Turnabout Storm- Fatal Ending

    "The court finds the defendant, Rainbow Dash..."

    "GUILTY."

    (Unacceptable...)

    "We lost..."

    (Intolerable...)

    "Was there ever any doubt?"

    (PITIFUL... PATHETIC...)

    "Court is now adjourned."

    *SLAM*

    (I won't let it end this way.)

    ...

    "OBJECTION!"

    (What is this?)

    "I object!"

    (Fluttershy?)

    "Um... I-if... you know... it's alright..."

    "Fluttershy!?"

    The crowd started a commotion. Were they allowed to object after the verdict is given? The judge hadn't seemed to like it, following that he slammed the gavel in retaliation.

    The judge asked provocatively what the interruption's motive had been.

    She said she had remembered an important detail. She wanted to share it with the court. I hoped the information was vital to the case, if not, at least a reason to interrupt. Trixie was making it sound like there was no hope, however, with her own rant objecting that any further input was inapplicable to the case.

    (Oh, how I would love to just cave in your skull and be done with your rambling nonsense. In true justice, all evidence is necessary.)

    It sounded like Phoenix and Twilight wanted her to testify, but the stubborn pony in the prosecution's stand had her own reasons not to. Phoenix fought back, and I couldn't've put it better myself why they must continue. The judge was cautious to why they should delay the suspension any longer, but in the aid of Fluttershy's efforts, decided to let the testimony proceed. Their only way out was through her, but...

    ("The defendant is still to be considered guilty." No, you can't do that, this is what the verdict revolves around.  Discrediting significant witnesses just like that is ignorant. The proceedings have to be valid, beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty.)

    Fluttershy began giving her testimony. She remembered another pony exiting the forest, but didn't recall what she looked like.

    (I don't remember this...)

    Any further information hadn't wielded anything I would've considered necessary, but the judge appeared to be well surprised by the new testimony. Even I could see a hint of a chance that the judge could change his mind. On the other hand, Trixie was gradually losing her temper, asking aimless questions.

    (She has a lot to say that doesn't involve actually figuring this out. I wonder why Phoenix never objects to what stupid questions she always asks.)

    Phoenix was suspicious of the newcomer, as well as Twilight. The judge began Phoenix's cross examination, and with the restrictions right on him, made his decisions careful. He tried to squeeze out details about the pony no one knew, not even me. All he got was that the pony was female with dark colors. Asking differently, he found that the pony was actually a unicorn, and wore glasses.

    (These traits didn't match the scans from earlier. No one in Ponyville resembles this description.)

    Despite the scans, though, Phoenix mentioned he recognized the pony. But, that was impossible. Nothing is supposed to be more accurate than the scan. At least Twilight agreed. Phoenix addressed the pony as Sonata, and not from Ponyville.

    (Not from Ponyville? That still doesn't explain why the scans hadn't picked her up. She was here when the crime was committed, that's what Fluttershy says.)

    Trixie also agreed that she was the victim's manager. As a response, the judge wanted to bring her in as a witness. Trixie argued why they shouldn't, but thanks to the judge's curiosity, decided to do so. Trixie didn't let up, though. She tried to disregard the testimony from before, rendering Fluttershy's potentially useless. The judge stood strong on his decision.

    (Perfect. I need to know about this pony as well. It could help me piece everything together.)

    Trixie started rambling again, just to verbally assault Phoenix of his method on accusing people.

    (At least he could be right this time. Shut up for once.)

    The court was given a 15-minute recess to gather their thoughts and bring in Sonata. I stayed in the court, but being hidden, no one had disagreed on my inconspicuous presence. I wasn't supposed to be in here anyway.

    (Once she comes in, I'll scan her, see what happens, and hopefully find the answer to why she didn't pop up on the radar last time.)

    It'd been a while and they finally brought in Sonata. She was the same as the description made her out to be. She seemed a bit reluctant, as well, seeing that her expression wasn't very happy.

    (Okay, now's the time to scan her.)

    I used a device with all sorts of identification properties. Sonar, infrared, thermal, anything of the such. I began by enabling an X-ray, but through the sight there was nothing.

    (What? She's not there...) I tried thermal. (Not this either.) Sonar had to work. (What is this sorcery? This is a nanotechnological plexipurpose radar. I didn't know a spell could inhibit its functions. Well at least I know how she avoided detection.)

    "This better be important. My time is more valuable than this court.", she said.

    (Someone's cocky. Maybe it is, though. Apparently she can cast a spell making my radar completely useless.)

    "Trixie doesn't have time for this court either, but she will have to deal with it.", the magical fraud added. "Besides, you would've been the prosecution had Trixie not made it here first."

    "Hmph."

    Sonata made her way to the witness's stand and waited for Phoenix and Twilight to come back. I tried to prepare myself for the testimonial shitstorm that might happen if Phoenix was to try and accuse her. I bet Trixie would object to Hell and back just to win the case and see Twilight crash and burn.

