Equestrian Investigationsby JofYChaptersA Summoning Turnabout: Part 1A Summoning Turnabout: Part 2A Summoning Turnabout: Part 3A Summoning Turnabout: ExtrasAn Acted Turnabout: PrologeAn Acted Turnabout: Part 1A Summoning Turnabout: PrologueA Summoning Turnabout: Part 1Time: 1:00 AM Day:??? Location: Holding Cell (Where am I?) I think as I wake up seeing bars guarding the only open wall, (I guess I’m in a holding cell. Doesn’t answer my original question completely, but its a start.) (Okay. It’s best if I get my thoughts together after what just happened. So, from what I’ve seen, horses are apparently a sentient race in wherever I am. Also, it appears that I’m in a completely different location then when I first fainted. Hmm… I would bet, based on those two facts, I’m in a different universe than my own. After all, it’s much more likely than a different planet or time era. I don’t know what is normal with cultural standards here, so I should be sensitive with how I talk) I get up from the bench, walk to the bars and say, “Hello? Is anyone there?” In response, the sound of metal armor starts clanging together as a horse walks up to my cell and says, “Where have you come from that you use anyone? I guess it’s not strange since there little to none humans in Equestria. Anyways, what do you want?” I say, “I want to know what I’m in here for. Could you please tell me?” “...You’re in here for murder.” “Wait. MURDER!?” I say as a reel back from shock as my eyes widen and my arms go into a defence stance. “I didn’t kill anyone! Why doesn’t anyone believe me?” The guard becomes confused from my statement and says, “What are you talking about? This has literally been the first moment that anypony’s talked to you since we’ve arrested you.” (Wait. So they don’t know- forget about that right now. That’s not what’s important. What is important is what I’m being tried for right now.) I ask, “Then for what reason am I being arrested for? Why am I considered guilty here?” He starts to respond, but then get interrupted by someone else. “Because of the proof that states you did it.” The blue horse pony I saw from earlier starts coming down the hall. This time, I notice that she’s got some sort of horn sticking out of her head and wings. “Guard, didn’t I tell you to get me instantly once he woke up?” He replies, “Yes Luna. But-” “And here I find you having a sociable conversation with the killer. This won’t look good on your next pay.” “But I… I’m sorry your majesty.” “If I may interject,” I said, “I just regained consciousness and I asked him what was going on. Do you mind if I could hear your logic for why you arrested me? Um… Luna is it?” “Alright. It's simple. Since you were the one found at the scene, you must have been the one who killed them.” She says. “Could you please explain it to me in detail?” I ask. “Very well then. If you can’t remember your actions yourself.” She says. ==== Witness Testimony === --Luna’s Logic-- “It must have been you. After all, you were the only one at the scene of the crime.” “Somehow, you were able to lure five of my guards into my room.” “Next, you slit the throats each of them.” “There is no possible way it couldn’t have been you.” *** “And that my proof.” Luna says. “Really? Is all you have?” I ask sweating from embarrassment. “Yes. And I can see I have you shaking in fear from my deductive reasoning.” She replies. “So… Um… What happens now?” The guard pony asks. “I... cross-examine her. Wait, do you not know what’s going on right now?” I ask him with a worried stare. “Not really.” (I guess I should tell him. I mean he’s the only pers- I mean pony that can verify our conversation.) “Okay then I'll tell you.” I say, “What she just gave, was a testimony. It’s her version of how events went down. Now, it’s my turn to prove her story wrong.” “Why would you want to do that?” He asks. Sweating I say, “Because if I don’t, I’ll be labeled as a murderer.” “Ohh! Okay.” Regaining my normal stance I continue, “Anyways, I have two ways to do so. Pressing statements for information, and presenting evidence. When there isn’t enough information in a statement, I can press to try and fill in the gaps. However, when something she says contradicts the evidence, then I can present that evidence and show the lies she’s been spreading.” “Ah! Now I got it.” “Let’s get on with it then!” Luna exclaims annoyed by the tangent we just went off