Recap
Athena: Previously on Elements of Justice... Athena: Fair's been planning some kind of story from the very beginning. Sugar Stamp and Private Eye—somehow they're ALSO a part of it. Sonata: I managed to test the blood that Apollo, Trucy, and I found on the trees the other day. It belonged to Royal Order. Sonata: You remember the remaining suit of armor? I managed to find it. I noticed that the left side of the body plate had a particularly ugly dent in it. Turning: Whatever happens in this trial... help my mom. No matter the cost. Athena: Sweetie Belle was neither the one to make the tourniquet, NOR the one to get the healing potion from Zecora. Somepony ELSE did both. silver spoon! Diamond: When Silvie came into my bedroom with the magazine, I saw that she had a small patch on her coat that was... stained red. Athena: The defense believes that the pony who broke into Carousel Boutique was none other than... silver spoon! Athena: Now that we have confirmed all of this, we now know the true identity of the pony who sent that anonymous tip. That... Can only be Sweetie Belle herself. Athena: The fact of the matter is that this clone... never existed in the first place! Athena: The breathing Scootaloo thought she heard coming from Royal Order... it must have come from somepony else. Judge: Y-you mean... who killed Royal Order? Athena: There's only one pony who could have... And that's the son of the victim himself— turning page! Fair Devotion: That's enough. Your Honor, my son didn't kill my husband. I did. Athena: (The truth is out in the open now... and all that's left to shield it... Is one final testimony from Ms. Devotion.)

Testimony
Witness Testimony -- What Happened Between Royal Order And Me -- Fair Devotion: My husband teleported us to Froggy Bottom Bog to search for our son. Finding nothing, we decided to travel up the path to the crossroads, then afterwards to the Nightmare Night statue. During our search, we... began to talk about Turning Page. It was a difficult topic, one that erupted into a bit of an argument. Things got out of hoof, and... in a blind rage, I ended up knocking Royal Order into the base of the statue, killing him instantly. After realizing he was dead, I did what I needed to do in order to cover up the crime. Judge: I see... And this, then, is what you claim to be what truly happened that night? How your husband was killed... Fair Devotion: That's right, Your Honor. Luna: So it would seem. But tell me this, Ms. Devotion... You say you did what you needed to do in order to cover up the crime. But why did you move the body and lead us on this wild goose chase? Fair Devotion: That's easy enough to answer. I wanted to make it look like Royal's death was an accident—that timberwolves had killed him, not a pony. I knew that his death, once it was discovered, would be regarded with... great suspicion. Luna: Great suspicion? Fair Devotion: Of course. He WAS a member of the Royal Guard, after all, and... well... on track to greater things. Luna: !! Athena: (Greater things... Does she mean...?) Fair Devotion: To further complicate matters, the fact that he died ON the base of the statue meant it would be hard to make it seem like timberwolves had killed him. So... I needed to remove any possibility of him dying in any other way. The most immediate way to do that was by getting rid of the body altogether. My initial thought was to sink it into Froggy Bottom Bog, but I had to remove his armor first. Once it was off, I carried him away with my magic. However, doing so left that blood trail—the one found at the crossroads—behind, leading back to the statue. Athena: (That explains why Royal didn't have any armor on him when Scootaloo ran into him later.) Fair Devotion: In any event, while moving the body, I heard a clang coming from the statue area. I immediately left the body at the crossroads and rushed back. I didn't find anypony, but I was worried. The fact that there WAS a clang meant somepony had been at the scene. I was also worried because I could hear timberwolves fast approaching. Judge: The... scent of the blood must have attracted them to the area, then. Fair Devotion: There was no time to waste. I used my magic to lift the blood on the statue, as well as the armor, and brought them to the clearing through the trees. Twilight: Huh? Why both? Fair Devotion: As the timberwolves were in the area, I hoped that they'd lap up the blood if I left it in the clearing for them to find. I also hoped that they'd maybe gnaw on the armor... Luna: Thereby leaving traces of their presence at the scene, further corroborating the story you were concocting. Fair Devotion: Exactly. I figured that it'd be an easy enough story to believe. Murder doesn't occur in Equestria, but accidents... those are easier for us to digest. Athena: That explains the armor... but was it just the chestplate you took into the clearing? Fair Devotion: No, I also took the helmet, but I didn't leave it at the clearing. I chose to carry it with me so I could dispose of it later. Judge: Why would you want to dispose of it? Fair Devotion: Because of the hole on the side—right where Royal Order had been impaled. If any investigator found that helmet and that hole, they'd be able to dismantle my story. Luna: So you finished setting up the parameters for this "story." What did you do afterwards? Fair Devotion: Well, after I left the timberwolves to their "feast," I returned to the statue to make sure I didn't leave anything behind. Then I headed back to the crossroads to retrieve Royal Order's body. But... Athena: But what? Fair Devotion: The body... It was missing. Vanished, somehow. Athena: Vanished? Didn't you find that... odd? Fair Devotion: Of COURSE I did. I'm not a fool, Ms. Cykes. But, at the time, I thought perhaps my luck had changed. That the timberwolves really had eaten the body—even though I hadn't seen any wolves yet. Still, it HAS been bothering me. And up until now, I didn't know how the body could have vanished. Athena: Up until now...? Fair Devotion: It should be obvious, shouldn't it? That body couldn't have moved on its own. No, somepony else must have moved it. And that pony... was Sugar Stamp. Sugar Stamp: !!! Twilight: S-Sugar Stamp? How can you say that? Fair Devotion: Actually, Princess Twilight, I don't have to say that. You and your partner already did it for me. Athena: W-we did? Ack! Twilight: That mailpony, Sugar Stamp. She had a badge with a similar shape as the mark on the wagon. Athena: Oh, man... Twilight: You know what this means, right? Athena: Yeah... that mailpony, was in the forest that night! Judge: Time is up, defense. You've had enough time to discuss. Have you concluded who may have left the mark on the wagon? Athena: The defense has identified a possible suspect, Your Honor. Judge: And who might they be? Athena: The defense... Formally accuses a mailpony by the name of Sugar Stamp! Fair Devotion: You said it yourself. That mark proves Sugar Stamp moved the body to the castle ruins. But I don't think she did so just to frame Turning Page or Scootaloo. Twilight: Then why? Why would she move it? Fair Devotion: Earlier, Sugar Stamp said she'd been in the forest. Now, I hadn't seen her at all, but she surely must have seen me. She must have also seen what happened at the statue. Judge: You mean... She witnessed you killing Royal Order? Fair Devotion: That would be the most probable explanation. After seeing that, she would have wanted to protect me. So, while I was otherwise occupied at the clearing, Sugar Stamp took Royal's body and dumped it at the castle ruins. As for why THERE, well... you pointed out one possibility, Ms. Cykes— —she was trying to pin the murder on Turning Page and Scootaloo, and make the ruins look like the real crime scene. But I think there's another possibility. If she had seen the blackmail exchange, and the ponies involved, she could have been trying to pin the blame on maybe Diamond Tiara. Or Silver Spoon. But that isn't for me to speculate on. In any event, I believe Sugar Stamp was trying to protect her friend. And that's why she decided to provide a false confession... with help from Detective Private Eye. Luna: I see... And for Private Eye to have helped her, then... that must mean he was also trying to protect you? Fair Devotion: I believe so. Royal was his friend. Perhaps Private Eye felt that he had to do justice by him, for me. Athena: What about the bruises that we found on Turning Page? They still place him at the crossroads where Scootaloo crashed. Twilight: Right, and Silver Spoon and Zecora's testimonies can't account for his whereabouts after he fled the castle. The bruises are the only things we have that can explain WHERE he went. You can't just dismiss them, Fair Devotion. Fair Devotion: I suppose I cannot. But I'll keep to my word. Something you ought to learn, Ms. Cykes. Athena: !? Fair Devotion: Though those bruises place him at the crossroads, they in no way demonstrate any involvement Turning might have had with his father's death. For all we know, sometime during that night, while fleeing, he might have teleported to the crossroads in an attempt to get out of the forest quicker. He is a gifted unicorn after all, just like his father. He'd have seen the body before Sugar had moved it. At the same time, he might have heard Scootaloo coming, and then propped himself next to the body. The crash occurred, Scootaloo ran off, the bruises formed... and after a time, Turning managed to flee the forest, too. All without having anything to do with what happened to Royal Order. Twilight: If that's the case, then Turning Page... Why haven't you said anything until now? Turning: ... Fair Devotion: It's as I said before, Princess Twilight. Royal Order taught his son the importance of taking responsibility, even for things he has no control over. He kept silent, then, in order to protect me. Athena: ...