    (If I can do anything to stop Trixie's rampage I'll make sure it's done. I don't care if I have to reveal myself, I'm not letting Rainbow Dash have her ass handed to her on the moon, or worse, the sun.)

    Phoenix and Twilight came back in and everyone else got themselves situated. Trixie was the only one who gave any hint of an unsettled condition. Even Sonata could see it. I wondered whether either would want to cooperate with the other.

    "Court is back in session. Is the prosecution ready?", the judge asked."

    "Trixie is always ready, Your Honor.", the obvious said.

    "Mr. Wright?"

    "The defense is ready, Your Honor.", Phoenix answers.

    "Then trial will begin. Sonata, will you please give your testimony?", the judge requested.

    "If it gets me out sooner, then of course.", Sonata plainly replied.

    (Trust me, you're going to be here a while. Better get used to it now, or you're gonna have a real bad time.)

    She began to give her testimony.

    "I was only looking for someone. He was away very late and we had things to do that were top priority.

    Last he said he was going to the Everfree forest. That's where I was headed, but no less did I find him already dead surrounded by seared land.

    I used a spell to give me an analysis of the damage and what happened to cause it. Severe electromagnetic shock straight down the spinal cord. Instantaneous paralysis and death.

    I suspected the previous thunder I had heard had been why. Lightning would be the case. 2 strikes had occurred, one on Ace Swift and another after I left that I could hear from my hotel.

    The spell had depleted most of my energy, so I had to find something still luminescent. A metallic glowing rod on the ground caught my eye, so I bit the handle and ran out of the forest.

    Once out, I noticed a portion of the rod I held was actually glowing from extreme heat. I had to find a water source to avoid causing a fire and tossed it in the closest river.

    I went on with my business to file a report and eventually take role as the prosecution, but as you can see, Trixie has already beat me to it."

    Sonata finished the testimony and appeared to give perfect detail. I couldn't find a single error anywhere that didn't follow up with the current events.

    "My, my, what a thorough testimony! Must we even cross-examine this witness, Mr. Wright?", the apparently impressed judge asked.

    "We never know. If at all possible, I would still like to have a cross-examination.", Phoenix answered.

    "OBJECTION! Your Honor, Trixie finds absolutely no error with the witness's testimony. What could the case possibly gain from a session of aimless questions?", fizz-bitch asked.

    "Trixie may be right, Mr. Wright. This testimony is flawless. It'd be wise to not put yourself in contempt of court as once before by trying this stunt again. You must understand you should only take this action if you are positive about what you'll find.", the judge sternly warned.

    "I do understand. I still wish to cross-examine the witness."

    "Think about this, Phoenix. You don't want to make this any worse for you. I can't defend Rainbow Dash, you know that.", Twilight pleaded.

    "I know what I'm doing. Rainbow Dash is making this out not guilty if it's the last thing I do."

    (Don't say things you don't mean, Phoenix. I'd be more careful if I were you.)

    "Very well, but remember my warning. You will only question vital information, anything otherwise will not be taken lightly. Tread carefully, Mr. Wright."

    "Thank you, Your Honor."

    Trixie was pissed beyond comprehension. I think if the most dumbfounded person in the universe were to see her, even they'd know her obvious case of shatten-in cornflakes. Their cross-examination began.

    " I was only looking for someone. He was away very late and we had things to do that were top priority.

    Last he said he was going to the Everfree forest. That's where I was headed, but no less did I find him already dead surrounded by seared land."

    "HOLD IT! Why would Ace tell you he was going to a forest?"

    "I was his manager, as you should know. The contract we had was strong. He reported everything to me."

    "Had he told you why?"

    "The only information necessary was where he was going and when. I need to be able to find him when certain jobs must be tended to.

    "Would you mind telling the court what jobs of the such you must attend?"

    "That business is none of ours, Your Honor. The witness does not need to share irrelevant information within her occupation.", Trixie mentioned.

    "Mr. Wright?", the judge asked.

    "O-of course. Moving on."

    "... I used a spell to give me an analysis of the damage and what happened to cause it. Severe electromagnetic shock straight down the spinal cord. Instantaneous paralysis and death."

    "HOLD IT! I didn't know you were capable such a spell. I'm not even sure Trixie could perform the latter."

    "Do not underestimate the Great and Powerful Trixie!"

    "Trixie, you will refrain from interrupting with personal concerns.", the judge demanded.

    "To answer your question, me and Trixie had quite the competition in magic school. Learning the best of spells was our fight to the top."

    "And I was, as usual, the star of the class."

    (Trixie, shut up.)

    "Phoenix, those kinds of spells aren't natural, either. It's arcane. Don't you have anything you can use against her?", Twilight asked.

    "As a matter of fact, I do. I have to slip it past Trixie, though. She'll halt me on the spot.", Phoenix answered.