on. “Okay then.” ===Cross-Examination=== --Luna’s Logic-- “It must have been you. After all, you were the only one at the scene of the crime.” “Somehow, you were able to lure five of my guards into my room.” “Next, you slit the throats each of them.” HOLD IT! “Stabbed?” I ask. “Yes. Stabbed.” Luna replies. “Do you have the knife or an autopsy report to confirm this?” “I have the knife right here. Unfortunately, the autopsy is still being done.” She says and pulls out a knife that has blood all over one side. "Why is blood only on one side?" "Their throats were slit. This caused the blood to spray out of the body instead of pour out." “Is there any proof on the knife that points to me?” “You were on it. I think that proof enough.” “Very well.” I say jotting down notes about it. Knife has been accepted into the journal. Knife: Used to stab each of the victims. There is blood all over one side blade. (It wasn’t me who stabbed any of them. That fact I know to be true. Now, I just need to prove it to her.) “It must have been you. After all, you were the only one at the scene of the crime.” “Somehow, you were able to lure five of my guards into my room.” “Next, you slit the throats each of them.” OBJECTION! “So according to your theory, I used a knife.” I say. “Yes.” She confirms. “And if you look at the knife, you can see that blood is everywhere on knife meaning that when they were killed, blood started pouring out.” “Yes.” “Then why don't I have any blood on me?” “Well... Um... GAH!” She exclaims while reeling her self back. “Ma-maybe you just didn’t get it on you.” “That could be case if the blood simply went out. However, if the blood sprayed out, what ever was directly in front of the knife would also got blood on it.” “Then you must have wiped it of somewhere!” “Then where? Do you have proof of what I could have used?" "Um... That is..." “If I didn't get blood on me, then how could I have used that knife?” “Well… Um…” She says trying to think. “Maybe you just…” “Face it. You made a rash decision.” “WHAT?” “I wouldn’t blame you. After all, I can’t imagine having the most rational thoughts after seeing an unknown species inside a murder scene.” She starts crying, “I-I’m sorry. I-I didn’t mean to-” “You made a mistake, and that’s okay. I forgive you.” “Thank you. Could you please let him out.” She says to the guard, “I-I think I just need to rest for a second and-” HOLD IT! “Now, now, auntie. I think you’ll have plenty of time to rest after the atrocity that you just committed.” Somepony says walking down the hall. He appears to be some sort of noble stuck-ass. "What do you mean? I haven't done anything." She says. "Oh ho ho ho. Really? Trying to be ignorant of your actions? How unruly of you." "I have done nothing wrong." "Oh ho ho ho. Tell that to this poor... thing." He says while putting his hoof through his hair in an 'elegant' manner. (THING!? That little piece of) "Fine. I admit it. I acted irrationally. Because of that, an innocent being may have been charged for crimes he didn't commit." “Please," I say, " No need to apologize. I drop any charges that may come about accus-” “No, no, no." The ass says, "Not that. Well, it is that she wanted you guilty. That is, so she could escape punishment.” “Wait, WHAT!?” I shout reeling back. “BLUEBLOOD! THIS IS NO TIME FOR JOKES!” Luna shouts. “Oh ho ho. I’m not joking. Even a simple glance shows that you really killed them" Blueblood says. “WHAT!?" She shouts as she reels back. "Anypony could have seen that it was you." (Is that really the truth here? What proof does he have? Furthermore, why am I here? Was it truly her that summoned me? Did she set me up? Is it her fault that lives were lost? I can’t let somepony- no. I can’t let anybody that is innocent be declared guilty.) “I-I would like to investigate.” I say. “Oh ho ho. You investigate? I doubt you even know how.” Blueblood asks. “I want to make sure that you’re right about this.” "You clearly don't know how things work around here, do you?" "Based on what I've seen so far, you'd need some evidence to say she's guilty." "Which I have." "What if you were also wrong." “Oh please. There's no need. I know I’m rig-” “Then let me see if there’s any clues that may lead to how I got here.” “You can take a look after we're finished with our-.” “But then you might take away some clues!” “You can-” “PLEASSSE!” I whine out trying to be as hammy