The Resolve of Athena Cykes
Judge: The court appreciates you clarifying matters for us, witness. Now, then. Normally, this would be when the cross-examination would occur. However... Luna: You feel as though it, along with Ms. Devotion's further comments, have answered many of our questions. And that a cross-examination would be nothing more than a formality, changing nothing. Correct, Your Honor? Judge: Indeed, I can think of no discrepancies within it that a cross-examination would reveal. Twilight: Honestly, me neither, Athena. Fair Devotion's words add up. Athena: Sure, her WORDS do... But I think that you and I have noticed that it's not always words that matter in a testimony. It's also the witness's heart, their emotions. Twilight: Then that means you must have heard some discord in her heart? Athena: Unmistakably. And I'll bet anything that, if we can figure out WHY it's there, we'll be able to unearth the truth. Twilight: Which means... another therapy session. Athena: That's right. Your Honor! The defense requests that instead of a usual cross-examination, we conduct a therapy session in its place. Judge: A therapy session, you say? Well, I have no qualms about that. Prosecutor Luna, do you? Luna: We do not object to this idea, Your Honor. If the defense wishes to do so, so be it. Athena: (Yes! Thank you, Prosecutor Luna!) All right, then, in that case— Fair Devotion: Athena: (Ugh... If that's the sort of look teachers give when they're about to scold you, I think I might have dodged a bullet with all those days off!) Judge: Ms. Fair Devotion?! What's wrong? Fair Devotion: Your Honor, Prosecutor Luna... Surely, after everything you've witnessed, you cannot SERIOUSLY permit Ms. Cykes to continue this charade? Athena: C-Charade? What are you talking about? Fair Devotion: That naïveté, that ignorance—THAT is what I mean. Luna: Ms. Devotion, I believe it would benefit ALL of us if you would refrain from being coy. Fair Devotion: Hmph. Fine. Then allow me to explain myself. Ms. Cykes... Why did you take this case? Athena: Why...? I-I mean, I did it because I wanted to defend Scootaloo and Turning Page! Fair Devotion: Indeed. And how have you gone about defending them? Let me offer you a fresh reminder. The first course of action you undertook was accusing Zecora. A ludicrous claim, to be sure, one backed not by evidence, but by conjecture. You were perfectly willing to besmirch Zecora's good name if it meant you could "save" Turning Page and Scootaloo. Athena: Ngh! I— I know, but— Fair Devotion: Following that, you turned to an even more fantastic avenue of explanation, boldly claiming that there were clones involved. Athena: Y-yes, but we just proved that there weren't ANY clones that night— Fair Devotion: And that's my point. Athena: Y-your point? Fair Devotion: You made one assertion in the previous trial. Then, at the end, you made a completely different one. And HERE we are, rolling our eyes at you changing your mind yet again. "Zecora is the killer! Oh, sorry! She isn't, actually! My mistake, Your Honor!" "There are clones involved! Erm... Now that I think about it, that's not true at all, is it? Sorry, Prosecutor Luna!" You've changed your entire stance so many times that I'm not sure you even KNOW what you are trying to do. Athena: Gnk! H-Hang on— Fair Devotion: Yet, as if that wasn't enough—you began this case with the intention of defending my son. And now, it would appear you intend on closing it by doing the exact opposite... —ACCUSING him of killing his own father! Why?! Athena: W-Why? B-because... It... Fair Devotion: It's because it'd be the most convenient for YOU. Judge: Ms. Devotion, what are you saying? Fair Devotion: Let me put it plainly, Your Honor. Ms. Cykes promised she would defend my son. Now she isn't. She has, in fact, made many promises throughout this trial, only to renege every single one. Each time you changed your argument, it was to pursue whatever narrative would, conveniently, make it look like you knew EXACTLY what you were doing. I have half the mind to think that you went into this case not to defend my son, but in order to PROVE yourself as a lawyer! Well, you've proven something, all right... You've proven you'll stubbornly stick to your own theories, your own misguided notions, all in order to make yourself LOOK capable... —even if it means going back on your word. But let me tell you something, Ms. Cykes... Anypony who does not stand by their word is not worth the time of day. Twilight: F-Fair Devotion...! Luna: Ms. Devotion! That is enough! Fair Devotion: Is it? Then let me ask you this, Prosecutor Luna: do you honestly believe what Ms. Cykes is now claiming? That Turning Page killed his own father? Can you honestly take that at face value, given her previous actions? Luna: It... It is a most distressing theory, one that is... difficult to swallow. Fair Devotion: That may be quite the understatement, coming from you. And you, Princess Twilight. Twilight: M-Me? Fair Devotion: You're our Princess of Friendship, aren't you? Tell me—would a friend, a TRUE friend, go as far as to accuse the pony she vowed to save? Athena: (Twilight...) Fair Devotion: What about those in the gallery? Those who have been watching this trial since the very beginning? You've seen exactly what I've seen. Heard exactly what I've heard. Surely YOU cannot ignore how dubious Ms. Cykes appears? She's no lawyer, by any measure. Nor a psychologist. She's merely a child—blindly chasing equally blind ambitions... With no regard to how they'll affect those around her. Isn't it time we stop pretending to think she's anything but? That mare's right... That human HAS flip-flopped too many times. And now she's accusing that poor colt. How despicable... she's just a hypocrite! How could anypony do such a thing? It's... It's unheard of! Judge: Order, order! Ms. Devotion! I do believe you've said quite enough! I will not permit more slander in my courtroom—otherwise, I WILL hold you in contempt. Fair Devotion: I understand, Your Honor. That was everything I needed to say, anyway. Judge: Let it be so for the time being, then. Ms. Cykes, I do believe... M-Ms. Cykes? Athena: I... I... gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh! (What am I doing? I can't let Fair's words get to me! And yet... And yet... I know that she's right. ...The only pony who could have killed Royal Order was his son—Turning Page!... Amazing how, in one moment, those words could sound so certain... And then, in the next... they sound only empty and hollow. I can't deny it. It was my arrogance, my hubris, my relentless unwillingness to look at the greater picture, that led us to today. To accusing Turning Page... to going back on my promise to him. And now not even those who I thought were on my side can stand by me. Prosecutor Luna... You believed in Turning and Scootaloo's innocence. You trusted that I would prove it to the court. I can't even begin to wonder how you're feeling. How... betrayed you must be. Would a thousand apologies across a thousand nights ever make things right? And you, Twilight... You, who said you'd stand by my side to the very end... Was this what you had in mind? The two of us facing the consequences of my actions yet again? All this pain, this suffering, because I couldn't face the truth until it was staring me right in the face... leaving us with, what, exactly? If we accept what Fair's saying—if we accept her lie—then, while Turning will be free, Fair will be banished forever, leaving him alone. But if we reject the lie—in favor of the truth, that HE was the one who killed his father— won't that be just as bad? Fair will be let go, but Turning... Ah!) Turning: I... Can I ask you to do something, Ms. Cykes? Athena: Hmm? Turning: Whatever happens in this trial... please... help my mom. No matter the cost. Athena: (This must be what you were referring to. You KNEW your mom would pull something like this. But you don't want her to take the blame for you. Private Eye and Sugar Stamp... You both look scared, too. But you must know that it's the truth. That Turning killed his father. You must know... and equally, you must not know what to do about it. And you, Fair Devotion... You look confident. You think you can do this, can take the blame for your husband's murder, all in order to protect your son... But your heart, and the discord in it... They're telling me otherwise. You're hurting, having to do this. Everyone... Twilight, Luna, Fair Devotion, Private Eye, Sugar Stamp, Turning Page, Scootaloo, me... Everyone is hurting BECAUSE of this case! Agh! There isn't a single good outcome! Whatever I do next, it's gonna result in us losing something. But what am I willing to lose?! Is that the question, though? Is that what I need to answer? Or is that what just landed me here in the first place?! In the first trial, I wasn't willing to lose. Losing would have meant Scootaloo and Turning would be found guilty. And it would have meant that I wasn't a capable enough lawyer. That led to me accusing Zecora, then believing clones were involved... All because I thought this was about winning and losing. But... is it? Is being a lawyer about winning the case every time? No, of course not. That's why I ended up accusing Turning Page. Being a lawyer isn't about shouting objections. It's not about pointing fingers, or slamming desks. It's not about winning a case with a fancy display of logic and reasoning. If it was all that, I wouldn't have BEEN a lawyer in the first place. No, I became a lawyer because...) Athena: Wanna know something? I didn't even want to be a lawyer when I was a kid. Twilight: Really? Athena: Yeah. The main reason why I studied law and psychology in the first place was because I wanted to save a dear friend. He was accused and convicted of murdering my mother when I was younger, and I studied as hard as I could so I could free him. Athena: (I didn't become a lawyer because I wanted to win. I became a lawyer because I wanted to save someone. And in saving them, I wanted to save, and show to the world, the truth I always knew existed. Have... Have I always known that? Maybe I have, but that doesn't matter. Trials and courtrooms... Lawyers and clients... Innocence or guilt... It's not about what you're willing to lose— It's about what you're willing to save!) Fair Devotion: Hmm? What's that look on your face, Ms. Cykes? Athena: Everything you said about me, Fair Devotion, is correct. I AM naive. I AM reckless. And... I HAVE, consistently, changed my stance throughout this case. And I recognize that that makes me look hopelessly lost. Like I have no idea what I'm doing. Maybe I don't—maybe, maybe half the time it feels like I'm stumbling in the dark, fumbling for a switch— —and the moment I find it and flip it on, it becomes apparent that how this trial has progressed, with all of its twists and turns, is mostly my fault. I accept and admit that much. Fair Devotion: Is that so? Well... I am glad you at least have the maturity to take SOME measure of responsibility. Athena: Yes... but even so, though I accept that I've made many mistakes, I refuse to let that stop me. Fair Devotion: You... refuse? Athena: It doesn't matter what you think of me, Fair Devotion, if you really do consider me nothing but a child. It doesn't matter if the gallery or court agree. What matters is that I resolve to continue down this path I've started us on— —in pursuit of the one and only truth, no matter what you or anypony else has to say about me! Twilight: A-Athena...? Fair Devotion: I see... Then that must mean you understand that what I've said is the truth? Athena: Far from it. Fair Devotion: Excuse me? Athena: I know you want us to accept that it IS the truth, Ms. Devotion. And I know why you need it to be. But I can tell you from personal experience— —taking the blame for someone else's crime is a short-term solution that can only end in tragedy later down the line. And that may be fine to you. But it's not fine to me. It wasn't then... And it won't be, now or ever again! Fair Devotion: W-What?! Judge: In that case, Ms. Cykes, what will your next course of action be? Athena: If you don't mind, Your Honor, I'd actually like to discuss that with my co-counsel, before I say anything else. Judge: Very well. Though please, be quick about it. Athena: (All right. Hopefully that's convinced Fair that I'm not backing down any longer. That just leaves...) Twilight. Twilight: Huh? Y-yeah, Athena? Athena: (Fair's words must have shaken her up quite badly. Okay. I need to be clear about this.) I want to be upfront about this. I'm going to push for using the Mood Matrix on Fair's testimony, but... I want to know what YOU want to do. Twilight: What I want? Why me? Athena: Because we're a team. Everything we've gone through, the good and the bad, every mistake, every triumph—we share that responsibility. I know that right now, you're feeling scared about that responsibility. I understand. You... You may be a little uncertain as to if you can keep trusting me. Twilight: No! N-Never— Athena: Even if that is the case, I want you to know—I fully believe that using the Mood Matrix will lead to the best outcome. But if something goes wrong, and if there are consequences to this, it won't be just you facing them—it'll be me, as well. In good times and in bad. I promise you—I'll share those burdens, no matter what. But I don't want to push you to take on this task with me if you don't want to. That's why I'm asking what YOU want to do. And if you want us to do something else... We'll do that together, too. Twilight: You're certain that using the Mood Matrix is the best course of action? Athena: Positive. No matter what Fair Devotion thinks... Or maybe it'd be more accurate to say it's PRECISELY because of what she thinks. Twilight: Then I'm game. Let's do it, Athena. And whatever happens next, happens next. Athena: Thank you, Twilight! Judge: Defense? The court would like to have your answer. Athena: Your Honor, the defense stands by its request to conduct a therapy session with Ms. Devotion! Fair Devotion: W-What? That's absurd! After everything you've done, why should I be subjected to such treatment?! Luna: Witness, it may be true that the defense's position has been flawed since the beginning of this case. Be that as it may, the position is irrelevant in the matters of the courtroom. Evidence is what counts, and the evidence the defense has put forth... ...at the very least shows that there is more going on here than what you claim. To that end— The prosecution wholeheartedly supports the defense's motion. Judge: The court agrees. Fair Devotion: F-fine. I suppose I can tolerate these antics a LITTLE longer. Judge: Ms. Cykes, you may begin your therapy session when you are ready. Athena: You got it, Your Honor!