    "Go get her, Phoenix!"

    "I find that hard to believe, Trixie."

    "What? You dare question the Great and Powerful Trixie? I had my hooves on the most complex of advanced spells, there is nothing she can do to surpass me!"

    "I doubt you can do any better...than arcane!"

    Trixie jumped and launched her hat off. I don't think it came back down. Sonata was surprised as well, but more suspicious than I thought she should be.

    "If I didn't know better, a spell on cause-of-death analysis would've seemed normal. Something a doctor could do easily. However, that testimony seems a bit accurate, too accurate. To know the cause of death to the very last detail."

    "Mr. Wright! Whatever do you mean?", the judge asked in exasperation.

    "I know all too well now that this unicorn doesn't just practice any ordinary magic. I am to believe that Sonata studies arcane magic, and not just for research. I have reason to think that the witness didn't just find out about the crime, but take part in causing it."

    "This is outrageous!", Sonata scorned.

    "He's trying to shift the blame again, Your Honor! Don't let him make the same mistake as he did with his last accusation.", Trixie assaulted.

    "You did falsely accuse a witness, Mr. Wright. She was arrested and released the very same day, in fact. Surely you don't intend to do this?", the judge asked.

    "Judge, you know very well that my tactics lead us only in the right direction. You've been through the experience plenty of times.", Phoenix defended.

    "Correct. Mr. Wright. I have witnessed the way you work, first hand, the proceedings, but I'm afraid we haven't the time for another event like that. If you want to attempt another stunt like this, you better make it count. You would need to prove Sonata guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in this very trial."

    "I won't let you down."

    "Your Honor! How could you even consider this? Do you really know this lawyer so much as to trust him with incrimination of a witness? Are you sane? I didn't come here to be accused.", Sonata burst out.

    "...", The judge was silent. "The witness will refrain from questioning the judge's knowledge."

    "But-!"

    "No 'ifs', 'ands', or 'buts'. Mr. Wright?"

    "Yes, Your Honor?"

    "Please continue. Just know that you must prove her guilty, undeniably."

    "Understood. Sonata."

    "WHAT?", she scowled.

    "Answer me this. Where did you learn this arcane magic?"

    She shrugged vigorously and said, "A major. In ancient magic. He gave me a book to study from."

    "Witness, will you please amend this to your testimony?", the judge requested.

    "That won't be necessary, Your Honor. The trial ends today, we won't need records kept.", Phoenix pleaded.

    "If you wish, Mr. Wright."

    "Now tell me, why were you having a private study on arcane magic?"

    "If anything were to happen to Ace in the race I'd need advanced medical training to suffice for nearly all damage. Identifying injuries is one such thing."

    "Why not just take him to the hospital? You both came from Canterlot, no doubt there would be an exceptional medical center there."

    "He doesn't approve of doctors. The closest he will come to treatment is from me."

    "Phoenix, she might be lying. I was with Cruise Control, like I said a while ago. He told me Ace had a special place in a hospital for nobles.", Twilight whispered.

    "Thanks. Sonata, I don't think Ace would distrust doctors. Especially when he has access to the best one there is."

    "He made the resignation a long time ago, back when he had no choice whether he should get health insurance."

    "He could've cancelled it. He would've cancelled it!" He slammed his desk. "But he didn't. He didn't need your 'medical attention'. I want to know what you really looked for. Where is this book being kept?"

    (I thought he had it.)

    "You should know."

    "What makes you say that? I have no idea where you would hide the book."

    "Your Honor, we don't need to know this witness's personal history as a bookworm. If we could pass on the secondary trivial questioning, Trixie would be grateful to get to more important aspects of the case."

    "Trixie, if I wasn't allowed to blow my cover, I'd shove my foot so far up your ass it'd come out that arrogant mouth of yours.", I whispered to myself, dead silent, but unknowingly.

    Sonata suddenly glanced at me at that very moment, then a horror crept on her face once she quickly looked away. It stayed for a moment until she found a new half worried, half motivated expression. I thought I was invisible.

    (FUCK! I can't believe I said that! I could've jeopardized the entire mission! This might make everything a Hell of a lot harder.)

    "A-actually, I wouldn't mind going to get that book for you.", Sonata nervously agreed.

    "Well, well. Look who's cooperating, now.", Phoenix commented with a smirk.

    "H-how...", Trixie said in disbelief.

    "What a turn of events! The otherwise docile witness is now helping! Mr. Wright, I'm impressed.", The judge complimented. "Court will have another 15-minute recess as the book is retrieved."

    The parties left and I followed Phoenix and Twilight to the waiting room unnoticed.

    "Good going! So far you didn't have to bring up you-know-what. Keep it up and we'll be safe for sure!", Twilight cheered.

    "It's gonna have to come up eventually. You know that, Twilight. I'll get Rainbow Dash out and I'll be locked up trying before I let her go."

