The Days When it was Innocenceby Foxes33ChaptersThe Accused RunsFall and CaseCrime SceneBack to FearThe Night of BloodWishing For The PastFriend to EnemyClarityPrologueThe Accused Runs The Accused Runs It had been three days after Rarity was murdered, her friends still mourned her death. As a dull yellow pony with a pink mane and tale wondered back inside to cry some more. Even though the sun stood high, letting down beautiful light that soaked wonderfully into a pony's skin. The animals enjoyed it, but not Fluttershy, she was still broken up about Rarity. Her best friend who went to the spa with her, they were close, they had been through so much together and now she was dead. Angel watched as Fluttershy walked up the stairs in silence, yet Angel knew he couldn't bother her now, she was too sad to work with. Fluttershy entered her room, the wooden floor and walls were warm with sunlight that leaked through her bedroom window. She flopped stomach first onto her bed and let out a sigh as tears came from her eyes. Meanwhile at the Crime Scene Falling Rocks, a young police stallion, was working on the scene. The chief was absent, considering the birth of his new foal that was now happening today, his deputy, Blue was now taking over, barking orders at everyone. The sun was great that Fall wished he was at home with his girlfriend, that he had been dating for five months now, maybe going to the lake for a swim, but he knew he was stuck here, working. The crime scene was terrible, there was blood covering the floor and walls, the victim was already taken for analyzing. The grey stallion with the black mane walked carefully threw the scene, trying to absorb all that had happened. However Fall sighed as he just looked at the blood splatter on the floor, it was already dried, but could be cleaned when needed. He lowered his head, trying to get a better look at everything. As he was distracted he didn't notice the dark blue stallion with a slightly lighter mane sneaking up behind him. He shock Fall's shoulders, make him yelp in a second of fear, when he heard the laughter he knew who it was. He glared at the stallion who was rolling around on the ground. "You should have seen you face Fally." He laughed, slamming his hoof against the ground. "Shut the hell up Case! You don't need to be annoying," Fall snapped, "Also stop calling me Fally, you can call me Fall!" Case's laughter died down and he whipped the tears from his eyes, "Oh, come on Fall no need to be so uptight." Fall rolled his eyes at Case's ignorance, he knew Case since they were colts, he was nice and generous then, now he was a flirtatious, ignorant and childish Stallion, "What will Blue think when he sees you messing around? You and I might loose our jobs, you know Blue is strict!" "Cool it Fall. Blue is maybe strict, but I don't think he can fire someone without the chief's permission," Case explained, with a wide mischievous smile, "So have you found anything?" "No, I was looking then you scared me out of my skin." Fall answered, in a bit of a mutter as he walked a few steps, just to get a little further from Case so he couldn't listen to his temptation to strangle him. "Aww, Fall, your mad, I can tell." Case noticed as he walked closer to Fall. Fall glanced back to see something Case was about to step on, "Case stop!" The sudden screech startled Case a little, and instead of stepping over the significant evidence. He gazed down at his hooves to see a pink hair on the ground near where the body was. This must have been from the murderer, the victim's hair was purple. "Oh, I see, good job buddy." Case smiled and looked at Fall who was once again glaring at him, so he cocked his head, "What's wrong Fall?" "Listen Case, no offense, but your not my friend, we are nothing alike, okay, so deal with it." Fall explained, somewhat feeling bad for saying that. Case shrugged it off, not saying anymore and grabbed the tweezers from his saddle pack, well Fall corresponded by grabbing an evidence bag to put it in. Case picked up the small lock of hair carefully putting it into the bag. It seemed familiar to Case, he had a feeling he knew this pony, he had seen her before, however he didn't show it. He knew it was Fluttershy, an acquaintance of his, but yet he knew that she couldn't have, but it was maybe all a fake disguise to make everyone trust her. Back to Flutterfly Fluttershy was crying into her pillow, she missed Rarity so much and it was ironic that after there fight she was murdered. There was a tweet outside her window, so she opened the window and a bird flew in. It landed on her shoulder telling her what was going on. She gasped as the bird told her that she was accused for the murder of her dear friend. She had to leave, but if she did, she would be guilty. "I-I, can't go to prison, I would suffer, I have to run." Fluttershy said sadly, she grabbed a saddle bag and began to pack, crying the whole time until she flew out the window, she went high into the sky, she hoped just to look like a bird as she flew over a light forest, not the Everfree Forest that was dark and scary. She flew into the trees, knowing this was where she would have to live for now. I know I will miss the animals and my friends, but sometimes you got to do what you got to do. If I go to jail I can't prove my innocence. She thought sadly, knowing for now she would have to avoid Ponyville more often. The bird had told her what happened at the crime scene and how they somehow found a strand of her hair. She knew she didn't kill Rarity, she would never harm a living thing. The sweet and gentle pony was accused by people she may or may not know, but if they didn't, they should maybe know in a small town that if you didn't know anyone they were new or simply shy. She laid down on the soft grass under the shade of a thin birch tree as a few animals came to see her, a few she recognized from nurturing them. She felt so alone now, she was, her friends may have already heard, dependent on how fast this news spread, perhaps like wildfire. she laid there, just wanting to feel alone for now. Back to the Police Case had to tell someone that he knew the pony who had those locks of light pink hair. She knew where Fall's office area was, maybe they could talk, yet he felt that he had made him mad, and he remembered what Fall had said, that they weren't friends. He sighed in frustration and found himself just pacing back and fourth behind his desk. He soon sat down, his elbows on his desk and putting his hooves on his cheeks. Fluttershy? Why, just why did you do this? Was all Case could think, not many knew his past, Fall knew a little considering they had grown up together. What had changed? Case hated all this drama, his life had hardly any, now there were buckets filling his life. He had to say something, even if they weren't friends. He sighed, walk over to where Fall was working, he looked up from his desk, taken back by the sad expression on his face. Shock filled Fall's, why was Case sad? This wasn't like him at all. "Case? What's wrong?" Fall asked, almost questioning if this was even Case. "I-I, I know whose hair it is..," Case said, getting quieter until his voice drifted off. Fall cocked his head, normally Case was excited when he knew the answer or the possible answer, "Whose is it then?" "Fluttershy's." Fall and Case Fall and Case Fall looked at Case, he had known that whole time and didn't tell him when they found the hair. He felt a little mad, but there was something about his past friend's face that left him uncertain, so he gave him the chance to continue. "However, I am not sure if it could be her. She doesn't seem like that kind of pony." Case explained briefly. "Well remember, not all cases are straight forward." Fall replied, referring to a case where a grandmother had killed her grandchildren because they accidentally broke a vase, it had been gruesome, blood all over the basement. Before Case had the chance to say something, a red mare with a retro orange mane entered, she wore black sunglasses and Fall could see she was a Pegasus. "What are you boys talking about?" She said, lowering her sunglasses and revealing rose eyes. Before Fall could answer, Case snapped, "Its none of your business. Why don't you just leave, we need to talk alone." The mare ignored him and simple walked over, pushing Case out of the chair noticeably, "Well too bad, because I want in. I don't know what your up to, but it sounds fun." Fall watched as she had pushed Case off the chair he had been sitting in, but knew he wouldn't be on the ground long. Then he turned his attention to the rude mare who was probably for ignorant then Case. "Like Case said, this is only between us. Besides you don't look like an officer anyways." Fall retorted, trying to get her out of here as soon as possible. "I was just transferred here, so check and mate." She gave a mischievous smile along with her sentence. "Well this is between us missy so you better get out of here and now." Case snapped and in a second the mare began to cry. Case had a shocked expression on his face, he didn't mean to make her cry, wasn't she an officer and could handle this? She looked at Fall who seemed to be waiting and he knew why, he thought Case should apologize. No way I am I saying sorry. He thought and just watched her cry. "You boys are so mean." She sniffled as he turned to the door about to leave, it made Case feel so much worst. "I am sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you." He muttered, having a bad feeling he could soon regret it. "Oh thank you, Case, like you said, be cool." She said, turning and sitting down on the floor. She was watching us. Now this girl is just getting completely creepy. Case thought, however he ignored looking back to Fall. "That is what I have been thinking, but it is just that she seems so harmless, almost too harmless in fact, Fluttershy wouldn't even hurt a fly." Case replied to the earlier comment, before the rude Pegasus barged in. "Fluttershy," the Pegasus started, "it seems highly unlikely. You know what, instead of staying here and helping, I will do a background check, chow." With that she left the room and Case was happy, he even smiled when she left. He turned back to Fall, waiting for a possible reply, but he seemed to want him to go on, as though there was more to him being here. "Okay Fall I can tell you know why else I am here. We were friends when we were colts, what has changed?" Case asked, looking fall straight in the eye, his green ones shinning. "You. You have changes Case, your ignorant now and childish, you could have got me fired today so just drop it, okay?" Fall snapped somewhat. Case looked down briefly, remembering the day fall had left Ponyville, remembering it was his fault. Twelve Years Ago "Mom I am going to Fall's, bye." A little blue colt said as he went through the kitchen door. The air was cold and laced with dampness, making it all colder. It swirled around, rustling the trees as it blew. The colt went down the dirt trails into Ponyville, greeting a few known faces. He pasted Sugar Cube Corner, and went to a small house not far from there. He brings up a hoof and knocks on the door. A grey colt answers and smiles at his friend. "Hey Case, where are we going today?" He said happily, leaving his house and closing the door behind him. "Hey Fall. I was thinking of a game, come with me I will tell you on the way we have to go somewhere to play." Case begins to walk and Fall follows. "So what were you thinking?" Fall asks, looking at his friend. "Well the game is called Knights, but we have to prove were brave knights so we can serve the princess." Case explained, still leading Fall. "So Case, where do we have to go anyways?" Fall asked curiously. "Everfree Forest." Case whispers the answer. Fall looks at Case, "But were not allowed there Case, we will get in trouble." "Not if no one knows, come on lets hurry." Case explains as he began to run in the direction of Everfree Forest. Fall follows him, but he is unsure why, for he is quite scared of the forest. When the coats get there, Case enters the dark Everfree Forest, well Fall hesitates and is still unsure why he follows. "Case are you sure we will be okay?" He asks, his voice quivering. "Yeah, we will be fine Fall. Now lets go." Case answers, coming closer to his friend to keep him calm. They go deep into the forest, not following the trails and soon they get lost. Fall gets more scared and he can tell they went too far. "Case, are we lost?" He asked, worried, staying close to his friend well he looked around. "Um, we are fine Fall, don't worry." Case lied to his friend, but he didn't want Fall to cry from the fear he was also feeling. "Case," Fall said, getting his friends attention, "I think I want to go home." "I-I, I don't know where home is." Case admitted, also wanting to go home to his parents. The two friends decide to hide in the roots of a tree, just so they didn't have to watch behind them. "Case I am scared." Fall stated to his friend, whipping the tears from his eyes. Case didn't reply when he heard the snap of a twig, a pony comes. It was a young mare with white fur and a silver mane, she also leads them out of Everfree Forest and the two coats feel bad. That day Fall's parents decided they needed to move away, because of