Mood Matrix: Fair Devotion
Twilight: Wow. I'm still SO impressed with this technology, Athena. It's amazing! Athena: Heh. That's my mother for you. She and the engineer she worked with were a great team. And it's thanks to them that we have the ability to clear up this testimony. NOISE LEVEL 100% Twilight: That's... a lot of noise, though. Athena: Yeah, I expected as much. Ms. Devotion is desperately trying to keep everything under wraps. Twilight: But we can't let that stop us. Athena: And we won't. Time to kiss this noise goodbye! Fair Devotion: My husband teleported us to Froggy Bottom Bog to search for our son. Finding nothing, we decided to travel up the path to the crossroads, then afterwards to the Nightmare Night statue. During our search, we... began to talk about Turning Page. It was a difficult topic, one that erupted into a bit of an argument. Athena: Ms. Devotion, this argument you had... It must have gotten you very angry. Fair Devotion: Obviously. Athena: And yet, I couldn't help but notice you sounded sad AND shocked, along with being angry. Is there any reason why that comes to mind? Fair Devotion: None whatsoever. Your little toy must be wrong. I distinctly recall being angry, and nothing else. Athena: (That was, admittedly, a long shot... Especially since she's trying to cover everything up. Still, I wonder... What even incited the argument in the first place? I know she said that they didn't find anything, but what if they did? And what if it led them to talking about Turning Page?) At any rate, you say you were angry with Royal Order? Fair Devotion: Beyond angry. Furious, in fact—to the point that I didn't even have to think when I kicked him into the statue. Athena: "Kicked" him? That's odd. If you kicked him hard enough for him to be impaled at the statue's base... then how do you explain this? Fair Devotion: !! T-That's Royal's armor! Athena: Indeed. But surely, looking at it, you can see why I'd need an explanation for what we found on it? Fair Devotion: Rgh... Judge: Erm... Forgive me, Ms. Cykes. Could you explain to the court what you mean? Athena: Gladly, Your Honor. Look at the left side. Do you see that dent? Judge: I do... Athena: Does that dent look like it was made by a set of hooves? Judge: Ummm... hmmm... No... It looks more like something somewhat rectangular struck it. Athena: Exactly, Your Honor. Something rectangular—meaning, the dent could NOT have come from somepony kicking the armor, as Ms. Devotion has just claimed. Fair Devotion: Gnk! Judge: That's right! But then, how do you explain the dent? Athena: If Ms. Devotion can't, I think I can. Based on what the Mood Matrix revealed, and how I've already claimed that Turning is the real culprit... Then the object which formed this dent in the armor must have been... Turning's own wooden sword. Fair Devotion: That's just not possible! Turning wasn't anywhere NEAR the Nightmare Night statue! Plus, he had his sword with him the whole night, remember? He certainly had it when he attacked Diamond Tiara. More than that, though— Athena: Let me finish for you, Ms. Devotion. You're about to say that, afterwards, Turning COULDN'T have used his sword. Is that right? Fair Devotion: !! Judge: Why do you say that, Ms. Cykes? Athena: Because, Your Honor, Turning's sword broke when he hit Diamond Tiara during the blackmail exchange. Judge: It broke? Fair Devotion: Exactly my point! Even if Turning WAS near the statue, he could not have used his sword to attack Royal Order! Twilight: That would appear to be the case, sure, but that becomes entirely irrelevant when we consider a couple of factors. Fair Devotion: Irrelevant?! Twilight: Right. Turning Page is a unicorn. You just admitted to us that he can teleport. So... he could have used his magic to teleport to the statue at some point, bringing his sword with him. Athena: And more than that, he also could have used his magic to hold the pieces of his sword together, if he teleported there AFTER he attacked Diamond Tiara. He could still have used the sword to attack Royal Order. It would have been just as effective in two pieces held together by magic as it would have been whole. Fair Devotion: But teleporting to the statue would have required that he KNEW where the statue was. What proof is there that he'd ever been there? Twilight: That's easy. He would have gone there many times, thanks to a certain Nightmare Night tradition. Apple Bloom: It's for Nightmare Night! It's a holiday where fillies and colts go from house-to-house collecting candy. And then, at the end of the night, we all come here, and give up some of our candy so that Nightmare Moon won't gobble us up! Athena: Since that tradition involves bringing candy to the statue, it's not unreasonable to think that, at some point, Turning would have visited it during the holiday. Fair Devotion: Ngh! Athena: Your Honor, the defense requests that the dent in the armor be tested against the sword. I believe it will show that the two are a perfect match. I'd also like to pause the current therapy session, until this test is done. Is that okay? Judge: Granted. And yes, that's fine by me. Prosecutor Luna? Luna: I see no problem with either of these requests. Judge: Very well. Bailiff, make haste with this test! Judge: Bailiff, what do the results say? Bailiff: It's as the defense claimed, Your Honor! The sword does match the shape of the dent found on the left side of the armor! Athena: Ms. Devotion, do you have an explanation for this? Fair Devotion: Fine. I concede. That sword... It was found at the statue. In fact, it was what started the argument in the first place. NOISE LEVEL 80% Twilight: If it was at the statue, then that must mean Turning Page had INDEED gone there that night. Athena: Turning? Turning: Huh? Yes, Ms. Cykes? Athena: Before we continue with your mother's therapy session, I need to ask you something. Could you elaborate on what happened at the statue exactly? Turning: ... Y-yeah, sure. After Scootaloo and I left the blackmail deal, I wanted to get ahead of her to make sure she'd be okay. So I thought I'd try and teleport. But the problem was, I didn't know a lot of places in the forest. There was the bog, but that would have meant more time walking. Athena: So you chose to teleport to the statue? Turning: Uh huh. I figured that, even if I had to walk back along the path to catch up to Scootaloo, it'd still be faster than running the whole way. But, when I teleported to the statue, I heard voices coming. I recognized them—they were Mom and Dad's. And they were coming way too quickly for me to charge another teleport. So, I ducked behind the statue to hide from them. But I forgot to take my sword with me. It was too late to grab it. I heard them come, and when they saw my sword, they began to argue. Fair Devotion: Is this...? Oh, no. No, no, no, please, NO! Royal Order: Fair? What is it? Fair Devotion: His sword, Royal—I found his SWORD! You know he'd never leave it behind, unless—unless— Royal Order: Whoa, hang on a second. I'm sure—I'm sure nothing bad's happened to him. Fair Devotion: "Nothing bad?!" Are you serious? We're in the Everfree Forest! Nothing GOOD happens here! Royal Order: Turning's a tough kid. He wouldn't let himself fall victim to some forest monster. Fair Devotion: Wouldn't let himself—do you hear yourself, Royal? If anything happened to Turning, it'd be your fault and you know it! Royal Order: M-My fault? What are you talking about?! Fair Devotion: Oh, don't you play innocent with me! It's YOUR fault for insisting that you do all your training with him in this Celestia-forsaken forest! If you hadn't done that— Royal Order: If I hadn't done that, then Turning would not be ready to join the guard when the time comes! Fair Devotion: He's a CHILD, Royal! Stars above, how can you be so BLIND to that?! Royal Order: I-I'm not blind to that— Fair Devotion: Furthermore, do you have any idea how your "training" has been affecting him? Do you have any idea what he's done? He's got some reckless hero complex now! And I DO mean reckless! Earlier he attacked Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon—you remember them, don't you? Or at least their parents? Royal Order: Urgh, I do... Fair Devotion: Then you shouldn't be surprised to know that just before you came home, that snobby Spoiled Rich ransomed us for all our savings. In order to pay for the dresses our SON ruined! I had to cancel our Hearts and Hooves dinner just to start saving up enough money to pay her off—a dinner, may I remind you, that had been planned for a while!? Royal Order: I... I just want to help Turning pursue his dream. Fair Devotion: Uggh! Pursue his dream, sure! And how exactly are you doing that? Being away from home all the time? Not disciplining Turning when you ARE around? Royal Order: You're making it sound like I'm the only one who SHOULD be disciplining him! You're his mother! Fair Devotion: A mother whom he doesn't listen to, a mother whom he won't give even a moment's consideration, all because she wants him to attend school—THAT kind of mother? Royal Order: E-Even so, Fair, you KNOW why I've had to work away from home more this past year. I can't just ignore my duties. Especially not now of all times! Fair Devotion: So you'd choose your job over your own family?! Royal Order: That's not fair, Fair... It's not that simple... Much as I'd like it to be... Fair Devotion: This is exactly why Turning needs to be disciplined more—so that he can understand what it means to have MORE responsibility. Royal Order: ... Turning: Mom and Dad continue to argue. They just kept getting angrier and angrier, until— Fair Devotion: —until I took the sword that was lying at the scene and struck Royal Order in the side. That resulted in him being knocked into the statue... and then dying. Athena: Turning! I want to hear what happened after the argument, in your own words. Without your mother interrupting you! (Shoot! He's clammed up again! How can I convince him to talk?!) Fair Devotion: Pestering him won't change the facts, Ms. Cykes! It is exactly as I have said it to be—I attacked Royal Order and killed him using Turning's sword. Nothing else needs to be explained! Athena: Nothing, you say? Then what about the fact that Turning was later found BEHIND the victim on the crossroads?! Fair Devotion: That is entirely inconsequential to this trial! I'll say it again: this trial is to determine Sweetie Belle's guilt or innocence. My confession proves the latter. This trial has gone on long enough with you attempting to take our focus off of that. I DEMAND that this comes to an end, here and now! Judge: I'm afraid YOU cannot determine that for us, Ms. Devotion. The court will decide that when we believe it is most appropriate. Luna: You also seem to have forgotten that we are still, technically, in the middle of your therapy session, witness. Fair Devotion: Oh? So I'm just "witness" to you, now? Luna: Ms. Cykes chose to interrupt it to both request an analysis and hear from your son. However, said therapy session was not brought to its conclusion, and thus MUST continue! Fair Devotion: That doesn't matter at this point! Luna: To you, perhaps not. The same cannot be said for myself and the defense, though. Am I correct, Ms. Cykes? Athena: Completely! Luna: Therefore, witness, you WILL do this therapy session, and you WILL do it posthaste. There will be NO more delays! Fair Devotion: I... G-gnngk! F-fine. Let's get this pointless exercise out of the way, then. INFO UPDATE Fair Devotion: An argument between Royal Order and myself broke out because we found Turning's sword at the statue. In a blind rage, I used that sword to hit my husband, causing him to fall over into the statue, eliciting a clang. Athena: You're saying when you hit your husband, he made a clanging sound on impact? Fair Devotion: ... Yes. What about it? Athena: I noticed that, while you were saying that, your anger and sadness subsided a little. Meanwhile, your shock remained just as intense. Why is that? Fair Devotion: Clearly it's because I was reacting to knocking Royal Order into the statue. I didn't think I had it in me, nor was it something I intended. Athena: (I don't buy that. That "clang" has got to be the source of why she was so shocked—why else would that be the strongest emotion here? But if that's the case, then why would she be shocked, if it wasn't because she hit her husband? Maybe... Maybe it was because she didn't think she'd HEAR the clang in the first place? Because she was somewhere where... she wouldn't have thought there'd be any? In other words, she wasn't on the scene when it sounded. And if that's the case...) Luna: You appear troubled by the witness's last statement, Ms. Cykes. Have you some kind of rebuttal? Athena: In a manner of speaking, yes, Prosecutor Luna. When Ms. Devotion heard the clang, I don't think she was actually at the statue. I think that, after the fight, she might have run off. Fair Devotion: !? Luna: I see... Then, her reaction...? Athena: For her to be as shocked as she was when she heard it, that clang must have been extremely loud. It would have surprised her, and she would have rushed back to the scene to find out what had happened. In other words, Ms. Devotion didn't make the clang by hitting her husband. Something else did. Luna: And this thing—what would it be? Athena: It could only be Turning Page. While Fair was away, he would have come out from behind the statue, encountering his father there. He then used his magic to temporarily fix his sword and swing it into Royal Order, knocking him into the statue and creating that indentation. Luna: That's an awful lot of speculation, defense. Athena: I recognize that. But it'd be easy enough for us to clear up, if we simply ask Turning to— Fair Devotion:

Emotions Running Wild