    "No, it doesn't have to be that way. I know you can get passed it. You've done great, and you can keep doing great. We can still prove her guilty without the blackmail."

    (I've blown my cover to the mastermind, might as well make my appearance now as inconspicuous as possible.)

    I disabled cloaking outside the room where no one sees and entered. The 2 were slightly surprised to see me. I was guessing they haven't seen an abnormally plain pegasus around. I just had a light brown coat, a darker brown lightly spiked buzzcut mane and greener-than-grass eyes. I was as ordinary as it got.

    "Sorry, do you need something?", Phoenix asked.

    "I don't need anything right now. I'm here to help you.", I replied.

    "Do I... know you?", Twilight also asked.

    "I... I think it'd be better if you just assume I've been keeping a close eye on the court trials."

    "What's your name?", requested Phoenix.

    "I'm John Rigger. You can just call me John."

    "That's odd for a pony. Most of everyone has these names that aren't actually names."

    "Look who's talking." He shrugged awkwardly. "Hey, it's better than Sofa King Many Quills."

    "Excuse me?", inquired Twilight as she misheard.

    "Heheh, nevermind. Anyway, I think I can help you."

    "How's that?"

    "There are some things you haven't worked out yet. I have a hunch there is something more to that pony than you think."

    "I know what you mean.", Phoenix said.

    "No, something deep. You wouldn't understand. She's hiding something, I just can't put my finger on it."

    "Yes, she's not giving us the whole story."

    "Beyond that. Think harder. Think about her willingness to give you that book. Something's in there that will help her or force you to spill the beans about that blackmail."

    "Hey! How'd you know about that?"

    "I'm keeping a VERY close eye on this case. Except that you don't have that book."

    "Oh, I gave it back once I got what I needed from her."

    During the talk Twilight was circling me and looking for details or something. I thought she spotted something when she stopped abruptly.

    "What does your cutie mark mean? I've never seen anything like this before.", Twilight asked. "It's just a green circle with a vertical and horizontal line, not to mention another solid circle."

    "I had a feeling you wouldn't be familiar. This is the symbol for nanotechnology. That's why it's all green. I'm the best designer there is."

    "Nanotechnology? I haven't heard anything of the such in Equestria.", Phoenix asked.

    "You're not supposed to. I believe I'm the first to introduce it. Even then, I'm a private worker. It's not a very open subject, but we're veering off track. We need to get back to the case."

    "Uh-right. Tell me, how much do you know about the crime."

    "I know almost everything since I've been watching you two for a while. Don't call it creepy, it's just that I couldn't give away my position before. If I could I'd just accompany you normally, like I am now."

    "So I'm assuming you're position has been given away?"

    "Yeah. Now that I know I can trust you, I guess it's safe to say I've been hiding in the court room for every part of the trial."

    "How come no one saw you?", Twilight asked.

    "Crystalline cloak. Check this out."

    I enabled cloaking and the two jumped in shock. I walked behind Phoenix and flew behind his head, disabling the cloak and whispering, "Boo!" He jumped again.

    "Gah!", he screamed. "Very funny. Don't do that again."

    "Take a joke, Phoenix. Anyway, there's still a detail I'm very shady on."

    "What's that?"

    "I have little of an idea who this Sonata is. She didn't show up on a scan I ran. I've been avoiding her ever since, even when you went around her. She has very strong magic if she's capable of avoiding this scan."

    "I don't remember any spells, even arcane, that can slip through a scan. You told us this was... nanotechnology? Something so recent couldn't have had a spell developed for avoiding detection from ancient magic. Are you sure it's magic?", Twilight inquired.

    "It has to be. Nanotechnology doesn't exist in... wait..."

    (The Abandoned Civilization...)

    "What is it? Did you remember something?", Phoenix asked.

    "Phoenix, you need to call me as a witness sometime today. It must be done. You're not winning this case without me."

    "Did you see the crime?"

    "Of course. Putting me in will answer a lot of questions. Sonata and Trixie will be less than shit to me when I'm through."

    Twilight gasped. "I've never heard somepony use vulgar language so casually! You should be ashamed."

    "Seriously, Twilight? It's just a word! You shouldn't even know what that one means."

    "Why shouldn't she? Apparently you know about it.", Phoenix said.

    I sighed. I gestured him to follow me, but not Twilight, once she decided to follow. I knew her enough to understand she wasn't allowed to hear this. Phoenix and I walked to a private room and left Twilight in confusion.

    "Why are we in here?", he asked.

    "I'm gonna share a few things with you. I'm not sure it might be vital, but it'd be good to know."

    "Lay it on me."

    "Okay. I'm here on a mission. It's very important and I can't let anything get in my way."

    "So why are you participating in a case?"