as possible. He thinks it over for a few seconds, “...Fine." He says annoyed, "I’ll grant you the right to investigate the scene of the crime. That way, I’m sure I’ll shut up any complaints you might have. Come with me.” “Thank you so much.” I say with a bow. (I can’t believe I just did that. I just had to bow to that ungrateful little- whatever. Anyways, am I really going to defend a pony? I haven't even ever investigated a crime scene before! I was just winging it up till now. I just hope I’ve made the right decision here. At least I’m no longer thought as a guilty person.) ...To be continued A Summoning Turnabout: Part 2Time: 1:30 AM Day: May, 23 Location: Luna’s Bedroom “Thank you, Luna.” I said entering her room. On the way there, I decided to ask Luna about the different types of sentient species in Equestria. There wasn’t enough time for her to tell me everything, but she did tell me about the main types of ponies that exist. Unicorns, ponies that can use magic. Pegasus, ponies that can fly. And Earth Ponies, ponies that can neither fly or use magic but, have more stamina and work faster than the other two. The guard that was holding me in the mean time, was able to pick up the autopsy report. Even though it didn’t list everypony separately, the differences between the bodies weren’t big enough to note. Autopsy Report has been accepted into Journal. Autopsy Report: Each pony was cut in the jugular, killing them. Signs indicate that the guards might have been rendered unconscious magically before death. Time of death is estimated around 11:10 PM to 12:00 PM “You may now start your investigation. Though I doubt that you’ll find anything different than what I’ve already found. Oh ho ho. I’ll decide when you’ve had enough time playing around though.” Blueblood said. (Ladies and Gentlemen! I present to you, the Incredible Ass! I wonder if there’s a reason why he doesn’t care about his sister at all. He won’t even share with me his findings until after I’ve completed mine. Anyways, I think it might be wise to search out all the possibilities Luna’s room has to offer. It would be best to start with the entrances and exits the killer could have used.) Investigation Start I see the room before me. It’s a simple circular room, with the drawers and such around the walls and a bed that takes up about a third of the room in the middle. The walls are neatly designed with spiral patterns with a pink backround and have a cumitive total of six windows that are at least three times my height. The bodies that were laying around the bed have been taken away with only white tape as a reminder of what used to be. The only ways to get in and out of this room are the hallway we just came through and a window door that leads to a balcony outside. Bedroom Map has been accepted into Journal. Bedroom Map: A circular room. The only means of entrance and exit are a hallway, and a balcony. (I should explore from every angle possible. Hmm… maybe the killer flew in here from the balcony.) I think to myself as I walk over there to check it out. After moving the curtains that were covering it away, I see the window door closed and locked. From what I can see, there isn’t anything to open the lock from the outside. “Hey, Luna.” I say. “Yes?” She replies. “How often do you use the balcony to leave?” “I usually go onto the balcony to raise the moon. After that, I leave the castle from there to go do some errands that need to be done.” “Don’t you have servants for that?” “There are somethings that I do, that I like to do personally.” “If you’re wondering, there are multiple witness accounts that show this was the case at that time.” Said Blueblood. “Just out of curiosity, is there anyone who would normally come into this room between when Luna left and when the bodies were discovered?” I ask. “No.” Said Luna, “I like to take care of my own room. Puts a little more purposes into my life.” (She’s a princess and she feels like she doesn’t have enough purpose in her life? I’ll have to ask about that later. Anyways, I know know that this window was originally open.) Window has been accepted into Journal. Window: Open when Luna first left. Closed, locked, and covered by curtains when the bodies were found. Can only be opened from the inside. (That still doesn’t lead to any concrete facts yet though. I might as well check out some of the other things in this room.) I turn