Fair Devotion: You want to ask my son to support whatever you claim your... little gadget there is saying? Athena: U-uh, yeah? Fair Devotion: And what makes you think I would let him do that? Or that anypony SHOULD let you ask him to do that? Isn't there a chance that the data is already skewed in YOUR favor? Judge: Witness, what do you mean? Fair Devotion: Your Honor, what Ms. Cykes has said can't be remotely trusted. Her "evidence" that Turning Page knocked Royal Order into a statue comes from, what, exactly? The idea that I was shocked by the clang? Shocked because, apparently, I was somewhere ELSE when I heard it? And that "evidence" comes from a program which only Ms. Cykes can access and control. She can tell it whatever she wants it to say! Knowing that, how can anypony trust what she claims that gadget says? How do we know she isn't just obscuring the facts with her device? Athena: Now hang on a second! That's not at all accurate! Fair Devotion: Isn't it? Then let me ask you this: WHO else is able to use that device? Athena: U-uh, well, it'd just be me. Fair Devotion: Really? Just you? Nopony else? Not your co-counsel? Not the prosecution? Not the judge? Athena: N-no... Fair Devotion: Then you see my point. So long as the sole party able to operate that thing you wear around your neck remains you... Then the court should be under no obligation to take you at your word. After all— Why should anypony trust somepony who weaves a web of knowledge only THEY can access? Athena: Urk! She has a point. In the previous trial, only that human could use that weird smiley thingamajig. And she used it in order to get her client declared innocent. Does that mean she's capable of using it to declare another pony guilty? Athena: (Fair's really pulling out all the stops here, just to keep me from pushing forward. It's uncanny! She's definitely far more cunning than I gave her credit for... and with her son on the line... But I won't shirk from this, no matter how much she pushes me!) Even if you have your reservations about the Mood Matrix, Ms. Devotion, I still stand by its usefulness in court. And I know I'm not alone. My co-counsel, Princess Twilight, and Prosecutor Luna have both seen what this device can do. And His Honor has, as well! If you can't trust me with it, then surely you can trust them? Fair Devotion: Who I put my trust in is irrelevant, Ms. Cykes. What matters is that you have at your disposal something which cannot be scrutinized by the rest of us—not without a certain blindness. A court, in good faith, cannot accept such blatantly biased tools and techniques, if it is to conduct itself in accordance with its very principles! Athena: But it isn't blatantly biased! The Moon Matrix reflects the emotions of those I use it on! It's merely showing the court what you're truly feeling! Fair Devotion: Showing us isn't proving it to us! If you want to prove that I felt shocked for the reasons you said, you cannot just say it's because of what you saw or heard on that... that thing! Give us evidence! Real, tangible, CONCRETE evidence! But I'm willing to bet you can't do that. Athena: Rrgh... (She's right, again. There isn't really anything concrete I can use to prove my theory. After all... there's nothing I can show that proves WHO hit Royal Order. All we know for certain is that somepony did, with THAT sword... but it could equally have been Fair or Turning!) W-well, I might not be able to do that NOW, but— Twilight: Why don't we ask somepony else? Athena: T-Twilight? Fair Devotion: What do you mean by that? Twilight: I mean, well, if the issue is that we ourselves don't know what exactly happened at the statue, we should ask somepony who says they witnessed it first-hoof! Athena: !! Of course! Let's ask Sugar Stamp! Sugar Stamp: M-Me?! Athena: Ms. Stamp, earlier Ms. Devotion claimed that you saw what had happened at the statue. Can you tell us what exactly you witnessed, then? Sugar Stamp: I... I don't want... I-I mean, Deva, I... she... Fair Devotion: It's fine, Sugar Stamp. You need to tell her. You know you have to. Sugar Stamp: !! Athena: (She's... letting her?) Sugar Stamp: Mmph... T-Then yeah, I... I saw it... Athena: Saw WHAT, exactly? Sugar Stamp: I...I saw... I saw Fair hit Royal Order with that sword! Athena: W-WHAT?! N-No, t-t-that can't be right! Sugar Stamp, please! You can't lie to us! Fair Devotion: She's NOT lying, Ms. Cykes. Athena: You can't expect me to believe— Sugar Stamp: Please! Just stop! Stop it already! Twilight: !! Athena: Wha—S-Sugar Stamp? Sugar Stamp: Why are you doing this, Ms. Cykes?! I just want to protect my family—the family I have left! Why can't you just see that? Athena: I—urgh—ah! Private Eye! Private Eye: M-Me? What is it now? Athena: I... just think about what you've been hearing! You HAVE to know it's a lie! There must be something you can add to help me prove that! Something you can testify to, an explanation you can give... Anything! Private Eye: I... I'm sorry, Ms. Cykes. What Ms. Devotion claims to have happened... happened. Athena: Nnngh! T-then, Sweetie Belle! What about— Nnngh! N-no...! Twilight: Athena! Athena: (This can't be the end! There's got to be another way out of this! There's GOT to be! But if none of them will help me... ... But maybe... Maybe the last one... Maybe he'll...) T-Turning Page! Turning: W-what? Fair Devotion: Haven't you badgered my son enough for ONE trial, Ms. Cykes?! Athena: Listen to me, Turning, please! You remember what you told me? In the lobby before today's trial? Fair Devotion: Huh? What he told you? Turning: ... Athena: I can't do that on my own—not without your help! But you've got to speak up, and tell us what really happened, even if it looks like things will end badly! Fair Devotion: That's enough, Ms. Cykes! Your Honor, I want the defense held in contempt of court for the sheer ludicrousness of their behavior— Athena: I thought I killed my own mother, Turning! Turning: !! Fair Devotion: !! Twilight: A-Athena! Luna: M-Ms. Cykes, what did you— Athena: But instead of me getting the guilty verdict, someone—someone very close to me—took the blame! Even though both he and I knew he didn't really kill her! For years, I've had to live with that guilt, feeling as it wormed its way into my very being and destroyed any sense of self-worth I had. It took me years to find a way to stop that from happening. But... can you imagine that? Years upon years, wave upon wave of crushing guilt, with no end in sight? Unwilling and unable to face the reality of what had happened? That's gonna happen to you, Turning! That guilt will eat you up without mercy, and spit you out a shell of your former self! It'll DESTROY you... Like it very nearly destroyed me! But unlike me, who didn't have a chance to prevent that from happening... YOU have that chance! You can stop this cycle of pain! You can prevent more lies, more half-truths, more guilt! Whatever happened... it took your father from you. But whatever happens now, don't let it take your soul, too! Please, Turning! Don't do this for me—do this for your father, for your mother, for Scootaloo! For everypony you hold dear! Luna: Athena... Fair Devotion: D-Don't listen to her, Turning! S-She's just trying to trick you! Turning: Ms. Cykes... Scootaloo... Turning: Hm? What's that? Scootaloo: It's a ribbon... I got it from Rainbow Dash a while ago... It's supposed to represent the courage one has to do something awesome for yourself and your friends. Turning: It's from Ms. Dash? Well... I can't take this from you, then. And besides, with the way you're trembling, it sounds like you're going to need it. Scootaloo: N-No, I want YOU to have it. Turning: But why? Scootaloo: Well, as thanks for earlier today, and for standing by my side now, for one. But more importantly, I want you to have it so that you don't forget that while you're in there... To have the courage to keep moving forward... Turning: !? Scootaloo: To me, you represent everything that ribbon stands for... So, as long as you don't forget it, I'll be fine standing by your side... Turning: Okay, Ms. Cykes. Athena: !! Turning...? Turning: You're right. Only I have the power to stop this from continuing. And knowing that... I should wield that power responsibly. And now... now I choose to use that power to help you. Fair Devotion: Turning, no! Turning: Everything you said, Ms. Cykes, about what happened that night—about how my father died, about who swung the sword... It's true. Royal Order Fair! Fair, wait, don't run off—oh, ponyfeathers. Goddess preserve me, what was I thinking? Fair's been going through so much while I've been gone... She has every right to be upset with me. But is she right? Is Turning's behavior the result of my actions? If that's the case... should I stop altogether? Cede my position, come home, raise him properly? I feel like not even Private Eye would know what to do here. And that stallion's the smartest guy I know... ugh. Turning: D-Dad? Royal Order T-Turning Page!? Fair Devotion: Turning: M-Mom?! Judge: M-Ms. Devotion! What are you doing?! Fair Devotion: D-Don't listen to him, Your Honor! He-he's just confused! Confused and trying to protect his mother! He doesn't know what he's saying! Turning: Mom, that's not— Fair Devotion: Not another word, young colt! I appreciate you trying to protect me, but you don't need to— Athena: Ms. Devotion, you need to let your son speak! You can't keep skirting around the truth like this! Fair Devotion: C-Can't I? T-there's no truth here! It's just a bunch of messed up memories of that night—none of it is real— Luna: It IS real, witness. You MUST come to terms with that. Your husband, Royal Order, died—that is indisputable. The culprit— Fair Devotion: D-Don't tell me YOU'VE fallen for this delusion?! Luna: YOU'RE the one living a delusion, Fair Devotion! But it is time that you come out of it! Fair Devotion: no! i'm not the one in the wrong here! everypony else is! my son didn't kill royal order! i did! no matter how many times you ask me to explain myself, that remains unchanged! Twilight: A-Athena, look at the Mood Matrix! Athena: Argh! Not this again! Twilight: What's going on?! Athena: It's Ms. Devotion! Her emotions are out-of-control! She's overloading the Mood Matrix! Twilight: What are we supposed to do? Athena: The only thing we can do... Pinpoint whatever's truly causing Fair's emotional rampage! You've given me a brilliant idea, Ms. Devotion! Fair Devotion: Oh, what do YOU want?! Athena: You say that no matter how many times we ask you to explain yourself, you'll stand by what you claim? Then fine! I'll take you up on that! Tes—I mean... Add this to your testimony! Explain yourself! Explain everything—everything about the murder of Royal Order! Fair Devotion: FINE!! Athena: Twilight. We're going to have to play things a little differently on this one. I don't think we have a chance to just calm Ms. Devotion down, and we're far past the point of going back to her earlier testimony. Twilight: Then what? Athena: We finish this. In one attempt, we probe the overloaded emotion AND find the opening we need to shut Ms. Devotion down for good at the same time. This... is the last move we can make. Twilight: ... Then let's make it count! Athena: Right! Allons-y! Fair Devotion: I'm the one who killed Royal Order! Sugar Stamp moved the body to shift the blame onto herself! Private Eye did the same! He pinned the crime on Sugar Stamp in an effort to help me! And even my own son! He saw me kill Royal, and now he's trying to take the blame for my sake! You have to believe me! They're only protecting the one who actually killed Royal Order! Athena:

Pursuit and Breakdown
Athena: Twilight, that was it! Twilight: This is... It looks like... Sugar Stamp, Private Eye, and Turning Page. Athena: Right. But that's not what we're probing. The root cause of Fair Devotion's sadness is Turning Page himself. Here's the kicker, though. Did you hear what she just said? Twilight: That they're protecting the one who actually killed Royal Order, right? Athena: Exactly. Sugar Stamp and Private Eye are easy enough to explain. Twilight: Right. They provided false evidence and testimony, which Fair is saying was done in order to protect her. Athena: But if Turning Page is the one who really killed his father, then the real reason for why those two would have lied to the court... Twilight: Would have been in order to protect Turning Page. But... The scope of it... The knowledge required... They couldn't have done this with just the two of them. Athena: No. They would have needed somepony to wrangle all the parts of the plan together. And I have a good feeling that somepony was Fair Devotion. Twilight: Fair Devotion... Athena: Think about it. She wants to protect her son. Now, considering, then, how close Sugar Stamp and Private Eye were to the entire family... Fair wouldn't have had a hard time convincing them to help, for Turning's sake. And now, she's completely distraught over what she's made them do. Even so... that's going to be difficult to prove. I don't have any evidence on hand. And we've gone as far as we can with testimonies. It'll have to come from somepony other than Fair Devotion, and it'll need to be definitive enough to not require any further questioning. Twilight: And that will have to be Turning Page. But there's no way Fair Devotion would let that happen—she'd sooner die than implicate her own son! Not to mention that the alternative would be... banishment. Athena: ... Maybe not. Twilight... how close is Equestria's judicial system to ours? Down to the legal codes and procedures? Twilight: I'd say it's a near-exact replica. Why? Athena: If that's the case, then... there's something important that applies here. A... clause, of sorts, that states a defendant cannot be prosecuted and found guilty for the same crime twice. It's called the Double Jeopardy Clause. Twilight: !! Double jeopardy... S-So you mean, even if Turning Page was to be found guilty of killing his father... he couldn't be banished? T-That's great! Fair Devotion: Twilight: Fair Devotion?! Fair Devotion: I can hear you over there, you know! You think I haven't heard about double jeopardy? Athena: (She's... wait! She's calmed down! Her sadness isn't out-of-control anymore! And now she's just... mad. Not