    "Let me finish. This mission involves a very confusing matter. It's a long story, but I'll give you the short version. Um, here goes. Once upon a time Twilight and her friends got turned into nanotechnological beings. Don't ask how. They've had the trait ever since. Twilight and I kept connections, we always talked over long distances. Recently the communications stopped and I planned on finding out why. I'm here now and no one remembers me, the six ponies who were nano-integrated aren't anymore. None of them, but one. My readings tell me Rainbow Dash is unaffected by whatever caused this. She hasn't lost her memories, either. Since Rainbow is stuck in this case and refuses to break out, I'm here trying to help any way I can. That, and this Sonata character gives me the feeling she's very involved in what I'm looking for. Do you understand?"

    "It...was a mouthful, but I think I've got it. The only thing I don't know is how this is all possible."

    "I need to figure that out, too. You can't remove bioengineered nanotechnology without causing overwhelming damage unless you have the perfect device. I've only heard of one such device."

    "So what you're saying is that we need to help each other incriminate Sonata?"

    "You could say that. If she's guilty, you're client and my friend is innocent, then I can question Sonata about what the meaning of this is."

    "But how does Sonata relate? You said yourself that nanotechnology can't be taken out of someone without damage. We both know she doesn't have this device you're talking about. You make it look like you're the only one who could have one." He waited for a response. "You're not being completely open with me, are you?", he asked.

    "N-no. I guess not. But anything further that I could tell you would have nothing to do with the case unless I introduce it myself."

    "This technology wasn't designed by you, was it?"

    (Why's he looking at me funny?)

    I took a neural reprocessor and synchronized it with his sight, letting me see what he saw. There were locks and chains.

    (Oh Hell no.)

    "Phoenix, I have nothing to hide that you need to know. Put those locks away.", I said.

    "H-hey! How'd you know?"

    "Neural reprocessor. I can see what you see, in a way. You were looking at me weird just seconds ago, so I used it."

    "Well, it doesn't matter. I think you're hiding something important, or else you wouldn't be hiding it."

    "It's something that I've decided to keep a secret until the time came. First, it won't change the case. Second, you're eventually going to know, so I recommend not wasting you're time."

    "I'm going to know? For all I know, you're just another person going on about his business and then he'll leave. It won't be easy since you know what I'm doing."

    "Not giving up yet? Okay, I'm gonna make this a million times harder now." According to the reprocessor, the locks now stockpile his entire sight.

    "What?! How'd you do that?!"

    "This information is something fatal if I let anyone know. I have to trust you to death before I could tell you. Maybe if you came about it another way, you wouldn't have 5 million locks in your face."

    "Okay, okay, I'm sorry! I'm just curious. It's important, to me at least, to know a bit about my witnesses before they go up to testify. If it's something you say is so dangerous, I won't press you on it."

    "That's better. Here, if you think you're trustworthy, I'll give you another shot. I'll go easy on you." Now there were only 3 locks. "Hit me with your best shot."

    "Well... okay. First off, I've noticed how you use your language. If I'm correct, the residents of Equestria hate inappropriate words."

    "That is."

    "You're different. You cursed in front of Twilight as if there was nothing to it. Even then, you explained she shouldn't know its meaning. How wouldn't she know? How would you know?"

    "No one here has the same digestive track as one of you. Notice that everyone's naked, and there are absolutely no bathrooms anywhere."

    "Odd. That's another thing, though. You say 'everyone' instead of 'everypony'. It's the same for 'anyone'."

    "So what's your first piece of evidence?"

    He thought for a moment. "You speak more of a human language than Equestrian. You've probably been outside this world. I guess it's not hard to believe, personally."

    "Bingo." And one of the locks broke. "Only 2 more."

    "Let's look at your cutie mark. You say it represents nanotechnology, though the least advanced of technology hasn't even scratched surface. Something this advanced would need the use of previous technology. Humanity hasn't even perfected it yet."

    "What if I were to tell you magic can improvise?"

    "You're a pegasus."

    "But I have contacts."

    "No one knows you."

    "Only recently did everyone forget."

    "Hmm... if you worked on the technology before the event but contacts were forgotten, you wouldn't have the technology now."

    "Research was completed just before the event."

    "But then you would've detected the coming threat as you did everyone in Ponyville."

    "One got past."

    "With magic. One device only can remove the integration, and you're the only one who could have it. You would've detected the device if she did. And surely you're not saying you did it yourself."

    "Heh... of course not. But let's say I was out of range. The scan only goes so far."

    "If it's nanotechnology that got you your scan, the others would've had the same. You said yourself they were integrated, they would've known the threat was coming."

    "That doesn't prove anything. The spell could've affected the device, too."

    "Then how were they disintegrated? It wasn't you, and you said there aren't any more devices."

    "The only explanation would be the Abandoned Civilization."

    "What's that?"

    "It's some kind of ancient ruins. Nanotechnology flourishes there."

    "I bet that's the research you were talking about."