what happened in Everfree Forest, they only told Case's parents and Case felt his whole friendship shatter there. Twelve Years Later Case snapped out of his thoughts when out of no where he began to hear the siren. It was Blue's voice. "There has been a break in at the boutique, we believe it is the murderer!" Author's Note Starting at this chapter, the chapters will go back in fourth between Fluttershy and Fall and Case, who are the other two mane characters, I hope you are fine with this and it also depends on what order I need. Crime Scene For Benefit The air was warm outside and the forest provided shade to survive the heat. Not many came this way, Fluttershy knew she was safe here. She was said to be guilty for the murder of her dear friend Rarity. Even though her friend told her she planned to make a dress from animal hide, she could not murder her, although she deeply cared for the animals. She would simple tell them to run and hide so Rarity wouldn't find any, although Fluttershy hated to do that to Rarity, sometimes it needed to be done. However being accused she had to run, most people just claimed they didn't do it. but had no proof to show to the court. If she tried to prove not guilty, they would slam the evidence in front of her and she would be behind bars where she didn't belong. She knew she had to wait until nightfall to go to the crime scene Something made her worry about going there, she had to know, but what if they had cleaned it and not a shred of dirt remain, she doubted it, but it was possible. "I can't go to my friends, I am alone." Fluttershy said in her usual hush voice. I have to keep myself busy. Maybe I should make shelter and find food, I don't know how long I will be here, it could be a long time until I am proved not guilty. Fluttershy thought as she sighed. She began to pick up tiny sicks, debating weather or not she would make a fire. She struggled moving the larger sticks to form her shelter. Fluttershy already knew life out here was going to be very tough, and it was possible she may not live out here, however Fluttershy knew she had to prove herself innocent so the real criminal would be behind bars. Yet she wondered why she was accused, she was sweet and kind, had nopony noticed how she did she good deeds. She felt somewhat betrayed thinking about why, she soon decided to ignore the why. She decided to go find some food, she was quite hungry and needed to eat something. Her stomach felt empty and it made her feel a little sick. She began to wonder, her hooves just grazing the top of the grass as she stepped clumsily. Her feet pretty much shuffled against the ground, for she was still feel glum over Rarity. The forest had many bushes, but not all had berries, just making her hunger more for the delicious treat. She didn't pack much in her saddle bag, only a few things, like a few bags in case she did find something at the crime scene, a small bottle of water, so she could take her time finding water. She sighed as she walked down a small hill area and soon she could see blue berries. They were purple colored and looked ripe, the bush was also nice and there were birds eating off the bush. Fluttershy knew they were safe, the birds looked fine and she was very hungry. She trotted over quite fast, craving the dark purple berries. She began to plop them in her mouth and she could taste the lovely burst of flavor. Fluttershy ate a little more then her fill and grabbed some for later. She knew she had to head back to her base camp, besides it was getting dark, it was time to go take a look at the crime scene. She flew back, so she didn't have to pass the trees, besides, most ponies were heading inside. Mostly since the murder had happened at this time. Fluttershy places her saddle bag in the roots of a tree, it was an old fox den, perfect for hiding her stuff. Fluttershy went just outside the forest and then began to fly high in the sky where she hoped she couldn't be seen. She landed in front of the boutique, remembering Rarity. She was holding her breath until she noticed and huffed out. She opened the door slowly and began to look around. Little did she know a pony had seen her and was calling the police. However Fluttershy's focus was on the unclean bloodstained house. She looked, under sofas and chairs and she had to admit the criminal did a good job at keeping it clean. All Fluttershy wondered was, where is the weapon? Perhaps the murderer took it, but the police described it as quick and that the murderer wouldn't bother bringing the weapon along, it would slow him or her down. That was when she heard hooves on the ground coming this way, she turned to the doorway to see the police were coming. Fluttershy gasped, surprised someone had seen her and now one exit was blocked. She went threw the window, knowing that she would have to run, if she flew now they would see her for sure. She ran fast, and she knew the police were close behind. Although her legs burned she picked up her speed, she wished to fly, but Pegasi were in the air, waiting for her to take off so they would finish it. She could see the dark dense forest, Eeverfree Forest, although she was scared of it, she knew it was the only way that she could make it. She didn't hesitate and ran full speed into the dark forest. It was hard to see as Fluttershy dodged trees and jumped over fallen ones and the roots of others. The trees seemed to loom, making faces just to make it scarier. She slid to a halt, still hearing a few hoof prints, she made a quiet sharp turn and hid in a big den, where not many could spot her. Her heart was still accelerated, she knew she had to breathe calmly, she couldn't be hyperventilating, they would only find her faster. Her legs burned from the long run and she soon began to sooth. Her breathing slowed and she laid in the abandoned den, waiting for all of the searching to end. Back to Fear Back to Fear There was a rush of hooves pounding the floor, they wanted everyone to go out into the cold, for they believe the criminal was back at the crime scene. The hallways were cluttered with a few cops, for it was the night shift and mist were told to go home. Fall and Case waited for the traffic to die down, when the hallways cleared more, they entered, following there fellow police. There talk wasn't yet over, this was just an interruption, that was serious, if it was the criminal and not a curious little pony. However there was a call and they were to answer, just in case it was true. Fall and Case were side by side, there shoulders touching well the left the station and let the could air nip at them. The stars gleamed in the sky and the moon made it harder to see them. "Do you think it could be her, Fluttershy I mean?" Case asked, before they were to start moving faster again. Fall just looked at him. "I don't know, who would know? It could just be an overreaction from shock for all we know." Case just nodded in reply as they began to move, catching up to the others so they wouldn't be separated from them. The group was of 11, including Blue who was leading them towards the boutique at a fast pace, he clearly wanted it all to be done soon. All ears were filled with the sounds of hooves on the dirt path. Many ponies seemed surpirsed that a gruesome murder like this had happened in this small town. After a few minutes, they arrived at the boutique and were able to see a pony inside, however she had gone out the wind, only Blue noticed and stopped everyone. "Pegasi, you all cover the air, we will go on ground pursuit, go go." Blue demanded. The ground force ran after the criminal and the air force, flying, not swooping unless she was to take off. Case moved around, wanting to see who and when he did get a look, he could see it was Fluttershy, for a second he wanted to stop, but he knew this could be true. He ran sideways, over to Fall, but yet he knew he shouldn't stop him, so he didn't speak. Soon he looked up to see Everfree Forest, then out of no where, everyone sped up, as though trying to be that person to win a race, but she soon went in and Blue ordered everyone to stop. "She isn't gone yet, Pegasi, make sure she doesn't fly away," He said, waiting until they took off, "The rest of you, get in there and find her." One had a gaped mouth. "But Everfree Forest is dangerous." He protested. "Well do you want to be next on her kill list, now get in there!" Blue demanded, entering himself. Fall seemed to hesitate, as though he no longer cared about his job. Case looked at him and walked by his side. "Come on Fall, we had... early experience you could say." Case said, trying to calm him. This was like staring fear in the face, even if it was from the past. They entered, running, trying to find out where Fluttershy had gone. Fall soon caught a glimpse of her. "There! You go the other way, cut her off." Fall said, running ahead. Case nodded and went the other way, running fast, but she turned sharply and he lost visual. Fall didn't have much luck, he was in a clearing and he faced the direction she was in, and then a rustle. He smiled, until he found, it was just Case who had wound up in a circle. "Case you know where she is?" Fall asked. However Case saw something Fall didn't, he was just out of the way and could just see it. "Fall look out!" Case yelled, but soon something came down and Fall was knocked out, the pony saw Case and ran. "Fall?" Case said, testing if he was okay, but there was no answer from Fall. That was when Case saw the few drops of blood and knew, that he could no long pursuit who was believed to be Fluttershy. The red mare from before heard and landed beside him, she just nodded, helping him get Fall on his back. She led the way out, mostly because she saw it from the skies. When they came out, no one questioned and Fall was taken to the hospital. The Next Day Fall was in the hospital bed while Case waited in the hall in hopes he would wake up, the red mare soon arrived. The white hospital walls seemed to sting eyes, and the seats weren't comfortable. Case waited outside the room, waiting for a nurse to say it was okay to come in. "Your here early." The red mare said with a smirk, but Case didn't respond, only a snore escaped him. The mare sighed and shook him, he awakened with a jolt. "Oh, uh hey." Case said, yawning afterwards. "Whats up? Why are you here so early?" The mare asked, giving a questioning look. "Why aren't you?" He retorted. "So I hardly know this guy and that's the first thing you ask?" The mare laughed at his retort. "I am here because he... was my friend. I could have stopped him from getting hurt and I didn't okay?" He paused, realizing he still didn't know the mare's name, "What is your name anyways?" "Rose." She said so quietly so not many could hear. "What? I can't hear you, speak up." Case said. "Rose. My mom wanted me to be sweet and gentle." She replied. He looked at her confused, "But all roses have thorns," He said smirking, as though happy to get something right. Rose just glared at him, as though mad he got the one up on her, "Anyways, what's your friend's name?" She asked, curious. "His full name is Falling Rocks, but everyone calls him Fall." Already knowing who she was talking about. She nodded, trying to get comfortable on the hospital seats, it was hard, they were hard like rocks. "Do you think he will wake up soon?" She asked. "I don't know, the nurse doesn't want to let me in until he is starting to come around." Case answered, and there they sat, silent. The Night of Blood The Night of Blood There was no silence in Everfree Forest, Fluttershy had saw it all, the mysterious pony knock out one of the officers and ran off. The apparent partner and a pegasus walked away, getting the one who was knocked out, out of the forest. When Fluttershy couldn't hear them she scampered out of the hole and began to move down the path the pony had taken. She wasn't sure if it was just a pony who was startled perhaps, but Fluttershy had just been able to see the smile under that hood. She ran, even though the chilling fears of Everfree Forest haunted her, trying to get her to turn back, she tried hard to follow the path. Soon the hoof prints ended, and Fluttershy knew that the pony had to have flown off, because the police no longer were in the sky. Fluttershy took off, looking over the land, just trying to find one trace of the mysterious pony who was in the forest. She knew now that an officer was injured, the police would be trying twice as hard to find her, but Fluttershy and this murderous pony were the only two who knew the truth. Fluttershy sped up, although her wings were beginning to cry for her to stop. Then she caught a glimpse, blood and it was coming out from behind a doorway. Luckily she didn't know this pony, so she opened the door to find another dead body, it was a mare. She walked inside however, even though she was horrified. She heard the door slam closed and she knew, the murderer was here. "Oh my, my, my it is little Fluttershy. Remember me, you broke my heart." A stallion said, smiling widely. "Wish? What are you doing? You can't just murder other ponies." Fluttershy said in a hushed shout. "Well I am sorry, but you need to pay. You broke my heart on Hearts and Hooves day." Wish replied, quite angered. "You were a bully, I don't want to be a bully's special