left, and go to the mirror in the room. It’s holds a nice shine to it, like it’s constantly being cleaned. I, for the first time in a while, am able to get a good look at my face. (Wow! My hair is a mess! Have I been screaming all about with my hair like this? This must be fixed immediately!) “Luna!” I shout. “Yes?” She replies. “I need to borrow your brush! Where is it?” “It’s right on the counter.” (Oh thank god!) I think to myself as a pick up the brush and begin to fix my hair. (I honestly don’t understand why anyone would consider me a reasonable being with my hair like this!) As I finally put the last strands in place, I put the brush back on the counter where it used to be. “Um…” Luna says, “It looks exactly the same.” “Please,” I reply, “it looked hideous before. “Are you sure?” “Trust me, where I’m from, it’s a curse to have porcupine hair.” She giggles a little. “Pfft. Really? You didn’t change it at all.” (Do they not fear spiked hair in this universe!? Anyways, back to the investigation.) I decide to go over to where each of the bodies used to lie, and examine the area. The blanket on the bed is a pinkish purple and is disturbed but for the most part clean. Also, the tape now lies where the bodies used to be. There isn’t any visible blood in sight over any of the bodies. “Hey Guard!” I shout out. “Yes?” He replies. “When the bodies were taken away, did they also clean up after themselves?” “No. They should have just left everything else where it was.” “Then something isn’t right.” “What do you mean?” He asks with a curious stare. “I think there’s a contradiction between this scene and the evidence.” I say with my first three right hand fingers rub my chin. “Where is it?” “...Something seems off with the bodies used to lay.” “Well, you may think something is weird, but that won’t equal squat without evidence.” (Hmm… I know something is wrong here. Maybe it’s-) OF COURSE! “It’s to clean!” I exclaim. “What’s to clean?” Blueblood asks, hearing my uproar. “Nothing.” I meekly say, trying to make him forget my scream. “Very well then. Continue on.” He says, turning his attention away from me again. “What is it?” The guard asks. “Well,” I respond, “our victims here were cut in the jugular right? Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t the jugular spray out a lot of blood?” “Yes, actually. But there’s no blood here!” He finally realizes. “Exactly, so, where did the blood go?” (Did the killer clean up after he or she was done? Where they cut somewhere else? I wonder. Anyways, back to searching for clues.) Taking a look at the bed itself, I notice that the sheets are red and moist while the comforter on top, is clean. (That’s weird. Is this what Equestrian silk is like? Why this feels to moist to be comfortable. Are these what her sheets are like?) Stopping for a second to piece together the facts I’ve just learned, I start think of a logical conclusion to some of them. (Hmmm…. Luna’s sheets are way too moist to seem comfortable. In fact, there quite red. Maybe, the reason for this is because it’s blood! That the answers where the blood went. So that would mean, that the killer removed the comforter, and slit the victims throats on the bed.) Bed has been accepted into Journal. Bed: While the comforter on top is clean, the sheets underneath are moistened with blood. (There are still somethings about this world that I still don’t know. I guess it’s as good of a time as any to get them cleared up.) “Hey Luna!” I exclaim. “Yes?” She replies, “Is there something that you would like to know?” “Multiple things actually.” “Alright,” Luna interrupts, “but may I ask a question of my own first?” “Sure.” I say whilst shrugging my shoulders. “Why are you doing this?” “What do you mean?” “Protecting me. After all, the first thing that I did when I first met you is wrongly accuse you of murder.” “My reasoning is two-fold. One, I don’t believe somepony in here has the capability to perform an actual intelligent investigation. And, I can see that you’re too innocent to commit murder.” “Innocent?” She says like she could be anything but. “Yes. First off, are there any secret things about this room that wouldn’t be known to the general public?” “Quite a few actually. Like the fact that nothing in this room can be manipulated from the outside with telekinesis.” “Interesting, what else?” “There isn’t any sort of secret escape tunnel if that’s