that I'm surprised.) Fair Devotion: Are you listening?! Do you really think double jeopardy matters in the slightest?! Athena: It does! If Turning were to confess to killing his father, he wouldn't be punished for the crime! Fair Devotion: Punished not, maybe, in the court of law, but in the court of public opinion? You might as well hand him the Elements to banish himself to the sun! He'll be forever branded as the colt who killed his father—AND the colt who got away with it! There's no justice in that—only cruelty! Athena: How is the alternative any better? You'd get banished, Ms. Devotion—and then what? What'll happen to Turning Page?! There'll be no mother to look after him. No father to raise him. Your two accomplices, Sugar Stamp and Private Eye—they won't be able to help either... On account of the two of them ALSO being punished! In other words, if you continue to do this, Turning Page will be left all alone, with no one to care for him! Sugar Stamp: All... alone...? Fair Devotion: There's always a chance a family would be willing to adopt! Athena: How much of a chance though? You said it yourself—Turning will FOREVER be tarnished by the accusation that he killed his father. Fair Devotion: Which was YOUR fault! If you hadn't accused him in the first place— Athena: It doesn't matter if it's my fault or yours! The fact is, with the way things have played out, Turning WILL be hurt by this. By both my actions AND yours! Fair Devotion: Grrr!!! Athena: I am willing to admit what I have done will irrevocably hurt Turning. That will haunt me for years to come. But you being banished won't help him, either. It'll weigh on HIS mind for all of HIS years to come, too. All we can do now is let Turning show everyone that despite what he did, he's NOT a bad pony. That he's willing to confess, to accept whatever punishment must come! At least that way, against the stigma of public perception, he'll stand out... as somepony who's willing to take responsibility for his actions... As somepony who faces and owns his mistakes instead of running from them! Private Eye: Who faces and owns his mistakes... Athena: Please, all of you! I know you all have been trying to protect him. You may even think you're obligated to. But it wouldn't be right in the end. Justice doesn't come from accepting a comfortable lie. It comes from accepting the truth, pursuing it, and setting it free. Sugar Stamp: Deva. Fair Devotion: S-Sugar Stamp? Sugar Stamp: It's time. We... We tried our best, but Athena's right. We can't back away from this anymore. Fair Devotion: Y-You can't be serious! Private Eye: She's right, Ms. Devotion. Fair Devotion: W-What? Private Eye, you, too?! Private Eye: I understand what you did... what you had us do... It was all in order to protect your son from the truth. But... I do not think that this is what Royal Order would have wanted for his family. Fair Devotion: !! Private Eye: Look at your son. He knows that this is the right thing to do... And it is. Enough lies have been woven. Enough pain, enough grief... to last a lifetime. Sugar Stamp: Let's not add to them, Deva. Let's... Let's stop hurting ourselves, once and for all. PE & SS: For Royal Order, and for Turning Page. Fair Devotion: I... I... Turning: Mom. Fair Devotion: ! T-Turning...? Turning: It's okay. I knew, since that night, that this was bound to happen. And I'm okay with that. I'm not afraid. Thank you for trying to protect me... But it's time that you come clean now. It's time to face the truth. Fair Devotion: I... I... Oh, goddesses save me... I just wanted to protect my son... and I failed... I failed... Royal, how can you ever forgive me...?

The Truth Revealed
Royal Order: Turning?! Turning: Dad? What are you doing here? Royal Order: We... we were looking for you. Are you all right? Are you hurt? Turning: Yeah, I'm fine... what were you and Mom arguing about? Royal Order: You heard that? Well, never you mind. Turning, what exactly are you doing in the Everfre Forest at this hour? Your mother and I were so worried! Turning: S-Sorry, Dad, but... it's kind of a long story. You see, a... very good friend of mine got into some trouble with these two fillies: Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Royal Order: Trouble? What kind of trouble? Turning: They... They'd stolen some of her stuff. And they were blackmailing her so that she'd get them something they wanted in exchange! They arranged a meeting in the forest, by the castle ruins, to conduct the exchange. My friend came to me for help, and I agreed. So, I went with her, to make sure that she didn't get hurt, and to make sure the deal went smoothly. Royal Order: You... came out here without an adult? Turning: Well, yeah! I couldn't just let her go off on her own! Besides, I wanted to teach those blackmailers a lesson! Royal Order: A lesson...? Turning: Right, a lesson. It's like you've always taught me! Evildoers beware, or taste the might of my sword! I'd say those fillies got a good taste of it, all right! Royal Order: Your sword... it's broken. Turning: Yeah... I guess I swung it a little too hard. Oh, well! Nothing that a bit of duct tape won't fix! Royal Order: (He could have seriously hurt somepony! And if he wasn't careful with his swing, he might have hurt his friend, or... even himself! This... This must be what Fair meant. His reckless behavior at home... Is it really all my fault? Have I led him that far astray?) I'm afraid I still don't quite fully understand, Turning. You still came out to a dangerous forest armed with nothing but that wooden sword. Turning: Yeah, and? Royal Order: what if you'd gotten attacked by something, like a wild animal? Or worse... what if your friend had? Turning: Come on, Dad! That's why I went with her in the first place! Besides, I'm pretty sure I could take on any creature in this forest! Your training has definitely proven that! HIYAH! If nothing else, it would have proven a great way to test my skills! Hey! Maybe you could teach me a few new strikes that only a Royal Guard would know! Royal Order: My training... (Stars above... Fair was right. This IS my fault! How do I even begin to confront this issue?) Turning Page... I... We need to talk about that, actually. Your... "training." Turning: O-oh? Okay... Um, what about it? Royal Order: It's just... maybe we should, you know... ease up on it, for a bit? Turning: Ease... up? Royal Order: Right... it's just, well... I know you're still enthusiastic about joining the Royal Guard, but... Maybe now isn't the best time. Turning: W-what? What do you mean? Royal Order: Look, son. There's... there's a lot going on in the world right now. Crazy stuff. Dangerous stuff. Even with your training... I'm just concerned about your safety, that's all. A-and your mother and I, well, we think it might be better if you focus on something less risky. For the time being, of course! Though that WOULD mean you would have to attend school. Turning: W-What?! Royal Order: I understand that school is a bit of a sore topic for you, but you DO have to attend. Turning: B-But what about joining the Royal Guard?! Royal Order: I'm not saying you can't, just that... you should wait. Learn some patience. Be a little less reckless with yourself, show some forethought, that sort of thing. Turning: Are you saying I'm not ready?! Royal Order: No, Turning Page, you aren't. Not... not by a long shot. Turning: How can you say that?! I-I'm more than ready to join! I-I save ponies and hurt those who want to do bad things, like Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon and— Royal Order: But that's my point, Turning Page. You hurt them, yes, but don't you know what that resulted in? Spoiled Rich demanding we pay for the damages you wrought! Had you not been so reckless as to attack those fillies— Turning: But they DESERVED it— Royal Order: That's not for either of us to say, Turning. And even if they DID, attacking them has only landed us in a truly dire situation. You can't be this reckless. Not if you want to join the Royal Guard... and certainly not for the rest of your life. That's why I think it would be best if you DO start attending school. If nothing else, perhaps the social interaction will teach you how to keep a cool head. Turning: W-what... but... I... W-What about our sparring sessions? D-Does this mean we can't have them anymore? Royal Order: I... I'm afraid not. My job in Canterlot is... about to be even more demanding of my time. I probably won't be able to come home all that often... much to your mother's disappointment... Turning: Your job? B-but why? How does working in some stuffy place like Canterlot lead to more work for you?! Royal Order: I'm sorry, Turning. I can't tell you that. Turning: Nngk! Royal Order: I know this comes as a great shock to you, son, but... If you simply listen to your mother, and start attending school, everything will play out just fine. I promise. Turning: I... I... Royal Order: Turning? Are... Are you all right— Turning: yyyeeeaaaaagghhh! H-Huh? W-what... what the... ...D-Dad? Judge: This has... left me truly speechless. Luna: This is a grave turn of events, Your Honor. I expect many of us are at a loss for words. Athena: Turning, you... You must have been in complete shock afterwards. Turning: I was. It just... happened so fast. I couldn't believe my eyes... I thought he would somehow be fine. Twilight: It was the poison joke. He'd gotten infected while looking around Froggy Bottom bog, and it took effect by the time you had confronted him. Turning: Once I'd recovered enough, I levitated him down from the spike, to see if I could help him, but... He just kept gushing blood. Everywhere. The statue, the ground... it was all covered. I wanted to scream, but my voice just wouldn't come out. Fair Devotion: And that was when I came rushing back. Honestly, I'm impressed you managed to piece it together so thoroughly, Ms. Cykes. I DID run off after Royal Order and I fought... and I did come back afterwards. Twilight: I'm guessing it was the clang that got you to turn back? Fair Devotion: That's right. The clang... that came from Turning hitting his father with his sword. Fair Devotion: What the— Turning Page? What happened here? Turning: Mom, I... I... It w... It was an accident, I swear, I just got so angry and— Fair Devotion: R-Royal?! H-hang on, honey, j-just— Oh, no. Oh no no no, no... Turning: M-Mom? I-is there anything we can do? Fair Devotion: N-no, he's... He's already gone. Turning: No... I'll do it. Fair Devotion: You'll... what? Turning: Turn myself in. It's my fault, after all, and... it's the right thing to do. Fair Devotion: N-NO! Please, just... listen to me. I'm... I'm so grateful you're alive, Turning. I was worried that... Well, I... You can't turn yourself in! Turning: B-but Mom— Fair Devotion: Even if this was an accident, the police won't care! They'll treat it like a murder! And you know what happens to murderers—tey're banished from Equestria, no matter who they are! Royal wouldn't want that. He wanted you to become a member of the Royal Guard one day... not... not throw it all away because of... because of some accident! Please, Turning... I... I can't bear to lose you, too. Turning: But Mom... I did this. D-Don't I have to pay for it? Fair Devotion: ... No, Turning. After all, you didn't do this. Turning: Huh? Fair Devotion: It was... it was the result of an attack by some of the forest creatures. That's what happened here. Nothing else. And here's how we'll make it so... Athena: Hold up a second, Ms. Devotion. Before you continue, I'd like to ask Sugar Stamp something. Sugar Stamp, the one thing you've been consistent on throughout this trial was that you saw the murder happen with your own eyes. Given what we know now, could you elaborate on that? Sugar Stamp: Y-yeah. I... I was in the forest that night delivering a letter to Zecora. I meant to fly to her hut right away, but... I heard a clang from somewhere in the woods. When I went to investigate, I saw Turning remove his father's body from the statue. I didn't understand what had happened—not yet—but just as I was about to fly down and ask... That's when Deva showed up. Twilight: But you didn't leave? Sugar Stamp: No, even though I thought I should. But... I couldn't leave them. Turning looked so scared, and Deva... She looked so broken. I didn't want to interfere with whatever conversation they were having, but I figured I could just... watch. Luna: And that must be when you overheard the witness's plan. Sugar Stamp: Yeah. It's just as Fair had claimed before... but this time, Turning was the one complicit with it. Turning: I didn't want to go through with it, to be honest, but seeing Mom so upset, and remembering what my dad said to me before... he... Athena: ("If you simply listen to your mother... everything will play out just fine. I promise.") Turning: Well, I decided that I couldn't refuse. So... ...I did as she told me. The first thing I did was move Dad's body from the statue over to the crossroads, leaving the armor behind. Mom followed next to me. Sugar Stamp: While he did that, I kept watch, flying from tree to tree. The body... It kept leaking blood everywhere, leaving a trail behind them. Turning: We would have continued, but that was when we heard ANOTHER clang—coming from the statue. Twilight: The second clang... The one that Sweetie Belle made in order to scare off the timberwolves. Fair Devotion: After we heard that, I told Turning to continue to Froggy Bottom Bog, then rushed back to the statue, afraid somepony had discovered the scene. When I got to the statue, though, nopony was there. Only the armor and blood were. Athena: I see... And that's when you must have moved the blood, as well as the armor, further into the forest—to the clearing. Twilight: All in order to suggest that timberwolves had attacked Royal Order and eaten his body. Turning: While Mom was doing that, though, I stopped at the crossroads. I was starting to have second thoughts. I know Dad said I should listen to Mom, but still, lying? It... felt