somepony. I am sorry I hurt you, but you hurt everyone else and that wasn't right." Fluttershy replied, backing away slowly. She couldn't see Wish for he was in the dark and too hard to be seen, and his face shaded by a hood. It Mad Fluttershy nervous to even be standing in front of him, and she knew, he was standing in the blood of the mare and he enjoyed it. "You want to know what the best thing in the world is. Seeing the life drain from a pony's eyes." Wish gave a crooked smile until he left, flying fast. Fluttershy didn't go after him, she was still in shock by the words he had said. He was maybe once a bully, but he didn't even make kids bleed. He just liked being feared, and now, he was doing all this so she would be behind the bars of a jail cell. She walked back to the door, disgusted by the fact she had to step in the blood of the poor unfortunate mare. For a few seconds Fluttershy looked at the beautiful mare, her mane was cinder and her pelt was a pale brown. She was lovely, and an unicorn by the looks of it. A single tear fell from Fluttershy's eye, this poor mare was caught in the crossfire and for that, she was killed. It was not fair. This mare could have a husband or maybe even something else, but Fluttershy knew, that like most ponies, she had a family. A family that had loved her, and would hear in the morning, that she had passed on to the other side because of a murderer. "At least your in a better place." Fluttershy sniffled, until she flew off. She stopped at the river, washing her hooves of the pony's blood, she wanted it all off. Some of it came off harder then other spots, but when her pelt was clean, she flew back to her potential home. At least until the murderer was caught and she could come free from her small shelter. She tried to sleep, but in her dreams the images of the dead pony haunted her. She kicked in her sleep, and struggled. Then she awakened and it was dawn, the sun was just raising and Ponyville would here of the new victum. Wishing For The Past Wishing For The Past The hospital was a blinding white that bugged Rose's eyes. It had been hours and Case had fallen back asleep, and Rose decided not to disturb him, he might have not been able to sleep. She had asked for the day off to be here, she knew something the other two didn't. Although she knew she would feel bad for telling Fall when he awakened, she knew it was best he knew soon. She watched as nurses and doctors walked by and a few visitors who gave them looks, probably because Case was asleep, but she knew that he needed to. Fall would be allowed out if they were sure he wasn't badly injured from the cut on his forehead. The red mare could only think of the things that had happened and the report of the new murder. Someone had told her about it, the young mare who sadly was killed by Fluttershy. However it bugged her that a nice pony would murder someone, she was sweet and even looked innocent, but now it seemed no one these days could be. Soon the door opened and a young nurse appeared from behind it, she smiled at Rose, as though trying to make her smile back. Rose did smile back, but only to be friendly. "He is awake if you want to go in." She said and she went into the hall, probably to do something else. She nudged Case and he soon waked, letting out a yawn. "What is it?" He asked, rubbing his eyes. Rose smiled. "Fall is awake." Case soon got off the seat and walked in, slowly going to the right corner bed to see Fall, a bandage wrapped around his head. Case smiled, happy to see his partner. "Look who woke up." Case said, trying to make a joke, although it wasn't very good. Fall just smiled from Case's attempt to make him smile. It was a bad joke, but he felt happy just having his friend here. Although he had said before they weren't, now he thought that Case was maybe different from before, but by his guess he wouldn't have been here if it wasn't for him. Case was the last pony he saw before he had slipped into unconsciousness. "Heh, yeah." Was all Fall could really say, then he noticed the red mare, "What is she doing here?" "I am Rose by the way, and I was just coming to see if you were alright, that's all." Rose lied a little. Case looked at Rose briefly until turning back to Fall. So when are they letting you out of here?" "It won't be long, in a few hours in fact, I just have to rest because of the fact I was hit in the head. Just you still have to wonder why Fluttershy did that. She risked getting caught, and yet she knocked me out." Fall said, cocking his head slightly. "Maybe it is a mental disease, or maybe she just snapped. Many say that she was very nice, in fact too nice and people could step on her easily. Maybe she felt enough was enough." Rose suggested. Case nodded, agreeing with Rose's hypothesis, it was highly probable. Fall however looked as though he was thinking still, although Rose's hypothesis was probable. However Case seemed to want to ignore it, for he preferred not to have more to think of, considering he was still a little tired. "Excuse me, but visiting hours are over, sorry you all didn't get to talk long, but he did take a while to wake up." The nurse said, offering another smile. "Well I guess we will see you later Fall. Bye." Case said, and Rose remained silent. Case left, but Rose stopped in front of the nurse, she whispered something and the nurse's face turned pale, and she just nodded. Rose then walked back to Fall. "Um, Fall there is something you should know. There was another murder, and well, it was Starshine." Rose explained, no longer making eye contact with Fall. Fall's face turned pale as he recognized the name of his love, but he held back the tears and looked down at the blanket. "Oh..." That was all Fall managed to say. Rose left, feeling pain in her stomach, she knew why, she felt bad because he had to tell Fall his girlfriend was dead. With that she left, with the terrible feeling that she knew she would feel several times. "I am sorry." She said although Fall couldn't hear, but she felt the tears fall from her eyes. It was as though she had lost that, but she didn't. Her family was already gone and she loved no one, but she still knew what it was like to loose something that felt precise. Later That Day Fall had just left the hospital with his sore head from the injury that wasn't as bad as believed. He stilled wanted to cry, but he didn't want to feel the hot tears run down his face. Fall walked slowly, wondering if Rose had told Case, but he knew somehow that Case probably didn't know. Considering the tone Rose had admitted it. Fall decided to just walk home, so maybe he could cry. "Fall, uh, I heard, Rose told me a while ago." A voice came to his right. He lifted his head to see Case, why did he have to come back? Fall wanted to be alone, yet he was glad to have his friend company, yet wanting to be alone ruled more. "Can we just not talk about?" Fall asked, still having a sad look on his face. Case offered a warm smile. "Sure buddy. However we should go somewhere where nopony will be, they will get gossipy like most." "Thanks." Fall said, just able to smile back. They walked side by side, they decided to go across the bridge to the other side of the river where nopony may bother them. However is wasn't a for sure, but soon they were there and safe from the gossip of others. "So what do you wanna do?" Case asked, still trying to smile. "Let's just walk and talk." Fall answered, still unsure. Then seconds later, Case's pager went off. Friend to Enemy Friend to Enemy It was midday and it was warm from the summer air, however the slight breeze felt good. The forest also provided shade for the young accused mare called Fluttershy. She was working on her shelter for the day, for only when it was late she could go out and find evidence. She grabbed sticks and weaved the branches together and weaved leaves onto it for proper sheltering so the rain might not break through. The shelter was small and just big enough for her to fit in and of course sleep. Her stomach rumbled when she was done, she was hungry once again. She walked over to where she had stashed away some of her food, retrieving the few berries she had left. She was running low, there were maybe ten berries, but that wasn't enough to fill her hungry stomach. She ate the ten berries and then decided to go into the forest to find more food. She brought her saddle bag that she was willing to fill with any berries she could find. she walked slow, knowing that there wouldn't be much on the bush that she had found before. There were many rocks and soon she was being tripped by the ones on the ground. She noticed a mountain side and realized there must have been a rock slide while she was gone. She decided to go up and see what was up there, she needed to know the dangers that maybe waiting for her slumber. Her wings flapped and she slowly made progress up to the mountain top. She looked around, there was nothing here, but there were a few berries, something had been here. She hesitated and listened to the noises that surrounded, all she could hear was the chirping sound of birds. The bushes had light leaves and she recognized the berries, Raspberries and Saskatoon berries, both kinds tasted good. She smiled, happy yo have found them, however still hesitant, moved forward. She began to collect when she heard voices that were familiar and she slowly went closer. She was hesitant to move too close, she only wanted to get into a distant where she could see who it was and what it was saying. She crouched behind bushes near a clearing. "I can't believe Fluttershy would do something like that!" One of the ponies exclaimed and Fluttershy looked to see it was Rainbow Dash. To her surprise it was her friends, but why were they here? Were they trying to find her to bring her to prison? It somewhat hurt that they would think this was true, that she was a bloodthirsty murderer. It shredded at her insides, making a real pain that made her want to cry, but she held back the tears and continued to listen. "Rainbow, I don't think she did it." Twilight retorted. Fluttershy looked to see all of her friends, except Rarity of course. They were all there and she was tempted to come out and say it wasn't her, but she knew she was in too dangerous with Wish wanting to kill ponies and frame her. "Lets face it, Fluttershy wouldn't do something like that. She is shy." Applejack added to Twilight's comment. "How do we know it isn't just all a cover?" Rainbow retorted back at Applejack and Twilight. "All I really know is that she it is most likely, sadly. The evidence does point to her." Pinkie Pie said, not in her usual outgoing mood, more so somewhat sad. "Maybe so, but why? Why would Fluttershy do such a thing?" Twilight questioned. "She must have snapped." Rainbow mumbled. It hurt too much for Fluttershy to listen anymore and she soon walked away. She gathered more berries with her ears pricked. She waited until her saddle bag was filled and then she flew down to her base camp. It wasn't quite sunset, and although she was hungry, she felt too sad to really eat anything. Fluttershy looked around and realized she didn't know much about this place and decided to explore to sooth her conscience. She walked timidly still thinking of what her friends have said and how they actually thought she did it. I can't believe it, I can't go to my friends for help, I truly am alone. I can't live out here forever, but it might come to that. Wish is smart and probably pretending to be someone who wouldn't be accused of a crime. Two have died, and I should have stopped him, I have to stop him. Fluttershy thought, wishing she didn't have to. A yawned escaped her and she realized she hadn't slept yet. She turned back and went though the trees, happy there was still daylight and she could get some rest. Besides, she wanted to leave the world of her thoughts and relax herself. She yawned again as the appearance of her base camp came into view, her tiny little shelter in between two large trees. She went under the roof and curled up, crying herself to sleep from the thoughts that Rarity was murdered. As she slept she began to dream. There was blood splatter on the floor and a mare, her eyes grudged and it was Rarity. There were cuts and stab wounds covering her dead form. A pool of blood formed around yellow hooves as Fluttershy stood over her, hyperventilating, and hot tears running from her eyes. The metallic smell of blood made her stomach ache and made her gag. "There she is! Get her!" She heard one of her friends cry, but she didn't want to know. She urged herself forward running through a forest made of shadows. The branches of trees seemed to be reaching out, trying to grab her so she would be brought to jail. Her heart pounded with pure fear as she tried to go faster, but she could only maintain a slow gallop. The whole time she ran she could hear Rarity's voice in her head, also accusing her of the murder. "You did this? Fluttershy how could you?" It said and made Fluttershy stop in her tracks. "But I didn't." Fluttershy cried and she kept doing it until she awakened from her slumber. She huffed loudly, as though she had just been running a marathon. The fear still in her heart and she could hear the thudding noises still beat in her ears. She soothed soon, but