    "Impossible. The site's technology was undetectable without nanotechnology itself. And no, the integrated ponies did not find it."

    "Well this topic is out of the question. How about how you know so much about humans? How did you leave the planet?"

    "The Abandoned Civilization has a portal."

    "And you activate it with nanotechnology? How did it guide straight to Earth?"

    "I haven't figured that out yet. Every scan didn't show any results, and magic has no effect. Apparently nanotechnology always shows resistance to magic, whether it's alive or not. What confused me was why the scan hadn't picked up any of the site's versions of the disintegrating device."

    "But doesn't that contradict what you just said?"

    "About what?"

    (Oh, wait. Shit, I let him off easy.)

    "Magic has no effect on nanotechnology. That means if Sonata were to have your device, you would've detected her whether she cast a spell or not. Anything integrated would've caught her. This also means that you didn't design nanotechnology, because your model of the device hadn't existed yet!"

    "My model could've easily stayed with me. I understand why they wouldn't detect the site device, I couldn't either."

    He shook his head and smirked. "Your mistake. The site hadn't been detected yet, according to what you said. This was before the disintegration. You also said it couldn't be found without nanotechnology."

    "Your point?"

    "The landmark had to have been discovered, if Sonata were to know of its existence! Before the discovery, you hadn't finished your own integration. However, you say you discovered it after the event. I have reason to believe the integrated ponies found the ruins before the event and they didn't tell you. That was their downfall, seeing that you weren't targeted as a threat to her own plan. You must've not been integrated yet."

    "Oh, that was unexpected. Great move." The second lock broke. "You're catching on."

    "I'm not done. If the integrated ponies were gone, that means you couldn't've found the ruins at all. You wouldn't even be able to activate them. That makes me question if you're even from Equestria."

    "Whoa, that's a bit fast for an attorney like you. I have the technology now, why wouldn't it be there then?"

    "There's a gaping hole in this story. You never got integrated. You had to know somehow that the ruins were there, but yet the project wasn't finished. There's no proof you ever even made contact with these integrated ponies. If you did, they would've told you."

    (How?!)

    Another lock broke.

    "Okay, that's enough, you did amazing!", I quickly said.

    "Hold it! There's something still missing. Since you never finished the project, you wouldn't be integrated now."

    "No, I finished it with contacts afterward."

    "No one knew you."

    "God...damn..." Even the chains broke. They didn't retreat, they just snapped in half. "I... didn't know you could just tear through... my defenses like that..."

    "You were never integrated. You started that way."

    I fell, I crashed, I burned. Only the first two words literally.

    (Another fucking lock broke. This one wasn't even there! It's like it was a lock in case hidden limits were to be found. A safeguard lock.)

    "You're probably not even a real pony."

    The black background shattered.

    "STOP. I'LL TELL YOU ALREADY."

    I disabled the neural reprocessor and got up. That was not very healthy for my mind.

    "But now you'll tell me the whole truth. If I let you go before, you'd only say the most likely story. 3 locks didn't seem that significant for such a significant secret.", Phoenix inquired.

    "How would you know?"

    "You know what I saw. You trembled when I got to the third lock. Besides, I felt the presence of another lock. Too bad you didn't tap into my gut feeling. It's odd. I've never seen that kind of lock. I wonder what was different."

    "For that, I only know as much as you know. But I'll let you in on the secret now. I'm... actually not a pony. I'm not human either, though. There's another species. Nanohumanity."

    "Is that a nano-integrated race of humans?"

    "Not exactly. This race was humanoid, but not the same humans as Earth's. The history of my race is very long. Do you want me to go into history, or just tell you the important parts?"

    "I don't see why I'll need to know your history. Just explain your mission honestly and tell me about the race."

    "Okay. Nanohumanity is a humanoid race with integrated genetics. These genetics are the blueprint of nanohuman anatomy, and in the form of nearly indecipherable code. Adults have unbelievably superhuman everything. They can transform, fly, shoot and control plasma, you name it. They aren't vanguards, they have limits. Electromagnetism it's a particular weakness. Their are six types, each one a color of the visible spectrum. Generally, we're just a whole bunch of carbon compounds that have found a way to professionally alter themselves at a masterful magnitude. There are six gods as well. They are called the Thorangaulds. They are the like the predecessors of all known technological arts. They are the masters of absolutely everything specific to their class. I learn from one of them."

    "That's quite a background. What about the mission?"

    "I didn't completely lie when I told you. I kept contact with Twilight over a seriously long distance. We were in different dimensions. It's true that, recently, I've lost contact with her and I've been careful about that the whole time. Their memories were revoked and replaced, which sucks for me because no one has a clue who I am, so I used that as a vantage point. Now I'm here trying to solve everything, starting with Rainbow, who I believe is still in a normal condition with her integration and memories. Everything that's happened since then is just me following you around learning everything I can."

    "And why did you keep Twilight from hearing this?"