what you're wondering boy.” Blueblood interjects, “Besides, if they aren’t known to the general public, why should they be known to you?” (This guy doesn’t want me to know anything! I don’t have a clue as to what sort of functions and security this place has. Well… I do know that any manipulation that happened to objects in this room, had to have been caused by something else in this room.) “Fine,” Luna says, “Is there anything else you wanted to know?” “Yeah,” I say, “why does Blueblood have this much investigative power over you?” “Oh ho ho. Why, you may ask?” Blueblood says, “It’s because I’m the best at solving crimes in our family, so I’m the leader of investigations around here.” “Actually,” Luna says, “it’s because when he got the position, things were a lot nicer and there wasn’t any real crime problem.” “Why you little-” Blueblood rants. Deciding not to focus on him, I ask, “What do you mean crime wasn’t as bad?” “Well,” Luna says while getting a tear in her eye, “things used to be a bit more peaceful.” “What caused change?” “...I became... evil.” Luna says. “WHAT!” I shout. “It’s a long story.” “Tell me.” “Around a thousand years ago, me and my sister, Celestia, were both rulers of this land. However, all sorts of evil entities were trying to take over. We managed to defeat them in the end using The Elements of Harmony.” “What are those?” “They are arguably, the most powerful force in Equestria. Yet, they require ponies that have the same virtues as the Elements to use. Only one pony has been able to use the Elements on their own, my sister. And… It was when she had to banish me to the moon.” “Why?” “I got corrupted by hate and became evil. Not wanting to harm me, my sister used the Elements and did the only thing that she could do. However, I was not contained forever. A few years ago, I managed to break out of the moon and threatened to plunge Equestria into eternal darkness. Fortunately, a new group of ponies were able to find the Elements and purge me of my hate. “Unfortunately though, since that day, crime started to go onto the rise. Next thing I knew, theft, treason, arson, and even assault were everywhere. We had the first murder trial in century’s a few years ago. And it’s all my fault. I can see it in my sister’s eyes. She blames me for all of this. And I don’t blame her for thinking that way. I feel like I’m to blame as well. “Blueblood didn’t and still doesn’t have any skill in solving anything, he’s just the pony who was in charge before Equestra became so dark.” I can see it in her eyes. She’s trying to hold back the tears, but she can’t. (I can only imagine what she’s been through. I can’t just let her be mis-convicted on top of everything else.) “I’m sorry Luna.” I say. “Don’t be.” She says while sobbing. “It’s always my fault.” “No it isn’t.” “YES IT IS! IF I NEVER CAME BACK, THEN EQUESTRIA WOULD STILL BE IN A TIME OF PEACE! IT’S MY FAULT! IT ALWAYS IS!” “I don’t believe that to be true.” “W-what do you mean?” “If you were truly evil, nothing would able to change that. If these Elements were able to take away your hate, that means it completely changed your personality, or, it was never yours to begin with. Either way, it’s that part that corrupted you that’s at fault. Not you.” “Th-thanks.” “Besides, I’ve done worse.” “W-worse?” “Yes. You may have been the indirect cause of thousands of murders, but I was the direct cause of two.” Luna’s shocked by what I’ve just told her. She at least has stopped crying when she brings her head up and asks, “You’ve committed murder?” “Yes. I promise you to tell you about it when I’m done here.” She giggles a little, “I don’t get you. You’re a murderer who is now trying to defend a pony that just blamed you for a different murder?” “I’ve accepted the fact a long time ago. I don’t care about what happens to me anymore.” I said while shrugging my shoulders. “Honestly, I’m doing this because I care more about truth now than anything else.” (She’s innocent. This is genuine. But crying about her misdeeds won’t fix anything. I need to think this through. Hm… None of my three loose ends connect with any other to make anything concrete… AH! Maybe, if two loose ends don’t lead to anything, maybe three might! So if I consider all three parts, the killer’s method of movement, the change of the window, and how nothing can be manipulated by the outside then…) “It’s was most likely the