still felt slight fear, she looked up at the sky. It was dark and black, the moon was up and she knew, it was time to get to work. Clarity Clarity The pager went off with the typical dinging noise, and Case noticed Fall's frown. The pager he had was if they needed him back at the station, that meant that something was up. "I have to go, sorry Fall." Case explained as he turned back to head to the station. "I am coming too, I am not doing nothing all day." Fall said, following and giving Case a reassuring smile. Case smiled back, and they began to walk back over the light brown wood bridge. They strolled down the streets and they were completely empty. The ponies in the town were getting scared, now hiding indoors because they fear they maybe murdered. "Wow, you would think they would have more faith, but they have lost hope." Case sighed, looking at his hooves as he walked. "Yeah, this place feels haunted." Fall said, looking around at the stores that said closed and the buildings with there lights turned out. "So what are we doing anyways?" Fall asked. "Were finally able to interview her friends, perhaps they have something to do with it." Case explained as they continued down the dirt roads. Fall just nodded and continued, looking at the few clouds in the sky. He still wished that Starshine was still alive. They walked in silence until they made it to the police station. They walked inside and down the halls to Case's office where the four mares were seated outside waiting. They all looked somewhat scared and sad over the lost of there friend and the fact that another was accused. Rose was also there, probably just to keep sorted and call in the next mare they needed to talk to. She seemed surprised to see him back, yet she offered a warm smile, trying not to make him think about Starshine. "Nice to see you back." She said cheerfully, "So who first?" Case paused for a moment to think about, then answered. "Lets start with Rainbow Dash, they are both pegsi of about the same age so perhaps they were in a school together." "I agree, she could even be a apprentice to Fluttershy if they share a real bond." Fall added. Rose nodded and opened the door, and soon a blue mare with a rainbow mane came in, followed by Rose who waited in the corner. They knew this was the pegisus they were looking for, mostly from what had been heard around the town. all of the six were heard about a lot in fact, especially now because of the death of Rarity who was one of the elements. "Hello Miss. Dash." Case greeted, "Feel free to take a seat, we don't know how long you will be here." Rainbow Dash nodded and took a seat. She didn't look too sad, she looked more so tough. It was as though she had expected it, yet there was still traces of sadness in her body language. Case looked at his papers, just to check the suggested questions by Blue, but also decided to keep it casual. "Anyways, I am Case, this is my partner Fall and the mare over there is Rose." Case said, introducing all his co-workers in the room at the moment. The pegsus mare just nodded, still quite silent. "As you know, we are aware you are friends with Fluttershy, who is accused of the murder of Rarity. So tell us, how long have you know the accused?" Case asked, keeping his voice calm and slow. He hated interrogations like this, they were boring and some of them couldn't stop crying, so they had to wait until they felt a little better and were able to keep themselves together. However Case just looked ahead and just listened, even though he wished he could leave. The brief walk he had talking with Fall was a lot better then all of this. "Yes, I have known Fluttershy ever since we were young. I met her at a flight school in Cloudsdale. She was bullied, so I helped her, I couldn't just stand there. We became a little bonded I guess, we met up again a few months later, we became quick friends and I introduced her to some of our other friends. Except for Twilight of course." Rainbow explained, in her voice was traces of nervousness. Case nodded and continued with another question. "So do you know what happened the night of Rarity's murder?" "Um, well we were drinking a little, it is kind of fuzzy, but I do remember that Rarity was nervous and that she told Fluttershy that she was planning to make a dress out of animal fur. Fluttershy was crying, I didn't know what happened after that because I went to comfort Fluttershy, she didn't say anything that sounded like a threat, but you never know." Rainbow Dash explained. Case's head lifted, no one said alcohol was involved. "That is enough, thank-you Miss. Dash, you may leave. We will call you if we need more answers." The young mare nodded and left the room, probably to go home. Case waited for a second to ponder what he had been told. Why didn't they know alcohol was involved? "We weren't told there was alcohol." Case said allowed and Fall nodded, already writing notes. "Rose, send in Twilight Sparkle. I have a doubt she drank that much." Case said, he knew about Twilight just like every other pony, in other words, somepony could say she was famous. Rose nodded and once again opened the door to retrieve another one of the ponies who were sitting outside. Case however was still confused, how didn't they figure out there wasn't alcohol? Even if the victim or accused didn't drink, wouldn't they still figure it out? Perhaps no one had questioned them yet and this was actual the first. His head lifted as the door came open and a lavender unicorn entered along with Rose. "You may take a seat Miss. Sparkle. Anyways, I am Case, this is my partner Fall and the mare over there is Rose. I am sure your aware on why you are here." Case said, introducing everyone again, and he knew that he would have to say it two more times afterwards. Twilight had nodded and took a seat in front of the desk, waiting for the questions to come. She seemed more so nervous, and was just looking at the floor. Case presumed that she was still a little broken up about the murder. "So what were you doing on the night of the party? We already heard from Miss. Dash that Rarity was planning to make a dress from animal fur." Case asked. "Well Rainbow, although she was a little drunk, seemed to understand that Fluttershy was sad. She had gone to comfort her and maybe found out what happened. That night Rarity, Fluttershy and I weren't drinking. I had reading to do the next day, Rarity also had work, but did have a small glass of wine, but no more after that, and Fluttershy didn't have any alcohol because she doesn't like it. Rarity and Fluttershy had a small fight," Twilight paused to take a deep breath, "but afterwards when Fluttershy left, Rarity was feeling bad. She told be she might just order artificial animal fur instead. However I am not sure if she decided to or not." Case nodded, but it just became more confusing, how didn't they know about the alcohol? Rarity had a little bit of wine even though she had to work. "Excuse me Twilight, but may I ask where the party was?" case asked. "Sugar Cube Corner. It was Applejack's birthday so we all came at 8:00 to celebrate. It was all a surprised, she was really happy we did it for her." Twilight explained. Case nodded, now he just needed to talk to the last two that were wrapped into this case, even if they may lack information from the fact they had been drinking. "Thank-you Miss. Sparkle. We will call if we need more information." Case explained. Twilight nodded and left the room. Case knew that Fall would be writing down more notes and decided to keep it that way. He did the talk, and Fall did the notes made it easy. "Rose I already know who we should talk to. Bring in Applejack, the party was for her so perhaps she knows something and she is honest." Case said, and Rose went out again to get the next pony. When Applejack entered, she seemed sad, but she also looked a little tired. She looked as though she wanted to just break down and cry, yet she looked too tough to let that occur. "Hello Miss. Smith. Please take a seat, I am Case, this is my partner Fall and the mare over there is Rose." Case said, and honestly he could even hear how sick he was of saying the same thing again. Applejack nodded and sat down, she whipped the tiredness from her eyes and tried to sit up straight against the back of the chair. She clearly knew that she would be questioned, perhaps she had heard from the other two who had left. "So Miss. Smith, what do you know about the accused?" Case asked, trying to get some more information about Fluttershy. "Well Ah know she's a sweet pony. Honestly Ah would be surprised if she did this. She is shy, very shy in fact. When she came to Ponyville, she almost didn't wanna come to her greeting party." Applejack explained, in a quiet tone. "How did you two meet?" Case asked. "Well one day Winona got hurt. Rainbow was there and told me about her. She took me to her, and well... she fixed of Winona. She was so happy to do it. After that she came to check on her every now and again, that was how we became friends." Applejack explained. "What about the party, what happened?" Case asked. "Well Rarity and Fluttershy began to fight. Ah should know, Ah was beside Fluttershy when Rarity told her about the fur dress. She broke down and after a while, Rarity left because she felt bad. A little while later, Fluttershy left, claiming she wanted to go home. They both said good-bye and happy birthday before they left." Applejack explained. Case nodded, and could tell by the way Applejack shifted in her seat, she preferred not to talk about it anymore. "Thank-you Miss. Smith, you may leave." Applejack nodded and left the room, Rose following only because she knew that there was only one more pony. Pinkie Pie, a well known pony of course. She loved to meet people, and everyone was her friend. However when Pinkie came in, her hair was straight, not curly and she looked sad. "Well Miss. Pie, you probably know all of us, so you might as well just take a seat." Case said, and looked to see all of the co-workers in the room nod. When Pinkie was seated he decided to begin, but before he could start she began to talk. "I don't think its her. Fluttershy is too sweet, she is too shy." Pinkie said, but said no more. "Maybe so, but anyone can crack. So do you know what happened at the party?" Case asked. "A little, they had fought, I tried to break it up, but they wouldn't stop. I didn't know what to do. Fluttershy left into the back room crying and Rarity left soon after. That is all I remember from that night." Pinkie explained. Case just nodded, she was clearly sad. She couldn't even talk that much. "You may leave Miss. Pie." He said, letting her go early. "Thank you." Pinkie said and left the room. Nothing made sense now, nopony knew about the alcohol, what was going on? Case just sat there and pondered what had happened. "Fall, I think we need to tell Blue and now." Case suggested. Fall nodded and they left into the hallways of the office to find Blue. ProloguePrologue It was a dark night, the moon hovered in the sky and a full silver ball it seemed. Rarity had finished her chat with her friends and was beginning to walk home from the long night. She tried her best not to let her shoulders slump, but they seemed to lower from the ache and tiredness she felt. Her eyes were groggy and trying to close with every second. There were no sounds other then the slight breeze that hit her face soothingly. The few stars twinkled as she arrived at her door and opened it. She smiled when she could see the inside of her lovely house, home sweet home. She walked inside, she wished she hadn't said she was planning to make a dress with animal hide, oh how she wished she hadn't. Fluttershy was crying her eyes out when she had told her that she was planning to do so. She now decided not to, it made Fluttershy so sad and she didn't want her friend to cry if she saw someone in an animal hide coat. Rarity sighed and walk away from the door, she needed tea, she felt as though she was too tense. The kettle boiled when she heard a knock at her door. "Who would be calling at this time?" Rarity wondered as she walked towards the door. She opened it and in an intense was tackled, she screamed loudly, struggling, trying to break free. She could see the evil smile of a pony and soon something sharp was brought down and broke her skin. Blood seeped out, it wasn't yet fatal, but Rarity's heart thudded against her chest as she began to panic. "Stop! Please I don't want to die!" Rarity cried, tears coming down her face and mixing into the tiny pool of blood from the one stab on her shoulder. She screamed as the knife was brought down gentle into her skin, slowly ripping it, then the murderer got impatient and annoyed by screams. He knew the police would be here soon. The white pony looked like a mess, bleeding through the deep cut he had put on her forehead, although a unicorn the murderer could tell she was too scared to think. "Too bad this has to end Rarity, but then again, all good things have to come to an end." The murderer said villainous, putting a smile on its face when it brought down the knife. Rarity would be dead and when it watched the life fade from her eyes, the smile became wider. Soon it left, leaving no trace of it being here, then the kettle squealed as it left.