horrible. But before I could come to a decision, I heard some pony coming. And that... Luna: ...Was when Scootaloo crashed into you. Turning: Yeah. It took everything I had in me to avoid screaming. But I realized soon after who had hit me. I tried to call out to her... but she was already running away, so I ran after her instead. Sugar Stamp: He'd left the body behind, and... that was when I decided to try and help out. I flew down to the scene to grab the body and move the scooter. Athena: Move the scooter? Sugar Stamp: Yeah. I didn't want Scootaloo to be blamed for Royal's death, so I figured if I could move it, then deliver it to her later, she'd be fine. Athena: Huh? You mean, you DIDN'T plant the scooter at the castle ruins? Sugar Stamp: N-No. I... I lied about that, too. And in actuality, I didn't even get to grab the body before I heard somepony coming and I had to hide in the trees again. Twilight: Then, who brought it there? Who made it so that Scootaloo ended up being blamed for Royal's death? Turning: That was me, Princess Twilight. Twilight: W-What? Turning? How could you!? Turning: I-It was an accident! You see, I tried to run after Scootaloo, but lost her, so I came running back to the body. Once I saw the scooter again, I had made up my mind about what I would do. I didn't want to follow Mom's orders, but I also didn't want to confess immediately. Instead, I'd try to frame Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon for the crime. Judge: Frame them? Why? Turning: Because this was all their fault! If they hadn't bullied and blackmailed the Cutie Mark Crusaders, NONE of this would have happened! M-more than that, though, there was still the problem of Diamond's mother, Spoiled Rich. She wanted us to pay for those dumb dresses. I figured, if I could get Diamond blamed for the murder, then, maybe Mom and I could leverage the truth to get Spoiled Rich to back off. If she did, then I confess. Diamond Tiara would be acquitted, and Mom wouldn't have to pay back a single bit. That was my plan, anyway—and it would've involved teleporting myself to the castle ruins with the body. But, I accidentally teleported the scooter and wagon with me, too. Twilight: Of course. Because anything that is in contact with the subject of teleportation will get teleported as well. Athena: Sugar Stamp, did you see that happen? Sugar Stamp: I did, but I didn't know where he teleported to! So I couldn't help out in any other way. At that point I decided I'd just go and deliver Zecora's letter, and maybe talk to Deva later about everything I'd seen. Twilight: What happened after you teleported, Turning Page? Turning: Well, I wanted to remove the scooter and wagon from the scene, but I had to rest for a second before I could teleport again. That was when I heard somepony coming up the stairs from the gorge. Athena: Diamond Tiara... Silver Spoon was already chasing after Scootaloo and you at that point. Turning: Yep. I couldn't teleport again, so I chose to hide in the trees while she went to check the body. Not long after, Zecora showed up, making Diamond hide too. At that point, I realized it'd be pointless to try and remove the scooter and wagon—both Zecora and Diamond had seen them. So, I figured that I could try and meet up with my mother back at the statue, and then tell her about what I did. Fair Devotion: Turning, no! You can't STILL insist on turning yourself in at the end of this! Turning: But what choice do we have, Mom?! If I don't, somepony innocent will end up being accused! And it doesn't matter if that's either Diamond Tiara OR Scootaloo— Fair Devotion: But we can STILL make it look like an accident— Turning: It's too late for that! Two ponies have already SEEN the body AND the scooter and wagon! Somepony WILL be blamed for what happened to Dad. The least we can do is ensure that it's ME in the end. Because I killed him! The only thing I'm waiting on now is if Diamond Tiara still ends up getting accused. Fair Devotion: I... W-we'll discuss this later, Turning Page. For now, go home, and wait for me to return. Athena: So you were talking about all of this while at the statue, correct? Turning: That's right. Athena: Then that means... this was what you heard while you were behind the statue, right, Sweetie Belle? Sweetie: Yeah. When I heard Turning say he killed his dad, I thought... I thought I could use that to help Scootaloo. I thought he'd confess immediately to save her. Twilight: But... you didn't, Turning Page? Turning: No... maybe I should have. But... I was still holding out hope that Diamond Tiara would be accused at some point. By the time the trial began, though, I realized that wasn't about to happen. And because of that, I was fully prepared to confess to the crime... Athena: ! T-then, when THAT happened... Turning: Thank you for fighting so hard for us, Ms. Cykes, but... This is honestly for the best. Athena: You were prepared to throw your chance of freedom away... just to save Scootaloo? Turning: Yeah... But it didn't matter. After all, you managed to get the both of us acquitted without needing me to confess. I might have been okay with that, but then... Sweetie Belle was accused. Another innocent pony was about to take the blame for what I did. I... I couldn't let that happen again! But... After the trial, Mom told me that confessing was out of the question. Sure, it'd save Sweetie Belle, but... Scootaloo's innocence might be questioned by other ponies. I couldn't put her through that. And by then, Ms. Stamp had already gotten involved as a suspect. Mom told me about double jeopardy, and how admitting my guilt would do nothing but hurt Ms. Stamp, who only wanted to save Sweetie and me. I couldn't do that. Not to somepony our family loved so much, and somepony that's been hurt a lot already. Confessing would make her efforts wasted, and knowing that, along with what Scootaloo might have to go through, left me feeling trapped. I didn't know what to do! No matter if I confessed or not, someone would be hurt. All I could do was just follow along with mom's plan, and hope everyone would be happy by the end. Athena: But... Sugar Stamp's role as a suspect... that was orchestrated by you, Fair Devotion. Fair Devotion: Correct, Ms. Cykes. Truthfully, I hadn't planned on getting Sugar involved, but that day, when Turning was arrested... Fair Devotion: S-Sugar Stamp? What are you doing here? Sugar Stamp: H-Hi, Deva. I... I just wanted to check up on you and Turning Page. Fair Devotion: Oh... well, thank you. But you're too late. Turning's already been arrested. Sugar Stamp: Y-yeah, I heard. Um... I... Fair. I want you to know... I saw it. Fair Devotion: Huh? Sugar Stamp: Please don't play dumb with me. We've been friends too long. I saw it, Fair. I saw what happened that night... ...I saw Turning kill his father. Fair Devotion: ! Sugar Stamp: Don't worry, I don't plan on telling anypony. But... I wanted to know if there was anything I could do to help out. Fair Devotion: H-Help out...? I mean... I don't know, Sugar. I'm not sure how you could. I've been wracking my brain for a way to get Turning out of this mess, but the only thing I can think of is if I somehow were to take the fall. But if I did that, who'd be able to take care of him? ...W-would you? Sugar Stamp: I-I don't know, Deva. I... I don't want to take Turning away from you. Fair Devotion: Then... I guess... Sugar Stamp: W-well, hang on. What if, instead of YOU taking the fall, I did, instead? Fair Devotion: What?! You want to take the blame for killing Royal Order? I-I couldn't allow that, Sugar! Sugar Stamp: But please, Deva! Think about Turning and yourself! If that happened, you both would be safe and happy! And... if you two were happy... then I could be, too. Even if I would have to be banished from Equestria. Fair Devotion: Sugar Stamp... Fair Devotion: So it was decided. Between the two of us, we'd make it so that Sugar Stamp would appear to be the true culprit all along. There were a number of steps we had to take to accomplish that, though. The first was acquiring a motive for Sugar Stamp. After some thinking, I had her return to Canterlot to write a fake love letter to Royal Order. She'd keep it in her home, as well as stay in Canterlot until further notice. The next day, I went to the trial to see how things played out for Turning and Scootaloo. I also wanted to learn any more details about the murder... Anything that could make Sugar Stamp being the culprit more believable. Even so, I couldn't have anticipated the clone theory you and Princess Twilight presented, Ms. Cykes. It was perfect. It cleared Turning of any suspicion. But there was just one problem— Athena: —that being, that now there were two murders to account for. Fair Devotion: Exactly. I realized that for my plan to still work, I'd have to take the blame for ONE of them. For that to happen, however, I needed help... Private? Private Eye: Ah. Yes. I suppose this is where I should explain my own role in this whole affair. Private Eye: Ah, Ms. Devotion. How fortunate to have run into you! I must express my immense relief to see that Turning's been acquitted. You must be equally relieved. Fair Devotion: Mmm... Not quite, Detective Eye. Private Eye: Please, Private is fine. But... why not? Fair Devotion: What I'm about to tell you doesn't leave the two of us. Can you promise me that? Private Eye: Promise...? Very well. I promise I won't tell another soul. Fair Devotion: Good. The truth is... there aren't any clones involved. There's only one death, and that's Royal Order's... and the pony who killed him was Turning Page. Private Eye: W-What?! Private Eye: If it is as you say, that Turning is guilty, and that it WAS an accident—we need to do something about that, now! The warrant for Sweetie Belle's arrest will no doubt soon be issued! We can still stop it, if we move quick enough! Fair Devotion: W-What? Why would there be a warrant for Sweetie Belle? Private Eye: Because it was HER blood found at the statue along with Royal Order's. She was the other pony there on the night of the murder! Fair Devotion: Then that means... Private Eye: Ms. Devotion, please, there's no way either of us can let that happen! Fair Devotion: But to stop that... surely you don't mean I should give up my son for Sweetie's freedom? Private Eye: W-Well, I mean... Fair Devotion: Do you really want him to be ostracized from the rest of Equestria for what he did? Private Eye: N-No, of course not! Turning Page is the son of my friend! But... the truth is the truth, isn't it? And I can't stand idly by and let somepony innocent be blamed. Fair Devotion: I have a few ideas. My friend Sugar Stamp and I are willing to take the fall for both deaths, but I'd need you to cooperate with me. We can make it look like one of the fake murders was the result of a lover's quarrel. That'll absolve Sweetie, Turning, and everypony else involved. Private Eye: I... I'm not sure... Fair Devotion: Please, Private. This WILL help Turning, and it WON'T hurt anypony who ISN'T willing to face the consequences. Don't you think this is what Royal would have wanted? Private Eye: ... Fair Devotion: Once he was on my side, I told him what I needed him to do. I'm sure you can figure out the rest, Ms. Cykes. Athena: You would have asked him to fabricate evidence to implicate Sugar Stamp for one of the faux-murders. The one that supposedly happened at the clearing. More than that, you would have wanted evidence to show that the victim had been wearing armor prior to his death, in order to explain the clangs. Fair Devotion: Yes... And finally, I needed him to create evidence of Royal going to the Mirror Pool to clone himself in the first place. Private Eye: After Ms. Devotion told me her plan, I immediately set about completing what I was assigned. I sealed off the forest, forged the evidence, and met with Sugar Stamp in Canterlot to fill her in. Fair Devotion: He performed marvelously, to the point where I thought my plan would work. But there was still one more wrinkle left to iron—the anonymous tip. I had to stop whoever had written it from talking, since it appeared they knew what had happened that night. I didn't know who it could be until I learned that Sweetie Belle had been at the statue that night. That meant SHE was the sender. And furthermore, she must have heard the conversation between Turning and me. Realizing that, I went to the detention center to see if I could... change her mind. Athena: Change her mind? Sweetie Belle, what does she mean? Sweetie: R-Right. So... we talked. And we agreed that we wouldn't reveal each other's secrets, so long as the two of us kept quiet. Fair Devotion: And that was that. Everything was in place. Sugar and I would testify in a manner that would end with Ms. Cykes accusing me of the murder. But... that wasn't what ended up happening in the slightest. Somehow... everything fell apart. Fair Devotion: I just don't understand how. Ms. Cykes... Athena... I should have been able to fool you. I fooled Private Eye, Princess Luna... but not you. How? How did you see past the lie? Athena: Because your emotions told me the truth, Ms. Devotion. Fair Devotion: My... emotions? Athena: For how strongly the evidence pointed towards you, your emotions still gave you away. You couldn't hide them, no matter how much you might have wanted to. Fair Devotion: I see... I have just one more question, Athena, if you would permit me to ask it... Athena: Go ahead, Ms. Devotion. Fair Devotion: After everything you've heard, everything you've uncovered... Can you honestly say this was worth it all? Athena: I found the truth, Ms. Devotion. That's worth everything, I should think. Fair Devotion: I know that, and I agree, but what I mean is, if you had simply gone along with how I wanted things to progress... ...Wouldn't things have ended better for all of us? You've torn through so much evidence and testimony, I'll grant you that. But what WERE you able to save? What made this worth the cost? Athena: (What made this worth the cost, indeed...?)