    "She'd be in the mood to question me for the long haul. I don't have that time, I've been there before."

    "I see. We should go back out to Twilight now. I know just what to say if she asks what we've been doing."

    "If you say so. Oh, and thanks for being trustworthy."

    "I never really proved that."

    "You're wise. That's all I needed to know."

    We exited the room and found Twilight reading the hell out of a book. It looked like arcane.

    "Researching while I was gone?", Phoenix asked.

    She wasn't responding. My turn.

    "Tapscoot."

    "Aah!", she yelled. "Oh, it's just you... what've you been doing?"

    "How'd that work?", he asked.

    "I'll tell you later. Give her the answer.", I whispered.

    "We just found out that John's going to be a witness for the case. He's a lot of value for a 'not guilty' retried verdict. Tell her what you got."

    "Oh, um, of course. At the scene of the crime, I searched the area, scanned everything. The guy that died, instant death by lightning, as you know. I should tell you that the second bolt wasn't a 'dud'. It just hit me. It's logical it didn't make sound because I absorbed almost all its energy. I also have answers to Fluttershy's seemingly broken testimony from early on in the case."

    "This is great! Maybe we can actually change the judge's mind! Oh, this so exciting! Wait, I almost forgot, I found this in an arcane book of mine. It's a pure electricity defensive spell. It's very strong, enough to get past the lightning proof suit. This could be a vital detail.", Twilight added.

    "A defensive spell? Do you think she was being attacked? I don't imagine Ace would want to."

    "But the letter, it said something about Sonata not wanting to work with him anymore. It's possible Ace did something she didn't like, she threatened to cancel the contract, and Ace was violent mad.", Phoenix predicted.

    "Sounds good. Oh, John, this might be useful to you, too. There's another arcane spell, called the 'warp effect'. Judging by its description, the 'effect' seems like a disturbance in any kind of signal you could give. I can't cast the spell right now to test it, I'd have to study it more."

    "That's okay. It gives me enough reason to believe she cast a spell.", I said.

    "You'd think the book would be found by now, wouldn't you?", Phoenix asked.

    "Yeah. It's just a book, it should be easily found, especially when they have its owner looking for it.", I inquired.

    "You don't think Sonata's changing something in there? There might be evidence in the book somewhere and she's just tossing it aside.", Twilight deadpanned.

    "Maybe. But I think with me here, we wouldn't needed that piece. I'll just prove things with nanotechnology."

    "How?", they both asked.

    "I'll make it work."

    Then the bailiff came in and directed us to come back in. He was confused where I came from since I wasn't there before.

    "Is there a limit to how many people can accompany the defense?", I indirectly requested.

    "Well, yeah. Did you want to join? I know Twilight isn't the defendant's official attorney yet. I guess you can climb up there with them.", the bailiff replied.

    "Cool."

    I followed Phoenix and Twilight out and sided them on the defense's stand. Twilight was a bit surprised I had joined, but she shrugged it off.

    "Um, who is this young stallion on the defense?", the judge asked.

    "You Honor, I'm flattered, but... you know me.", Phoenix answered.

    (Haha, doesn't know who he's actually talking about.)

    "No, no, no, I meant the pony beside Twilight!", the judge recovered.

    "Huh? Oh, you meant John. I didn't know he was here."

    "John, do you wish to aid the defense?"

    "It'd be my pleasure. Is that an option?", I asked.

    "Nothing says you can't. I figure it's allowed."

    "Thanks, Your Honor."

    "At that, is the prosecution ready?"

    "Why ask? Of course it's ready.", Trixie questioned.

    "It's been a while. I think everyone should get themselves together. The defense?"

    "We are ready, Your Honor.", Phoenix replied.

    "Then the trial will resume. Last we were at your cross-examination, Mr. Wright. The book has been retrieved."

    "Good. Sonata, what spell exactly had you been studying? I know you say it's diagnosis, but I think there's something else."

    "You can search the book. You won't find anything.", Sonata said.

    "This book is personally owned, right? The major 'gave' it to you?"

    "Y-yes. What about my belongings?"

    "The book was brought in to be examined. I would like to see this book, unless you're willing to tell us what's in it."

    "There's arcane magic in a foreign language. You wouldn't understand it. I don't see any reason to delve in when I'm the only one who can read it."

    "OBJECTION! Trixie can read this book.", Trixie said.

    "So can I.", Twilight added.

    The two stared daggers at each other. They broke contact only after Trixie blinked. (Odd.)

    "... I would still like to see the book."

    "Suit yourself. Bailiff, please give Mr. Wright the book.", the judge requested.

    The bailiff transferred the book to Phoenix and searched through it for a while. Sonata didn't look as worried as before.

    "This isn't right... there used to be words here...", Phoenix mumbled.

    "Did those words happen to be 'continue from here, 3rd line'?", I asked.

    "Um, yeah. Do you know what happened to them?"