The Accused Runs The Accused Runs It had been three days after Rarity was murdered, her friends still mourned her death. As a dull yellow pony with a pink mane and tale wondered back inside to cry some more. Even though the sun stood high, letting down beautiful light that soaked wonderfully into a pony's skin. The animals enjoyed it, but not Fluttershy, she was still broken up about Rarity. Her best friend who went to the spa with her, they were close, they had been through so much together and now she was dead. Angel watched as Fluttershy walked up the stairs in silence, yet Angel knew he couldn't bother her now, she was too sad to work with. Fluttershy entered her room, the wooden floor and walls were warm with sunlight that leaked through her bedroom window. She flopped stomach first onto her bed and let out a sigh as tears came from her eyes. Meanwhile at the Crime Scene Falling Rocks, a young police stallion, was working on the scene. The chief was absent, considering the birth of his new foal that was now happening today, his deputy, Blue was now taking over, barking orders at everyone. The sun was great that Fall wished he was at home with his girlfriend, that he had been dating for five months now, maybe going to the lake for a swim, but he knew he was stuck here, working. The crime scene was terrible, there was blood covering the floor and walls, the victim was already taken for analyzing. The grey stallion with the black mane walked carefully threw the scene, trying to absorb all that had happened. However Fall sighed as he just looked at the blood splatter on the floor, it was already dried, but could be cleaned when needed. He lowered his head, trying to get a better look at everything. As he was distracted he didn't notice the dark blue stallion with a slightly lighter mane sneaking up behind him. He shock Fall's shoulders, make him yelp in a second of fear, when he heard the laughter he knew who it was. He glared at the stallion who was rolling around on the ground. "You should have seen you face Fally." He laughed, slamming his hoof against the ground. "Shut the hell up Case! You don't need to be annoying," Fall snapped, "Also stop calling me Fally, you can call me Fall!" Case's laughter died down and he whipped the tears from his eyes, "Oh, come on Fall no need to be so uptight." Fall rolled his eyes at Case's ignorance, he knew Case since they were colts, he was nice and generous then, now he was a flirtatious, ignorant and childish Stallion, "What will Blue think when he sees you messing around? You and I might loose our jobs, you know Blue is strict!" "Cool it Fall. Blue is maybe strict, but I don't think he can fire someone without the chief's permission," Case explained, with a wide mischievous smile, "So have you found anything?" "No, I was looking then you scared me out of my skin." Fall answered, in a bit of a mutter as he walked a few steps, just to get a little further from Case so he couldn't listen to his temptation to strangle him. "Aww, Fall, your mad, I can tell." Case noticed as he walked closer to Fall. Fall glanced back to see something Case was about to step on, "Case stop!" The sudden screech startled Case a little, and instead of stepping over the significant evidence. He gazed down at his hooves to see a pink hair on the ground near where the body was. This must have been from the murderer, the victim's hair was purple. "Oh, I see, good job buddy." Case smiled and looked at Fall who was once again glaring at him, so he cocked his head, "What's wrong Fall?" "Listen Case, no offense, but your not my friend, we are nothing alike, okay, so deal with it." Fall explained, somewhat feeling bad for saying that. Case shrugged it off, not saying anymore and grabbed the tweezers from his saddle pack, well Fall corresponded by grabbing an evidence bag to put it in. Case picked up the small lock of hair carefully putting it into the bag. It seemed familiar to Case, he had a feeling he knew this pony, he had seen her before, however he didn't show it. He knew it was Fluttershy, an acquaintance of his, but yet he knew that she couldn't have, but it was maybe all a fake disguise to make everyone trust her. Back to Flutterfly Fluttershy was crying into her pillow, she missed Rarity so much and it was ironic that after there fight she was murdered. There was a tweet outside her window, so she opened the window and a bird flew in. It landed on her shoulder telling her what was going on. She gasped as the bird told her that she was accused for the murder of her dear friend. She had to leave, but if she did, she would be guilty. "I-I, can't go to prison, I would suffer, I have to run." Fluttershy said sadly, she grabbed a saddle bag and began to pack, crying the whole time until she flew out the window, she went high into the sky, she hoped just to look like a bird as she flew over a light forest, not the Everfree Forest that was dark and scary. She flew into the trees, knowing this was where she would have to live for now. I know I will miss the animals and my friends, but sometimes you got to do what you got to do. If I go to jail I can't prove my innocence. She thought sadly, knowing for now she would have to avoid Ponyville more often. The bird had told her what happened at the crime scene and how they somehow found a strand of her hair. She knew she didn't kill Rarity, she would never harm a living thing. The sweet and gentle pony was accused by people she may or may not know, but if they didn't, they should maybe know in a small town that if you didn't know anyone they were new or simply shy. She laid down on the soft grass under the shade of a thin birch tree as a few animals came to see her, a few she recognized from nurturing them. She felt so alone now, she was, her friends may have already heard, dependent on how fast this news spread, perhaps like wildfire. she laid there, just wanting to feel alone for now. Back to the Police Case had to tell someone that he knew the pony who had those locks of light pink hair. She knew where Fall's office area was, maybe they could talk, yet he felt that he had made him mad, and he remembered what Fall had said, that they weren't friends. He sighed in frustration and found himself just pacing back and fourth behind his desk. He soon sat down, his elbows on his desk and putting his hooves on his cheeks. Fluttershy? Why, just why did you do this? Was all Case could think, not many knew his past, Fall knew a little considering they had grown up together. What had changed? Case hated all this drama, his life had hardly any, now there were buckets filling his life. He had to say something, even if they weren't friends. He sighed, walk over to where Fall was working, he looked up from his desk, taken back by the sad expression on his face. Shock filled Fall's, why was Case sad? This wasn't like him at all. "Case? What's wrong?" Fall asked, almost questioning if this was even Case. "I-I, I know whose hair it is..," Case said, getting quieter until his voice drifted off. Fall cocked his head, normally Case was excited when he knew the answer or the possible answer, "Whose is it then?" "Fluttershy's."
Fall and Case Fall and Case Fall looked at Case, he had known that whole time and didn't tell him when they found the hair. He felt a little mad, but there was something about his past friend's face that left him uncertain, so he gave him the chance to continue. "However, I am not sure if it could be her. She doesn't seem like that kind of pony." Case explained briefly. "Well remember, not all cases are straight forward." Fall replied, referring to a case where a grandmother had killed her grandchildren because they accidentally broke a vase, it had been gruesome, blood all over the basement. Before Case had the chance to say something, a red mare with a retro orange mane entered, she wore black sunglasses and Fall could see she was a Pegasus. "What are you boys talking about?" She said, lowering her sunglasses and revealing rose eyes. Before Fall could answer, Case snapped, "Its none of your business. Why don't you just leave, we need to talk alone." The mare ignored him and simple walked over, pushing Case out of the chair noticeably, "Well too bad, because I want in. I don't know what your up to, but it sounds fun." Fall watched as she had pushed Case off the chair he had been sitting in, but knew he wouldn't be on the ground long. Then he turned his attention to the rude mare who was probably for ignorant then Case. "Like Case said, this is only between us. Besides you don't look like an officer anyways." Fall retorted, trying to get her out of here as soon as possible. "I was just transferred here, so check and mate." She gave a mischievous smile along with her sentence. "Well this is between us missy so you better get out of here and now." Case snapped and in a second the mare began to cry. Case had a shocked expression on his face, he didn't mean to make her cry, wasn't she an officer and could handle this? She looked at Fall who seemed to be waiting and he knew why, he thought Case should apologize. No way I am I saying sorry. He thought and just watched her cry. "You boys are so mean." She sniffled as he turned to the door about to leave, it made Case feel so much worst. "I am sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you." He muttered, having a bad feeling he could soon regret it. "Oh thank you, Case, like you said, be cool." She said, turning and sitting down on the floor. She was watching us. Now this girl is just getting completely creepy. Case thought, however he ignored looking back to Fall. "That is what I have been thinking, but it is just that she seems so harmless, almost too harmless in fact, Fluttershy wouldn't even hurt a fly." Case replied to the earlier comment, before the rude Pegasus barged in. "Fluttershy," the Pegasus started, "it seems highly unlikely. You know what, instead of staying here and helping, I will do a background check, chow." With that she left the room and Case was happy, he even smiled when she left. He turned back to Fall, waiting for a possible reply, but he seemed to want him to go on, as though there was more to him being here. "Okay Fall I can tell you know why else I am here. We were friends when we were colts, what has changed?" Case asked, looking fall straight in the eye, his green ones shinning. "You. You have changes Case, your ignorant now and childish, you could have got me fired today so just drop it, okay?" Fall snapped somewhat. Case looked down briefly, remembering the day fall had left Ponyville, remembering it was his fault. Twelve Years Ago "Mom I am going to Fall's, bye." A little blue colt said as he went through the kitchen door. The air was cold and laced with dampness, making it all colder. It swirled around, rustling the trees as it blew. The colt went down the dirt trails into Ponyville, greeting a few known faces. He pasted Sugar Cube Corner, and went to a small house not far from there. He brings up a hoof and knocks on the door. A grey colt answers and smiles at his friend. "Hey Case, where are we going today?" He said happily, leaving his house and closing the door behind him. "Hey Fall. I was thinking of a game, come with me I will tell you on the way we have to go somewhere to play." Case begins to walk and Fall follows. "So what were you thinking?" Fall asks, looking at his friend. "Well the game is called Knights, but we have to prove were brave knights so we can serve the princess." Case explained, still leading Fall. "So Case, where do we have to go anyways?" Fall asked curiously. "Everfree Forest." Case whispers the answer. Fall looks at Case, "But were not allowed there Case, we will get in trouble." "Not if no one knows, come on lets hurry." Case explains as he began to run in the direction of Everfree Forest. Fall follows him, but he is unsure why, for he is quite scared of the forest. When the coats get there, Case enters the dark Everfree Forest, well Fall hesitates and is still unsure why he follows. "Case are you sure we will be okay?" He asks, his voice quivering. "Yeah, we will be fine Fall. Now lets go." Case answers, coming closer to his friend to keep him calm. They go deep into the forest, not following the trails and soon they get lost. Fall gets more scared and he can tell they went too far. "Case, are we lost?" He asked, worried, staying close to his friend well he looked around. "Um, we are fine Fall, don't worry." Case lied to his friend, but he didn't want Fall to cry from the fear he was also feeling. "Case," Fall said, getting his friends attention, "I think I want to go home." "I-I, I don't know where home is." Case admitted, also wanting to go home to his parents. The two friends decide to hide in the roots of a tree, just so they didn't have to watch behind them. "Case I am scared." Fall stated to his friend, whipping the tears from his eyes. Case didn't reply when he heard the snap of a twig, a pony comes. It was a young mare with white fur and a silver mane, she also leads them out of Everfree Forest and the two coats feel bad. That day Fall's parents decided they needed to move away, because of what happened in Everfree Forest, they only told Case's parents and Case felt his whole friendship shatter there. Twelve Years Later Case snapped out of his thoughts when out of no where he began to hear the siren. It was Blue's voice. "There has been a break in at the boutique, we believe it is the murderer!" Author's Note Starting at this chapter, the chapters will go back in fourth between Fluttershy and Fall and Case, who are the other two mane characters, I hope you are fine with this and it also depends on what order I need.