Verdict
Judge: Hmm... This case has reminded me of a... rather poignant saying from our world. Perhaps you all may have heard of it yourselves. "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!" Luna: There's another saying to that point, Your Honor. "The best laid plans of mice and mares often go awry." Judge: Hmm... Indeed they do. Perhaps we should include cases such as these in that saying. What began, despite my reservations, as a clear-cut murder, turned into a complicated display of intrigue and deception. Those we thought guilty were innocent... those innocent, guilty. In any case, I think we can all agree that this trial has come to an end. For better, or worse, we now know the full extent of what happened that night. As such, I feel I can now hand down a verdict for the defendant, Sweetie Belle. It has been proven that she played no role in Royal Order's death. Any objections? Athena: No, Your Honor. Luna: ... None. Judge: Very well. I hereby find the defendant, Sweetie Belle... Judge: Before we adjourn, though, I have an additional request for the prosecution. Luna: Yes, Your Honor? Judge: The three ponies who participated in this cover-up: Ms. Fair Devotion, Mr. Private Eye, and Ms. Sugar Stamp. Please see to it that they are taken away to be tried at later dates for their crimes. Luna: Understood. It will be done. Turning: N-no! Wait! Athena: ! Turning: This isn't fair! Everypony else is being punished for something that I did! Can... can I give up my double jeopardy thing in exchange for letting them all go? Judge: I'm sorry, but no. Double jeopardy is absolute. You cannot be charged and convicted for that crime after having been previously acquitted. No exceptions. Turning: But— Luna: But that, naturally, does not apply to other crimes committed. Athena: What do you mean? Luna: Don't start to lag behind after leading us towards this conclusion, defense. Not only did Turning Page move the body, thereby tampering with the crime scene, but he has lied several times regarding his movements that night. Twilight: That's true, yes. Luna: So while Your Honor is correct in reminding Turning Page of his immunity concerning his father's death, the same cannot be said in relation to his other crimes. Turning: ! Fair Devotion: No! You can't! I won't let him go to prison after all this! Luna: Calm yourself, Ms. Devotion! Fair Devotion: Ngh... Luna: I do not intend to lock Turning Page up and throw away the key. So again, calm yourself. I have a solution that will please everypony. Judge: You do? Twilight: What solution? Luna: I propose this—that Turning Page, as punishment for the crimes he can be charged with... Be enrolled in a boarding school for youths wishing to serve the crown. Athena: You mean... like military school? Luna: In essence, yes. I believe this will not only teach him proper discipline, but the temperament needed in order to become a royal guard of great esteem. I also hope that this ensures a tragedy of this caliber never occurs again. Well? Does this satisfy all present? Judge: This sounds fine by me, Prosecutor Luna. Athena: Same here. The defense has no objections. Twilight: Agreed. Turning: ... Okay, Princess Luna. I'll accept this as my punishment. Fair Devotion: ... Turning: It's okay, mom. I'll work hard. I promise! I'll study as much as I can, so I can be a Royal Guard dad would be proud of... So I can be one you'll be proud of. Fair Devotion: Turning... Turning: I'm really going to miss you, mom. Fair Devotion: I'm going to miss you more, Turning. You know... it's so typical, isn't it? That right when you'll start going to school, we... we won't even be together... Turning: ... Mom? Fair Devotion: Yes, Turning? Turning: I... I... I want you to have this. Twilight: ! Athena: That's... Fair Devotion: You... had that back then, didn't you? What is it? Turning: It's... a gift... from a really important friend of mine. She gave it to me, to make sure that no matter what happens, I stay strong. So I want you to have it now. Fair Devotion: B-But Turning, you're the one that needs that. Turning: Mom, please. It's also supposed to represent the courage one has to do something for somepony they care about. And you did so... so much, just to protect me. Even though... I caused so much trouble for you. You've earned this. Fair Devotion: ... Thank you, Turning. Turning's Ribbon is given to Fair Devotion Fair Devotion: Oh, Turning... If only there was a way somepony could watch over you... Sugar Stamp: I'm sorry, Deva. I wish I could. I really do. Private Eye: ... Fair Devotion: It's okay, Sugar Stamp. I couldn't possibly ask any more of you, after all that's happened. If anypony were to do it, you'd be the one, though. Private Eye: Sorry to interrupt, Ms. Devotion. My Lord? I would like to make a request, if I may? Judge: You may. What is it, Private Eye? Private Eye: I'd like to personally see to it that Sugar Stamp is made Turning Page's legal guardian, for the time being. Her crime was merely perjury, you see. Is this all right? Luna: Noble sentiment, Private Eye... but I'm afraid it's not a sentiment you can back up with noble action. Athena: ! Twilight: Prosecutor Luna? What do— Luna: You know precisely what I mean, Twilight Sparkle. Private Eye may not even have the authority to make such an arrangement, given his involvement in this case. Private Eye: I... take it you mean my career may be over for good, don't you? Luna: I cannot say for certain. There is certainly a chance, however. Private Eye: That... that sounds about right, yes. I understand. Fair Devotion: Princess Luna! Please, can't you show Private Eye some leniency? He was being manipulated, after all. Yes, he made it look as if Sugar Stamp was responsible, but he did so under my orders! And Sugar Stamp was in on the whole thing—she knew the consequences! Luna: Yes. You ALL knew the consequences to your actions. That, however, does not absolve any of you. Your fates will be decided at a later date. Fair Devotion: But— Private Eye: It's all right, Fair. Fair Devotion: Private! Private Eye: Princess Luna is correct. I knew what I was getting myself into. And while I apologize for what I did, there's one thing I do not regret. Protecting Turning Page. That... obviously doesn't help my situation, but I'd like that to be made clear. I stand by attempting to save him. Even if things went down a path that Royal Order wouldn't have approved of. His kindness to me is something that can't be repaid... But I can only hope that this, at least, proved to him that I will always be there, for those he loved. I promise you this—one way or another, Sugar Stamp will take custody of Turning Page. Until the day you two are able to see each other again. Luna: And how do you intend on going through with this promise? If you end up with no authority, no position... Private Eye: ... I know it is a long shot, Princess Luna, but... I have faith there will be a way for it to happen. If not by my hooves... then somepony else's. Luna: ... Turning: Thank you, Mr. Private Eye. Private Eye: You're more than welcome, Turning Page. Fair Devotion: ... Turning: A tear, Fair? No, don't cry. Not for me. I am least deserving of your tears. Fair Devotion: After all you've done... you and Sugar Stamp both... And now, with Sugar Stamp to take care of Turning... Sugar Stamp: I'll do my best, Deva! I mean it! I know I never got to be a great mother like you, but I'll always be there for him! Fair Devotion: Thank you... both of you. So much. I don't even know what to say. Just... thank you. Judge: I do believe, then, that should wrap up everything in this case. Will any further arrangements be required? Fair Devotion: I-If I may, Your Honor, I'd... like to have a few final words with my son. Judge: Of course, Ms. Devotion. Fair Devotion: So... I guess this is it, Turning. Turning: Y-yeah, I... I guess so. Fair Devotion: ... Fair Devotion: He's beautiful... Royal Order: As beautiful as you. Fair Devotion: Oh, shush! Royal Order: He's lucky, you know. To have such a wonderful mare for his mother. Fair Devotion: Are you sure about this, Royal? It feels like only yesterday he even started walking. I mean... Royal Order: Aw, c'mon! He's old enough. Right, son? Turning: Yeah, I'm a big colt now! Fair Devotion: It's... heh. It's almost funny, and yet also so sad... I didn't realize it until now, but... You've grown up, Turning. You've grown up so fast... And look at who you've become! Out of everything that I could have ever imagined, ever thought, ever believed, I could not have dreamed that you would turn out to be such a good pony. I wonder... where did you get that from? Turning: !! Royal Order: Heh. You've gotten pretty good, Turning. Turning: I have a great teacher, you see! But one day, I'll be more than your student—I'll be your partner! Royal Order: Oh? Turning: I'll be a member of the Royal Guard in no time, Dad. I'll get to work alongside you! Royal Order: Hehe. I'm looking forward to it! Fair Devotion: Yes, you are reckless at times... But I know you have a good, pure heart. You are loyal to what you believe in, and are willing to do anything you can to protect the ponies you care about. At any cost. Turning Page, you are the best parts of us—of Royal Order, of myself—all rolled up in one amazing pony. I... I am so proud of you, beyond what even words could allow. Royal Order: No training for a little while, Turning. Duty calls. Turning: Aww... Again, Dad? Fair Devotion: Don't worry. We understand, Royal. Just be safe. Royal Order: How about this, Turning? While I'm away, I've got a special assignment for you, a Royal Guard-in-training. Turning: Hm? What is it? Royal Order: Make sure your mom is safe, okay? Mom's looked after you all your life. Maybe it's time to show her how much that meant to you? Turning: ! Sure thing, dad! You can count on me! Don't worry, mom! Dad might be gone, but you've still got me! Everything will be fine! Fair Devotion: And if your father were here, I know he'd say the same: that he is proud of you, Turning Page. So, so proud. Turning: Mom... I... Fair Devotion: I... I love you, sweetheart. Please, whatever happens next, never forget that! Turning: I-I won't! I promise! I... I love you too, Mom... Fair Devotion: Then... I guess all that's left is... Turning: Yeah, I know... Goodbye, Mom. Fair Devotion: Goodbye, my son. Judge: Court is now adjourned.

Victory...