killer left through the hallway.” I blurt out. “What?” Luna asks. “Ah. Sorry, I just figured something out.” “How did you figure it out?” “Well, this room can’t be tampered with by magic from the outside, right?” “Yes.” “And when you first left this room, the window was open.” “Correct.” “However, the window is now locked. So that could mean either three possibilities: the window was closed by somepony who came in before the murder, during the murder, or after the murder. Yet, it’s impossible for random pony to come in and lock the window after the murder and not see the bodies. So unless you were the one who closed the windows, the windows were closed by the time the murder left the room. And the only way to leave after locking the windows, is through the hallway.” “Interesting,” Luna remarks, “I didn’t think of it that way.” Window has been updated. Window: Open when Luna first left. Closed, locked, and covered by curtains when the bodies were found. Can only be opened from the inside. Killer likely closed and locked the window. (Well, I think I’ve investigated everything in this room. Now, I make sure that the facts match up with Blueblood’s logic.) Investigation Complete “Finally,” Blueblood moans, “I was just about to throw you out myself. Now, can you see why only Luna could have killed them?” “No actually.” I reply, “I don’t see any decisive evidence that Luna’s the killer. This may be her room, but anyone could have entered it.” “Oh ho ho. You haven’t realised it yet? Very well, I’ll tell you exactly why she’s the killer. It’s because she’s the only one with access to this room.” “That doesn’t prove anything.” “Then how could a pony enter here with access?” “They... could enter here?” “You don’t get this, do you?” “I don’t think you get it.” “Very well. I’ll explain it to you.” ===Witness Testimony=== --Access to this Room-- “I don’t think a simpleton like you would understand this, but this castle is not a public playground. There are only a number of ponies that can just walk into this castle.” “Furthermore, this is the sleeping area for where one of the rulers of Equestria sleeps. You can’t just come in to a room like this without regal permission.” “However, one of the few ponies that can enter this room at will, is Luna. Not only that, but her guards can to.” “If it were anypony else, they would be arrested immediately.” “Unfortunately, due to the deaths of all of the guards that can come in this room, there is only one pony left who would. Luna.” “There isn’t a single way any normal pony can just enter and leave at will.” *** “Oh ho ho.” Blueblood boasted, “There. That should be decisive enough for you.” (Really? He really expects me to buy all of that. That doesn’t even prove anything. Who would buy into something like that?) “Wow, he’s good.” Said the guard pony. (Simpleton!) “But wait,” I said, “Are you saying that only six ponies can come in here at will?” “There are only six that could have come in here.” Blueblood confirms, “Luna’s guards can bring another guard in here as well, but since there isn’t any evidence that one could be brought in here, you get the idea. I hope.” ===Cross-Examination=== --Access to this Room-- “I don’t think a simpleton like you would understand this, but this castle is not a public playground. There are only a number of ponies that can just walk into this castle.” “Furthermore, this is the sleeping area for where one of the rulers of Equestria sleeps. You can’t just come in to a room like this without regal permission.” HOLD IT! “And what exactly would regal permission entail?” I ask. “Merely that either Celestia or Luna say it’s okay.” Blueblood responds. “Really? That easy?” I pondered with a worried stare. “There are only so many ponies that actually know either of my aunts, so there isn’t that long of a list. Plus, you would have to get in touch with them.” “Still, is there any way to keep track of them?” “Luna,” Blueblood asks, “did you allow anyone into your room in the past day or so?” “No Blueblood.” Luna says looking a little sad. “And I’ve already asked Celestia the same question if you're wondering,” Blueblood continues saying, “and her response was the same.” “However, one of the few ponies that can enter this room at will, is Luna. Not only that, but her guards can to.” HOLD IT! “But what about Celestia?” I ask. “She’s sleeping.” Replied Blueblood, “I checked, and her guards