Crime Scene For Benefit The air was warm outside and the forest provided shade to survive the heat. Not many came this way, Fluttershy knew she was safe here. She was said to be guilty for the murder of her dear friend Rarity. Even though her friend told her she planned to make a dress from animal hide, she could not murder her, although she deeply cared for the animals. She would simple tell them to run and hide so Rarity wouldn't find any, although Fluttershy hated to do that to Rarity, sometimes it needed to be done. However being accused she had to run, most people just claimed they didn't do it. but had no proof to show to the court. If she tried to prove not guilty, they would slam the evidence in front of her and she would be behind bars where she didn't belong. She knew she had to wait until nightfall to go to the crime scene Something made her worry about going there, she had to know, but what if they had cleaned it and not a shred of dirt remain, she doubted it, but it was possible. "I can't go to my friends, I am alone." Fluttershy said in her usual hush voice. I have to keep myself busy. Maybe I should make shelter and find food, I don't know how long I will be here, it could be a long time until I am proved not guilty. Fluttershy thought as she sighed. She began to pick up tiny sicks, debating weather or not she would make a fire. She struggled moving the larger sticks to form her shelter. Fluttershy already knew life out here was going to be very tough, and it was possible she may not live out here, however Fluttershy knew she had to prove herself innocent so the real criminal would be behind bars. Yet she wondered why she was accused, she was sweet and kind, had nopony noticed how she did she good deeds. She felt somewhat betrayed thinking about why, she soon decided to ignore the why. She decided to go find some food, she was quite hungry and needed to eat something. Her stomach felt empty and it made her feel a little sick. She began to wonder, her hooves just grazing the top of the grass as she stepped clumsily. Her feet pretty much shuffled against the ground, for she was still feel glum over Rarity. The forest had many bushes, but not all had berries, just making her hunger more for the delicious treat. She didn't pack much in her saddle bag, only a few things, like a few bags in case she did find something at the crime scene, a small bottle of water, so she could take her time finding water. She sighed as she walked down a small hill area and soon she could see blue berries. They were purple colored and looked ripe, the bush was also nice and there were birds eating off the bush. Fluttershy knew they were safe, the birds looked fine and she was very hungry. She trotted over quite fast, craving the dark purple berries. She began to plop them in her mouth and she could taste the lovely burst of flavor. Fluttershy ate a little more then her fill and grabbed some for later. She knew she had to head back to her base camp, besides it was getting dark, it was time to go take a look at the crime scene. She flew back, so she didn't have to pass the trees, besides, most ponies were heading inside. Mostly since the murder had happened at this time. Fluttershy places her saddle bag in the roots of a tree, it was an old fox den, perfect for hiding her stuff. Fluttershy went just outside the forest and then began to fly high in the sky where she hoped she couldn't be seen. She landed in front of the boutique, remembering Rarity. She was holding her breath until she noticed and huffed out. She opened the door slowly and began to look around. Little did she know a pony had seen her and was calling the police. However Fluttershy's focus was on the unclean bloodstained house. She looked, under sofas and chairs and she had to admit the criminal did a good job at keeping it clean. All Fluttershy wondered was, where is the weapon? Perhaps the murderer took it, but the police described it as quick and that the murderer wouldn't bother bringing the weapon along, it would slow him or her down. That was when she heard hooves on the ground coming this way, she turned to the doorway to see the police were coming. Fluttershy gasped, surprised someone had seen her and now one exit was blocked. She went threw the window, knowing that she would have to run, if she flew now they would see her for sure. She ran fast, and she knew the police were close behind. Although her legs burned she picked up her speed, she wished to fly, but Pegasi were in the air, waiting for her to take off so they would finish it. She could see the dark dense forest, Eeverfree Forest, although she was scared of it, she knew it was the only way that she could make it. She didn't hesitate and ran full speed into the dark forest. It was hard to see as Fluttershy dodged trees and jumped over fallen ones and the roots of others. The trees seemed to loom, making faces just to make it scarier. She slid to a halt, still hearing a few hoof prints, she made a quiet sharp turn and hid in a big den, where not many could spot her. Her heart was still accelerated, she knew she had to breathe calmly, she couldn't be hyperventilating, they would only find her faster. Her legs burned from the long run and she soon began to sooth. Her breathing slowed and she laid in the abandoned den, waiting for all of the searching to end.
Back to Fear Back to Fear There was a rush of hooves pounding the floor, they wanted everyone to go out into the cold, for they believe the criminal was back at the crime scene. The hallways were cluttered with a few cops, for it was the night shift and mist were told to go home. Fall and Case waited for the traffic to die down, when the hallways cleared more, they entered, following there fellow police. There talk wasn't yet over, this was just an interruption, that was serious, if it was the criminal and not a curious little pony. However there was a call and they were to answer, just in case it was true. Fall and Case were side by side, there shoulders touching well the left the station and let the could air nip at them. The stars gleamed in the sky and the moon made it harder to see them. "Do you think it could be her, Fluttershy I mean?" Case asked, before they were to start moving faster again. Fall just looked at him. "I don't know, who would know? It could just be an overreaction from shock for all we know." Case just nodded in reply as they began to move, catching up to the others so they wouldn't be separated from them. The group was of 11, including Blue who was leading them towards the boutique at a fast pace, he clearly wanted it all to be done soon. All ears were filled with the sounds of hooves on the dirt path. Many ponies seemed surpirsed that a gruesome murder like this had happened in this small town. After a few minutes, they arrived at the boutique and were able to see a pony inside, however she had gone out the wind, only Blue noticed and stopped everyone. "Pegasi, you all cover the air, we will go on ground pursuit, go go." Blue demanded. The ground force ran after the criminal and the air force, flying, not swooping unless she was to take off. Case moved around, wanting to see who and when he did get a look, he could see it was Fluttershy, for a second he wanted to stop, but he knew this could be true. He ran sideways, over to Fall, but yet he knew he shouldn't stop him, so he didn't speak. Soon he looked up to see Everfree Forest, then out of no where, everyone sped up, as though trying to be that person to win a race, but she soon went in and Blue ordered everyone to stop. "She isn't gone yet, Pegasi, make sure she doesn't fly away," He said, waiting until they took off, "The rest of you, get in there and find her." One had a gaped mouth. "But Everfree Forest is dangerous." He protested. "Well do you want to be next on her kill list, now get in there!" Blue demanded, entering himself. Fall seemed to hesitate, as though he no longer cared about his job. Case looked at him and walked by his side. "Come on Fall, we had... early experience you could say." Case said, trying to calm him. This was like staring fear in the face, even if it was from the past. They entered, running, trying to find out where Fluttershy had gone. Fall soon caught a glimpse of her. "There! You go the other way, cut her off." Fall said, running ahead. Case nodded and went the other way, running fast, but she turned sharply and he lost visual. Fall didn't have much luck, he was in a clearing and he faced the direction she was in, and then a rustle. He smiled, until he found, it was just Case who had wound up in a circle. "Case you know where she is?" Fall asked. However Case saw something Fall didn't, he was just out of the way and could just see it. "Fall look out!" Case yelled, but soon something came down and Fall was knocked out, the pony saw Case and ran. "Fall?" Case said, testing if he was okay, but there was no answer from Fall. That was when Case saw the few drops of blood and knew, that he could no long pursuit who was believed to be Fluttershy. The red mare from before heard and landed beside him, she just nodded, helping him get Fall on his back. She led the way out, mostly because she saw it from the skies. When they came out, no one questioned and Fall was taken to the hospital. The Next Day Fall was in the hospital bed while Case waited in the hall in hopes he would wake up, the red mare soon arrived. The white hospital walls seemed to sting eyes, and the seats weren't comfortable. Case waited outside the room, waiting for a nurse to say it was okay to come in. "Your here early." The red mare said with a smirk, but Case didn't respond, only a snore escaped him. The mare sighed and shook him, he awakened with a jolt. "Oh, uh hey." Case said, yawning afterwards. "Whats up? Why are you here so early?" The mare asked, giving a questioning look. "Why aren't you?" He retorted. "So I hardly know this guy and that's the first thing you ask?" The mare laughed at his retort. "I am here because he... was my friend. I could have stopped him from getting hurt and I didn't okay?" He paused, realizing he still didn't know the mare's name, "What is your name anyways?" "Rose." She said so quietly so not many could hear. "What? I can't hear you, speak up." Case said. "Rose. My mom wanted me to be sweet and gentle." She replied. He looked at her confused, "But all roses have thorns," He said smirking, as though happy to get something right. Rose just glared at him, as though mad he got the one up on her, "Anyways, what's your friend's name?" She asked, curious. "His full name is Falling Rocks, but everyone calls him Fall." Already knowing who she was talking about. She nodded, trying to get comfortable on the hospital seats, it was hard, they were hard like rocks. "Do you think he will wake up soon?" She asked. "I don't know, the nurse doesn't want to let me in until he is starting to come around." Case answered, and there they sat, silent.