    "Call me as a witness when you're done with Sonata. Don't use you-know-what."

    "Got it. Your Honor?"

    "What is it?"

    "I wish to submit evidence I recorded while investigating, if you'll trust what I have to say."

    "Go ahead."

    "This book was modified when I had last seen it. Words were written in this very spot stating a location to resume on the 3rd line of this spell."

    "And what's the problem?"

    "They aren't here anymore."

    "Do you hear this? Mr. Wrong has just attempted to submit evidence that's proven wrong before his eyes. What do you think of this? Trixie believes he's been scamming us on more than just this account.", Trixie insulted.

    "What else are you talking about?"

    "Oh, the thought that she knows arcane magic. If she were to know only one spell, she would have it marked. You've figured that out. However, this is not the case, so neither is true."

    "You don't know what I saw."

    "Mr. Wright, she completely stomped on your reason. You can't accuse this witness without evidence. I'm afraid you've failed to do what you're only option is."

    "Wait, Your Honor! I have one more witness."

    "Oh, come on. You're resorting on another testimony? You've got to be kidding.", Trixie floundered.

    "This isn't just any testimony. This is an honest testimony, no details left out, no strings attached. Your Honor, if I may, I want to call John Rigger to the stand."

    "You mean, the pony to your right?"

    "Yes."

    "Well, alright. He's very mysterious. I would like to know what he has to say, just popping up out of nowhere. Sonata, you may leave."

    "OBJECTION!", I shouted. "I request that she stay here in the courtroom. She's very relevant to what I have to say. We both need to be in here if my testimony is to be in efficient effect."

    "Do you insist?"

    "No shit I insist. I'm dead serious."

    "Oh! ... Okay... the witness will stay."

    "Thanks. I'll make my way to the stand now."

    I walked up to the stand and took Sonata's spot. She moved aside and stood nearby, but not next to me. It was like she knew who I was. Unsettling.

    "I'd be sitting comfortably right now if I hadn't been told to stay here.", Sonata complained.

    "Here, have a sofa." And one popped out from the ground. "You're welcome.", I said.

    Everyone in the courtroom was shocked. Everyone but Sonata.

    "What was that, John?!", the judge asked in alert. He was also backed up in his chair regaining balance.

    "That was my first demonstration. I'll have to prove some things to you if you'll even remotely believe me. I'll answer questions none of you would know without me."

    "Judge, show some backbone!", Phoenix jeered.

    "I presume I deserve that. Ahem! Fair enough. Prosecution, if you'd kindly... um, Trixie?"

    "H-...ho-...", Trixie stuttered.

    "How? That's easy. Nanotechnology.", I interrupted.

    "Nano... what?"

    "I'll explain in my testimony. Tell me to give it."

    She shook and looked back. "The Great and Powerful-"

    "-Polka dot will not address herself that way anymore. Come on, Trixie. Please get a reality check that actually works on you."

    "How dare you!"

    "Trixie, shut up or I'll make a demonstration out of you."

    The judge slammed his gavel multiple times and shouted, "ORDER! ORDER! Insults will not be tolerated in this court!"

    Everything went silent. Trixie was flaring and glaring.

    (That felt good to say. I've been trying to hold it in since day one.)

    "Hmph! Trixie will not be made inferior to your empty threats. Give your testimony."

    "They weren't empty. I'll get to my story."

    I began to give my testimony.

    "I was wandering around Ponyville because of a missing entity in a scan I had conducted. It was at 7:30 exactly. I could tell by a universal timekeeping device.

    The hunt for the entity lasted a while, but I was unsuccessful in finding it. My only caution was to remain hidden with a cloak so no one would see me.

    About an hour went by, nothing found. However, in that moment, something popped up on the radar. It was from inside a forest. I sneak in to search.

    I find Applebloom walking a trail, but she wasn't the source of the radar acting up. A bolt of lightning occurred and I saw Rainbow Dash flying away, but the filly fell off the path, so I followed her.

    For 5 minutes she wandered off track surprisingly close to the trail. I stayed with her to keep her safe, but then this random pony comes out of nowhere and barely brushes into the filly, somehow electrocuting her lightly but enough to be dangerous.

    I could tell her eyesight had been affected, so I got her out as soon as possible. I warp her outside the forest, but nowhere near the entrance. That other pony would come out that way.

    Applebloom was okay, so I looked for the other pony, but I couldn't find her. I gave up and went back to the crime scene, finding a dead pegasus. I scanned him and found the cause of death was severe electromagnetic trauma, but more than a flimsy bolt could deliver.

    After searching the area a bit, another bolt occurs and hits me square in the face. No harm though. As I'm nano-integrated, it's just more energy to me. Not to mention the absorption of sound from absorbing nearly all energy.

    I left after that and went home. A third bolt occurred later and I just slept the night off. I'm pretty sure it hit a tree. The end."