February 15, 4:00 PM Ponyville District Court - Defendant Lobby No. 5 Athena: (So... that's that, then. It's over, finally. Everything's come to light—everything's been revealed. And yet... This victory... just feels so hollow.) Twilight: W-Well, then, I suppose congratulations are in order. G-great job, Athena! You managed to save Sweetie Belle! I... I knew you had it in you! Athena: Y-yeah, I... Thanks, Twilight... (I should feel happy. I mean, I did it. I saved Sweetie Belle, like I said I would. But... I can't FEEL happy. Not with how everything turned out. What Fair Devotion said at the end... About this being worth the cost... I wish I had a better answer to give. Or any answer, really.) Apollo: So... Um... What are you going to do now? Apollo: Huh? What do you mean, Apollo? Apollo: Athena... You're not going to leave things like this, are you? I mean... A lot of people were hurt by this. Are still hurting. Phoenix: ... Apollo. It's true that Athena did... unearth a lot of pain throughout this case. But she did her job to the best of her abilities. More than that, she found the truth—that's all a lawyer can really hope for. Apollo: But the fallout, the collateral damage... Phoenix: There's always fallout to finding the truth. It's not... comforting, I'll admit. But even so, a lawyer's duty is TO the truth, to finding it, to saving it. Like an old friend of mine said... "The exposure of truth sometimes results in tragedy. However, it would be an even greater tragedy... To avert one's eyes from it." Sonata: Apollo, you don't think... Athena SHOULD have accepted Turning's confession during the first trial, do you? Athena: ... Apollo? Apollo: Look, it's just... I can't help but wonder how things would have turned out if... If you had played your hand a bit differently. That's all I'm saying. Sonata: But if she had done that, she wouldn't have found the whole truth. Apollo: Lawyers aren't superheroes, Sonata. I get that finding the truth is PART of the job, but it's not the whole job itself. Defending our clients—that's what defense attorneys DO. Remember? Sonata: I... Trucy: H-How can you even say that, Polly?! Phoenix: ... Athena: Apollo... If you were in my place, wouldn't YOU have done the same as me? Fight for the truth, no matter how much pain it caused, no matter how much it took? Apollo: ... Yeah, I probably would have admittedly. Athena: Then— Apollo: But even so, now I've seen revealing the truth can do to people. The families it can tear apart. The lives it can ruin. Our actions, even the best-intended ones, have consequences. Apple Bloom: I sorta get what you're sayin', but... Apollo: Athena. Trust me, I know better than any that the truth always trumps loyalty. But we have a duty to our clients. A bond with them. And abandoning that duty, shattering that bond in pursuit of the truth... That doesn't strike me as something a lawyer should do. Athena: Urk... Twilight: R-Rarity! Sweetie Belle! Rarity: Hello, everypony. I'm glad to see you're all here. Athena: How are you feeling, Sweetie Belle? Sweetie: I— Scootaloo: YOU!! Sweetie: S-Scoots— Scootaloo: What's the matter with you?! What were you thinking, sending that stupid tip to the police?! Look at what you've done! Athena: S-Scootaloo, w-wait a— Sweetie: I was just trying to SAVE you. Scootaloo— Scootaloo: SAVE me? Oh, yeah, thanks for that! It's not like that tip didn't even HELP me in the slightest! All it did was ruin Turning's life for good! You've taken him away from his mom! Sweetie: He would have turned himself in regardless of what I did! Scootaloo: Then maybe you SHOULDN'T have tried to do anything in the first place! Rarity: S-Scootaloo, darling, please! I know you're upset, but Sweetie Belle REALLY did want to help you! Besides, in the end, she DID do the right thing—she told us all what happened! Rainbow: Yeah? But she only did that AFTER she realized she couldn't keep lying anymore. If Sweetie Belle REALLY had cared for Scootaloo, she would have told the cops what she did and what she heard BEFORE Scootaloo was put on trial! Rarity: Surely you have not missed the fact that had she done that, she would have been arrested with both Scootaloo and Turning! Rainbow: What difference does that make?! She got arrested anyway! Scootaloo: This is all your fault. Sweetie Belle! If you hadn't started meddling in everything— Sweetie: MY FAULT?! If anypony's to blame for this, it's you and your coltfriend for listening to the blackmail letter! Why were that scooter and wagon so important to you— Scootaloo: you know exactly why!! Apple Bloom: G-girls, please! Just calm down, alright? We shouldn't be fighting—not here, not now! Applejack: Apple Bloom's right, y'all. We really shouldn't be fussing up the place— Rarity: Really, darling? Would it KILL you to take a side, for once? Applejack: I'm ON your side, Rarity, and on Rainbow's, and Sweetie Belle's, and Scootaloo's. We ALL are. But what good is all this fighting, huh? Rainbow: Maybe if you actually FOUGHT for Scootaloo, AJ, you'd understand! Apollo: This is what I mean, Athena. You see what happens when you present the truth, without taking into account HOW you present it? Or how it might hurt those around you? Applejack: Oh, darn it all... Ah'm sorry, everyone. I tried, but they just won't listen to reason. Twilight: It's all right, Applejack. You did your best. Athena: Maybe Fluttershy can talk to them separately later? She seems like the kind of pony who'd be good at that. Twilight: A-actually, wait a second... Where IS Fluttershy? Applejack: Ulp! A-ah, well, that's a good question, Twi. I'm not sure... Twilight: That's odd... I could have sworn I saw her earlier in the trial. But now she's gone? Applejack: ... Looks t'be the case, don't it? Apple Bloom: Sis...? Twilight: What's going on, Applejack? You guys have been acting weird for the last couple of days. Twilight: Where have you two been, by the way? You disappeared right after the trial, Fluttershy. And Pinkie, we haven't seen you since yesterday. And you both look exhausted. Which is saying a lot for you, Pinkie. Pinkie Pie: O-oh! Y-you think? Hehe... Applejack: Oh, you know how it is, Twi! Everypony's busy these days! Twilight: That doesn't answer my question, though. Twilight: Is everything alright? Applejack: ... ???: More secrets? Your friends sit atop quite the trove of them, it would seem, Princess Twilight. Twilight: L-Lawkeeper Equity? What are YOU doing here? Equity: I thought I might find the winning lawyer in this lobby. It appears I was right... Ms. Cykes, you have my congratulations for such a hard-fought victory. Athena: I... T-Thank you, Lawkeeper Equity. Equity: They say that victory tends to bask oneself in a strange, surreal glow. Yet I sense no such thing emanating from you, Ms. Cykes. Was the result not to your satisfaction? Athena: It's just... I'm wondering if what I did was the right thing, in the end. Equity: It absolutely was. No matter what anypony else says about so-called "consequences." Apollo: !! Phoenix: ?! Equity: Would you rather the truth remain in hiding? That it sulk in the oppressive shade of inopportune time, waiting for the "right moment" to appear? That is a dangerous sentiment bordering on naïveté. And cowardice, too. For by keeping the truth locked away, out of fear of what it could bring... You declare to the world that you don't believe in it at all. Athena: !! Equity: An unbelieved truth can hurt a pony much more than a lie. It takes great courage to back truth unacceptable to our times. But once it is revealed, we all benefit from it... for we see things for how they are, not how we want them to be. Apollo: What are you talking about? Equity: Is it not obvious? Look to your friends, to the young fillies squabbling. Though it was painful, now that those two know the truth, they're able to see each other for who they truly are—their true natures. And the truth helps us see what was hidden from us, as well—the habits and behaviors we'd chalk up to... mere idiosyncrasies. They are just a pony's mask which the truth burns away, revealing the true feelings and intentions hidden beneath. Wouldn't you agree, Princess Twilight? Twilight: W-What? Me? Equity: Your friends have been keeping their own secrets. It is not a mere quirk of their character—it is a deliberate act. They are purposefully keeping you in the dark about their activities. Does that not strike you as strange? Does that not strike you as... concerning? Twilight: I... Even if I admit that it's a little weird they aren't exactly telling me what's up, I still trust them! I know who they are, and I know they must have a good reason for what they're doing! Equity: Mm. There you are again, with your blind "trust." Let's put that "trust" to the test, shall we? Twilight: W-What— Equity: This would have been kept a secret for the time being, but I believe you all would find this information quite relevant. It concerns the matter of a Mr. Overall concept's death. Athena: His death? What about it? Equity: The investigation, thanks to a new lead detective, has determined a new suspect involved in his murder. Phoenix: Wait a minute! He wasn't murdered! He committed suicide! Equity: So you would like to believe. But that must mean that you, quite simply, were wrong, Mr. Wright. Trucy: T-That can't be! I was there, during the entire trial! Daddy proved that Overall Concept killed himself! Equity: Speaking of naïveté. Do you believe your father to be infallible, miss? Athena: I-it's not like that! Lawkeeper Equity, there must be some kind of mistake! All of the evidence showed that— Equity: Believe me when I say, there has been NO mistake. Our detective is quite the thorough fellow... if a bit eccentric in some areas. The fact remains: he unearthed new evidence, revealing a new primary suspect. Phoenix: Then who? It wasn't Coco, it wasn't Suri... Who else?! Equity: Guard! Guard #2: Y-yes, Lord Equity? Equity: You have new orders. Carry them out to the full letter. Do not delay for a moment. Guard #2: Of course, Lord Equity. What are your orders? Equity: You are to arrest the pony suspected of conspiring to murder Overall Concept... Ms. Rarity! ?! R-R-RARITY?! Guard #2: Understood, ma'am! Rarity: W-What the—get your hooves off me! What is the meaning of this?! Me? Kill Overall Concept?! Are you out of your MIND?! Sweetie: Rarity! Nooo! Twilight: Equity! I demand to see this so-called "evidence" that implicates Rarity! Equity: Whatever for? You said it yourself—you KNOW your friends. You should need nothing more in order to feel secure in your trust in them. Twilight: Urrgh... R-Rarity! D-Don't worry! The Wright Anything Agency—they'll defend you! They'll get you out of this! Equity: "They?" Goodness me, Princess Twilight! Allocating the charge of your friend and her fate to a bunch of otherworldly strangers? When you yourself are quite capable? Twilight: I TRUST them, Equity! That is MORE than enough to justify this! Equity: Oh? Then you—you humans, strangers to this world—tell me. Do YOU trust Twilight in kind? Athena: Of course we— Equity: Even if she were friends with a criminal? Trucy: Seeing as how Rarity hasn't committed any crimes? Yeah! We do! Equity: Feh. And yet Twilight has seen fit not to tell you why she summoned you to this world. You would trust her DESPITE that glaring lack of trust on her end? ! Equity: But I doubt that is the only sign... I am sure you have encountered some indication that our... dear princess here has not been completely forthright. Am I correct? Athena: ... Phoenix: ... Athena: The discord I heard... Phoenix: Those psyche locks... Athena & Phoenix: Ah! Twilight: No... You guys— Equity: At any rate, I have delayed this far enough. Rarity will be booked in the Manehattan detention center in the coming days. I suggest you make arrangements... if you truly intend on defending her. Athena: This case had pushed me to my absolute limit. It tested my beliefs and my resolve. I thought by the end of it, I'd have emerged fully confident in my abilities. But instead, I faced only more uncertainty than ever before... both because of my actions, and because of their consequences. So, there we were. Rarity taken away, and all of us, hurt, angry, and confused, unsure of what to do next. We each went our separate ways, but unlike last time... It felt like something had changed between all of us. Something that couldn't be undone. Was it because of what Equity said? Or was it... because of what I did? I found myself wishing Luna was there. I thought she might provide me with some measure of comfort. But she wasn't. And I wondered why that was. There were so many questions—not enough time to consider what we could do, and what we could have done. In the end, my actions, my decisions, were my own. I couldn't go back on them, no matter how much I wished I could. But I figured that, as one case began with another pony being put in peril... I could look back at this last one, at those who had been involved... at Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Turning Page... And see what I could do to help them going forward.

END