The Night of Blood The Night of Blood There was no silence in Everfree Forest, Fluttershy had saw it all, the mysterious pony knock out one of the officers and ran off. The apparent partner and a pegasus walked away, getting the one who was knocked out, out of the forest. When Fluttershy couldn't hear them she scampered out of the hole and began to move down the path the pony had taken. She wasn't sure if it was just a pony who was startled perhaps, but Fluttershy had just been able to see the smile under that hood. She ran, even though the chilling fears of Everfree Forest haunted her, trying to get her to turn back, she tried hard to follow the path. Soon the hoof prints ended, and Fluttershy knew that the pony had to have flown off, because the police no longer were in the sky. Fluttershy took off, looking over the land, just trying to find one trace of the mysterious pony who was in the forest. She knew now that an officer was injured, the police would be trying twice as hard to find her, but Fluttershy and this murderous pony were the only two who knew the truth. Fluttershy sped up, although her wings were beginning to cry for her to stop. Then she caught a glimpse, blood and it was coming out from behind a doorway. Luckily she didn't know this pony, so she opened the door to find another dead body, it was a mare. She walked inside however, even though she was horrified. She heard the door slam closed and she knew, the murderer was here. "Oh my, my, my it is little Fluttershy. Remember me, you broke my heart." A stallion said, smiling widely. "Wish? What are you doing? You can't just murder other ponies." Fluttershy said in a hushed shout. "Well I am sorry, but you need to pay. You broke my heart on Hearts and Hooves day." Wish replied, quite angered. "You were a bully, I don't want to be a bully's special somepony. I am sorry I hurt you, but you hurt everyone else and that wasn't right." Fluttershy replied, backing away slowly. She couldn't see Wish for he was in the dark and too hard to be seen, and his face shaded by a hood. It Mad Fluttershy nervous to even be standing in front of him, and she knew, he was standing in the blood of the mare and he enjoyed it. "You want to know what the best thing in the world is. Seeing the life drain from a pony's eyes." Wish gave a crooked smile until he left, flying fast. Fluttershy didn't go after him, she was still in shock by the words he had said. He was maybe once a bully, but he didn't even make kids bleed. He just liked being feared, and now, he was doing all this so she would be behind the bars of a jail cell. She walked back to the door, disgusted by the fact she had to step in the blood of the poor unfortunate mare. For a few seconds Fluttershy looked at the beautiful mare, her mane was cinder and her pelt was a pale brown. She was lovely, and an unicorn by the looks of it. A single tear fell from Fluttershy's eye, this poor mare was caught in the crossfire and for that, she was killed. It was not fair. This mare could have a husband or maybe even something else, but Fluttershy knew, that like most ponies, she had a family. A family that had loved her, and would hear in the morning, that she had passed on to the other side because of a murderer. "At least your in a better place." Fluttershy sniffled, until she flew off. She stopped at the river, washing her hooves of the pony's blood, she wanted it all off. Some of it came off harder then other spots, but when her pelt was clean, she flew back to her potential home. At least until the murderer was caught and she could come free from her small shelter. She tried to sleep, but in her dreams the images of the dead pony haunted her. She kicked in her sleep, and struggled. Then she awakened and it was dawn, the sun was just raising and Ponyville would here of the new victum.
Wishing For The Past Wishing For The Past The hospital was a blinding white that bugged Rose's eyes. It had been hours and Case had fallen back asleep, and Rose decided not to disturb him, he might have not been able to sleep. She had asked for the day off to be here, she knew something the other two didn't. Although she knew she would feel bad for telling Fall when he awakened, she knew it was best he knew soon. She watched as nurses and doctors walked by and a few visitors who gave them looks, probably because Case was asleep, but she knew that he needed to. Fall would be allowed out if they were sure he wasn't badly injured from the cut on his forehead. The red mare could only think of the things that had happened and the report of the new murder. Someone had told her about it, the young mare who sadly was killed by Fluttershy. However it bugged her that a nice pony would murder someone, she was sweet and even looked innocent, but now it seemed no one these days could be. Soon the door opened and a young nurse appeared from behind it, she smiled at Rose, as though trying to make her smile back. Rose did smile back, but only to be friendly. "He is awake if you want to go in." She said and she went into the hall, probably to do something else. She nudged Case and he soon waked, letting out a yawn. "What is it?" He asked, rubbing his eyes. Rose smiled. "Fall is awake." Case soon got off the seat and walked in, slowly going to the right corner bed to see Fall, a bandage wrapped around his head. Case smiled, happy to see his partner. "Look who woke up." Case said, trying to make a joke, although it wasn't very good. Fall just smiled from Case's attempt to make him smile. It was a bad joke, but he felt happy just having his friend here. Although he had said before they weren't, now he thought that Case was maybe different from before, but by his guess he wouldn't have been here if it wasn't for him. Case was the last pony he saw before he had slipped into unconsciousness. "Heh, yeah." Was all Fall could really say, then he noticed the red mare, "What is she doing here?" "I am Rose by the way, and I was just coming to see if you were alright, that's all." Rose lied a little. Case looked at Rose briefly until turning back to Fall. So when are they letting you out of here?" "It won't be long, in a few hours in fact, I just have to rest because of the fact I was hit in the head. Just you still have to wonder why Fluttershy did that. She risked getting caught, and yet she knocked me out." Fall said, cocking his head slightly. "Maybe it is a mental disease, or maybe she just snapped. Many say that she was very nice, in fact too nice and people could step on her easily. Maybe she felt enough was enough." Rose suggested. Case nodded, agreeing with Rose's hypothesis, it was highly probable. Fall however looked as though he was thinking still, although Rose's hypothesis was probable. However Case seemed to want to ignore it, for he preferred not to have more to think of, considering he was still a little tired. "Excuse me, but visiting hours are over, sorry you all didn't get to talk long, but he did take a while to wake up." The nurse said, offering another smile. "Well I guess we will see you later Fall. Bye." Case said, and Rose remained silent. Case left, but Rose stopped in front of the nurse, she whispered something and the nurse's face turned pale, and she just nodded. Rose then walked back to Fall. "Um, Fall there is something you should know. There was another murder, and well, it was Starshine." Rose explained, no longer making eye contact with Fall. Fall's face turned pale as he recognized the name of his love, but he held back the tears and looked down at the blanket. "Oh..." That was all Fall managed to say. Rose left, feeling pain in her stomach, she knew why, she felt bad because he had to tell Fall his girlfriend was dead. With that she left, with the terrible feeling that she knew she would feel several times. "I am sorry." She said although Fall couldn't hear, but she felt the tears fall from her eyes. It was as though she had lost that, but she didn't. Her family was already gone and she loved no one, but she still knew what it was like to loose something that felt precise. Later That Day Fall had just left the hospital with his sore head from the injury that wasn't as bad as believed. He stilled wanted to cry, but he didn't want to feel the hot tears run down his face. Fall walked slowly, wondering if Rose had told Case, but he knew somehow that Case probably didn't know. Considering the tone Rose had admitted it. Fall decided to just walk home, so maybe he could cry. "Fall, uh, I heard, Rose told me a while ago." A voice came to his right. He lifted his head to see Case, why did he have to come back? Fall wanted to be alone, yet he was glad to have his friend company, yet wanting to be alone ruled more. "Can we just not talk about?" Fall asked, still having a sad look on his face. Case offered a warm smile. "Sure buddy. However we should go somewhere where nopony will be, they will get gossipy like most." "Thanks." Fall said, just able to smile back. They walked side by side, they decided to go across the bridge to the other side of the river where nopony may bother them. However is wasn't a for sure, but soon they were there and safe from the gossip of others. "So what do you wanna do?" Case asked, still trying to smile. "Let's just walk and talk." Fall answered, still unsure. Then seconds later, Case's pager went off.
Friend to Enemy Friend to Enemy It was midday and it was warm from the summer air, however the slight breeze felt good. The forest also provided shade for the young accused mare called Fluttershy. She was working on her shelter for the day, for only when it was late she could go out and find evidence. She grabbed sticks and weaved the branches together and weaved leaves onto it for proper sheltering so the rain might not break through. The shelter was small and just big enough for her to fit in and of course sleep. Her stomach rumbled when she was done, she was hungry once again. She walked over to where she had stashed away some of her food, retrieving the few berries she had left. She was running low, there were maybe ten berries, but that wasn't enough to fill her hungry stomach. She ate the ten berries and then decided to go into the forest to find more food. She brought her saddle bag that she was willing to fill with any berries she could find. she walked slow, knowing that there wouldn't be much on the bush that she had found before. There were many rocks and soon she was being tripped by the ones on the ground. She noticed a mountain side and realized there must have been a rock slide while she was gone. She decided to go up and see what was up there, she needed to know the dangers that maybe waiting for her slumber. Her wings flapped and she slowly made progress up to the mountain top. She looked around, there was nothing here, but there were a few berries, something had been here. She hesitated and listened to the noises that surrounded, all she could hear was the chirping sound of birds. The bushes had light leaves and she recognized the berries, Raspberries and Saskatoon berries, both kinds tasted good. She smiled, happy yo have found them, however still hesitant, moved forward. She began to collect when she heard voices that were familiar and she slowly went closer. She was hesitant to move too close, she only wanted to get into a distant where she could see who it was and what it was saying. She crouched behind bushes near a clearing. "I can't believe Fluttershy would do something like that!" One of the ponies exclaimed and Fluttershy looked to see it was Rainbow Dash. To her surprise it was her friends, but why were they here? Were they trying to find her to bring her to prison? It somewhat hurt that they would think this was true, that she was a bloodthirsty murderer. It shredded at her insides, making a real pain that made her want to cry, but she held back the tears and continued to listen. "Rainbow, I don't think she did it." Twilight retorted. Fluttershy looked to see all of her friends, except Rarity of course. They were all there and she was tempted to come out and say it wasn't her, but she knew she was in too dangerous with Wish wanting to kill ponies and frame her. "Lets face it, Fluttershy wouldn't do something like that. She is shy." Applejack added to Twilight's comment. "How do we know it isn't just all a cover?" Rainbow retorted back at Applejack and Twilight. "All I really know is that she it is most likely, sadly. The evidence does point to her." Pinkie Pie said, not in her usual outgoing mood, more so somewhat sad. "Maybe so, but why? Why would Fluttershy do such a thing?" Twilight questioned. "She must have snapped." Rainbow mumbled. It hurt too much for Fluttershy to listen anymore and she soon walked away. She gathered more berries with her ears pricked. She waited until her saddle bag was filled and then she flew down to her base camp. It wasn't quite sunset, and although she was hungry, she felt too sad to really eat anything. Fluttershy looked around and realized she didn't know much about this place and decided to explore to sooth her conscience. She walked timidly still thinking of what her friends have said and how they actually thought she did it. I can't believe it, I can't go to my friends for help, I truly am alone. I can't live out here forever, but it might come to that. Wish is smart and probably pretending to be someone who wouldn't be accused of a crime. Two have died, and I should have stopped him, I have to stop him. Fluttershy thought, wishing she didn't have to. A yawned escaped her and she realized she hadn't slept yet. She turned back and went though the trees, happy there was still daylight and she could get some rest. Besides, she wanted to leave the world of her thoughts and relax herself. She yawned again as the appearance of her base camp came into view, her tiny little shelter in between two large trees. She went under the roof and curled up, crying herself to sleep from the thoughts that Rarity was murdered. As she slept she began to dream. There was blood splatter on the floor and a mare, her eyes grudged and it was Rarity. There were cuts and stab wounds covering her dead form. A pool of blood formed around yellow hooves as Fluttershy stood over her, hyperventilating, and hot tears running from her eyes. The metallic smell of blood made her stomach ache and made her gag. "There she is! Get her!" She heard one of her friends cry, but she didn't want to know. She urged herself forward running through a forest made of shadows. The branches of trees seemed to be reaching out, trying to grab her so she would be brought to jail. Her heart pounded with pure fear as she tried to go faster, but she could only maintain a slow gallop. The whole time she ran she could hear Rarity's voice in her head, also accusing her of the murder. "You did this? Fluttershy how could you?" It said and made Fluttershy stop in her tracks. "But I didn't." Fluttershy cried and she kept doing it until she awakened from her slumber. She huffed loudly, as though she had just been running a marathon. The fear still in her heart and she could hear the thudding noises still beat in her ears. She soothed soon, but still felt slight fear, she looked up at the sky. It was dark and black, the moon was up and she knew, it was time to get to work.
Clarity Clarity The pager went off with the typical dinging noise, and Case noticed Fall's frown. The pager he had was if they needed him back at the station, that meant that something was up. "I have to go, sorry Fall." Case explained as he turned back to head to the station. "I am coming too, I am not doing nothing all day." Fall said, following and giving Case a reassuring smile. Case smiled back, and they began to walk back over the light brown wood bridge. They strolled down the streets and they were completely empty. The ponies in the town were getting scared, now hiding indoors because they fear they maybe murdered. "Wow, you would think they would have more faith, but they have lost hope." Case sighed, looking at his hooves as he walked. "Yeah, this place feels haunted." Fall said, looking around at the stores that said closed and the buildings with there lights turned out. "So what are we doing anyways?" Fall asked. "Were finally able to interview her friends, perhaps they have something to do with it." Case explained as they continued down the dirt roads. Fall just nodded and continued, looking at the few clouds in the sky. He still wished that Starshine was still alive. They walked in silence until they made it to the police station. They walked inside and down the halls to Case's office where the four mares were seated outside waiting. They all looked somewhat scared and sad over the lost of there friend and the fact that another was accused. Rose was also there, probably just to keep sorted and call in the next mare they needed to talk to. She seemed surprised to see him back, yet she offered a warm smile, trying not to make him think about Starshine. "Nice to see you back." She said cheerfully, "So who first?" Case paused for a moment to think about, then answered. "Lets start with Rainbow Dash, they are both pegsi of about the same age so perhaps they were in a school together." "I agree, she could even be a apprentice to Fluttershy if they share a real bond." Fall added. Rose nodded and opened the door, and soon a blue mare with a rainbow mane came in, followed by Rose who waited in the corner. They knew this was the pegisus they were looking for, mostly from what had been heard around the town. all of the six were heard about a lot in fact, especially now because of the death of Rarity who was one of the elements. "Hello Miss. Dash." Case greeted, "Feel free to take a seat, we don't know how long you will be here." Rainbow Dash nodded and took a seat. She didn't look too sad, she looked more so tough. It was as though she had expected it, yet there was still traces of sadness in her body language. Case looked at his papers, just to check the suggested questions by Blue, but also decided to keep it casual. "Anyways, I am Case, this is my partner Fall and the mare over there is Rose." Case said, introducing all his co-workers in the room at the moment. The pegsus mare just nodded, still quite silent. "As you know, we are aware you are friends with Fluttershy, who is accused of the murder of Rarity. So tell us, how long have you know the accused?" Case asked, keeping his voice calm and slow. He hated interrogations like this, they were boring and some of them couldn't stop crying, so they had to wait until they felt a little better and were able to keep themselves together. However Case just looked ahead and just listened, even though he wished he could leave. The brief walk he had talking with Fall was a lot better then all of this. "Yes, I have known Fluttershy ever since we were young. I met her at a flight school in Cloudsdale. She was bullied, so I helped her, I couldn't just stand there. We became a little bonded I guess, we met up again a few months later, we became quick friends and I introduced her to some of our other friends. Except for Twilight of course." Rainbow explained, in her voice was traces of nervousness. Case nodded and continued with another question. "So do you know what happened the night of Rarity's murder?" "Um, well we were drinking a little, it is kind of fuzzy, but I do remember that Rarity was nervous and that she told Fluttershy that she was planning to make a dress out of animal fur. Fluttershy was crying, I didn't know what happened after that because I went to comfort Fluttershy, she didn't say anything that sounded like a threat, but you never know." Rainbow Dash explained. Case's head lifted, no one said alcohol was involved. "That is enough, thank-you Miss. Dash, you may leave. We will call you if we need more answers." The young mare nodded and left the room, probably to go home. Case waited for a second to ponder what he had been told. Why didn't they know alcohol was involved? "We weren't told there was alcohol." Case said allowed and Fall nodded, already writing notes. "Rose, send in Twilight Sparkle. I have a doubt she drank that much." Case said, he knew about Twilight just like every other pony, in other words, somepony could say she was famous. Rose nodded and once again opened the door to retrieve another one of the ponies who were sitting outside. Case however was still confused, how didn't they figure out there wasn't alcohol? Even if the victim or accused didn't drink, wouldn't they still figure it out? Perhaps no one had questioned them yet and this was actual the first. His head lifted as the door came open and a lavender unicorn entered along with Rose. "You may take a seat Miss. Sparkle. Anyways, I am Case, this is my partner Fall and the mare over there is Rose. I am sure your aware on why you are here." Case said, introducing everyone again, and he knew that he would have to say it two more times afterwards. Twilight had nodded and took a seat in front of the desk, waiting for the questions to come. She seemed more so nervous, and was just looking at the floor. Case presumed that she was still a little broken up about the murder. "So what were you doing on the night of the party? We already heard from Miss. Dash that Rarity was planning to make a dress from animal fur." Case asked. "Well Rainbow, although she was a little drunk, seemed to understand that Fluttershy was sad. She had gone to comfort her and maybe found out what happened. That night Rarity, Fluttershy and I weren't drinking. I had reading to do the next day, Rarity also had work, but did have a small glass of wine, but no more after that, and Fluttershy didn't have any alcohol because she doesn't like it. Rarity and Fluttershy had a small fight," Twilight paused to take a deep breath, "but afterwards when Fluttershy left, Rarity was feeling bad. She told be she might just order artificial animal fur instead. However I am not sure if she decided to or not." Case nodded, but it just became more confusing, how didn't they know about the alcohol? Rarity had a little bit of wine even though she had to work. "Excuse me Twilight, but may I ask where the party was?" case asked. "Sugar Cube Corner. It was Applejack's birthday so we all came at 8:00 to celebrate. It was all a surprised, she was really happy we did it for her." Twilight explained. Case nodded, now he just needed to talk to the last two that were wrapped into this case, even if they may lack information from the fact they had been drinking. "Thank-you Miss. Sparkle. We will call if we need more information." Case explained. Twilight nodded and left the room. Case knew that Fall would be writing down more notes and decided to keep it that way. He did the talk, and Fall did the notes made it easy. "Rose I already know who we should talk to. Bring in Applejack, the party was for her so perhaps she knows something and she is honest." Case said, and Rose went out again to get the next pony. When Applejack entered, she seemed sad, but she also looked a little tired. She looked as though she wanted to just break down and cry, yet she looked too tough to let that occur. "Hello Miss. Smith. Please take a seat, I am Case, this is my partner Fall and the mare over there is Rose." Case said, and honestly he could even hear how sick he was of saying the same thing again. Applejack nodded and sat down, she whipped the tiredness from her eyes and tried to sit up straight against the back of the chair. She clearly knew that she would be questioned, perhaps she had heard from the other two who had left. "So Miss. Smith, what do you know about the accused?" Case asked, trying to get some more information about Fluttershy. "Well Ah know she's a sweet pony. Honestly Ah would be surprised if she did this. She is shy, very shy in fact. When she came to Ponyville, she almost didn't wanna come to her greeting party." Applejack explained, in a quiet tone. "How did you two meet?" Case asked. "Well one day Winona got hurt. Rainbow was there and told me about her. She took me to her, and well... she fixed of Winona. She was so happy to do it. After that she came to check on her every now and again, that was how we became friends." Applejack explained. "What about the party, what happened?" Case asked. "Well Rarity and Fluttershy began to fight. Ah should know, Ah was beside Fluttershy when Rarity told her about the fur dress. She broke down and after a while, Rarity left because she felt bad. A little while later, Fluttershy left, claiming she wanted to go home. They both said good-bye and happy birthday before they left." Applejack explained. Case nodded, and could tell by the way Applejack shifted in her seat, she preferred not to talk about it anymore. "Thank-you Miss. Smith, you may leave." Applejack nodded and left the room, Rose following only because she knew that there was only one more pony. Pinkie Pie, a well known pony of course. She loved to meet people, and everyone was her friend. However when Pinkie came in, her hair was straight, not curly and she looked sad. "Well Miss. Pie, you probably know all of us, so you might as well just take a seat." Case said, and looked to see all of the co-workers in the room nod. When Pinkie was seated he decided to begin, but before he could start she began to talk. "I don't think its her. Fluttershy is too sweet, she is too shy." Pinkie said, but said no more. "Maybe so, but anyone can crack. So do you know what happened at the party?" Case asked. "A little, they had fought, I tried to break it up, but they wouldn't stop. I didn't know what to do. Fluttershy left into the back room crying and Rarity left soon after. That is all I remember from that night." Pinkie explained. Case just nodded, she was clearly sad. She couldn't even talk that much. "You may leave Miss. Pie." He said, letting her go early. "Thank you." Pinkie said and left the room. Nothing made sense now, nopony knew about the alcohol, what was going on? Case just sat there and pondered what had happened. "Fall, I think we need to tell Blue and now." Case suggested. Fall nodded and they left into the hallways of the office to find Blue.
ProloguePrologue It was a dark night, the moon hovered in the sky and a full silver ball it seemed. Rarity had finished her chat with her friends and was beginning to walk home from the long night. She tried her best not to let her shoulders slump, but they seemed to lower from the ache and tiredness she felt. Her eyes were groggy and trying to close with every second. There were no sounds other then the slight breeze that hit her face soothingly. The few stars twinkled as she arrived at her door and opened it. She smiled when she could see the inside of her lovely house, home sweet home. She walked inside, she wished she hadn't said she was planning to make a dress with animal hide, oh how she wished she hadn't. Fluttershy was crying her eyes out when she had told her that she was planning to do so. She now decided not to, it made Fluttershy so sad and she didn't want her friend to cry if she saw someone in an animal hide coat. Rarity sighed and walk away from the door, she needed tea, she felt as though she was too tense. The kettle boiled when she heard a knock at her door. "Who would be calling at this time?" Rarity wondered as she walked towards the door. She opened it and in an intense was tackled, she screamed loudly, struggling, trying to break free. She could see the evil smile of a pony and soon something sharp was brought down and broke her skin. Blood seeped out, it wasn't yet fatal, but Rarity's heart thudded against her chest as she began to panic. "Stop! Please I don't want to die!" Rarity cried, tears coming down her face and mixing into the tiny pool of blood from the one stab on her shoulder. She screamed as the knife was brought down gentle into her skin, slowly ripping it, then the murderer got impatient and annoyed by screams. He knew the police would be here soon. The white pony looked like a mess, bleeding through the deep cut he had put on her forehead, although a unicorn the murderer could tell she was too scared to think. "Too bad this has to end Rarity, but then again, all good things have to come to an end." The murderer said villainous, putting a smile on its face when it brought down the knife. Rarity would be dead and when it watched the life fade from her eyes, the smile became wider. Soon it left, leaving no trace of it being here, then the kettle squealed as it left.