have informed me that she went to sleep at around 10:30 PM.” (She went to sleep at 10:30? How much of a lightweight must this Celestia be?) “So why can’t any other pony just come in here at all?” “Oh ho ho. You really need an answer to that? Very well…” “If it were anypony else, they would be arrested immediately.” “Unfortunately, due to the deaths of all of the guards that can come in this room, there is only one pony left who would. Luna.” HOLD IT! “There is literally no other pony that could come in here?” I ask. “Oh ho ho. No.” Blueblood simply responds. “So, Luna only has five guards that can just come in here at will? Why is that?” “Same reason there’s a restriction in the first place, to protect Luna.” “But wouldn’t-” “Don’t even try to say that one of the other guards did it, since they group up in pairs.” “Then-” “I asked all the guards, they didn’t see anything suspicious heading towards Luna’s room.” (Really? All of them? That quickly? How on earth… no, how could he at all manage to do that?) “There isn’t a single way any normal pony can just enter and leave at will.” OBJECTION! “Hmph.” I said, “So there isn’t any way for a pony to get in here?” “Not without being seen by several guard ponies along the way,” Blueblood said, “all of which each testifying not seeing anypony going to here.” “So you're saying that no pony could enter through the window?” “Oh please. It’s impossible to open from the outside.” “Even though Luna testified that she left it open?” “GAH!” Blueblood said reeling back. “It doesn’t matter if the pony that killed them entered in here legally, after all, the pony that entered here committed murder.” “Um… That is… Ah! Then why is the window closed right now?” “Simple, the killer closed it before leaving.” “And what, sneaked out of the castle without a single guard pony seeing the culprit?” “Tell me, are your guards trained in finding a pony sneaking in, or out?” “It doesn’t matter! They didn’t see anything!” “That still doesn’t prove that it didn’t happen.” “Yes, but then how did our victims fall asleep if the murderer was a pegasus? After all, pegasi can’t use magic, only unicorns can.” “Hmph. I guess that means that one other possibility exists.” “And what would that be?” “If a pegasus came in here and a unicorn put our victims to sleep then that would mean, there was an accomplice.” PREPOSTEROUS! "I think we need to stop before you get too silly." "Silly?" "Yes. Why would pegusas need to be a part off the murder?" "I don't know. However, I've just proved that your investigation was incomplete!" PREPOSTEROUS!!! “Oh ho ho.” Blueblood laughed, “You think what a pony could access was actually my proof of Luna’s guilt? HA! No, no, no, that isn’t it at all. There’s also what was used to actually stab them.” “Wait, WHAT!?” I said reeling back. “Well of course. I just wanted to see how well you would handle under… pressure. Admittedly I didn’t mean to appear so weak at first, but then again you actually found a flaw in an argument. (Didn’t he hear how I proved MY innocence? I had to argue for that as well. Why would he even bother if he just wanted to shut me up?) “I figured out right away from your appearance that this room is no longer secure. However, that’s not made me think it was my poor, tragic, aunt. BEHOLD!” He says while pulling out the knife that was used to kill the guards. “Yeah, what about that?” “I want you to look directly at the handle, if that isn’t too much for you.” “I can see... what appears to be bite marks?” “Yes, well, ponies that don’t have magic can’t pick up small things with their hoofs with relative ease. Thus, they bite on the object to pick it up. And even us unicorns like to pick things up with our mouths sometimes. Now, when a pony bites on an object, they get their saliva on it. And what do you know! There just happens to be saliva on the knife. So tell me, who’s saliva do you think is on this knife?” (Oh god don’t tell me-) “...Luna’s?” I meekly manage to say. “Well, it looks like you have an actual brain in their after all. Of course this would be natural since it is her knife, however, there's more. The handle is wet. If the handle is wet, that means she used it. And what do you think she used it for?” “Gah!” I said whilst reeling back. “You’ve performed tests?” “Not yet, but-” OBJECTION! “Then she might have not been the one to wield the knife tonight.” PREPOSTEROUS!!! “Oh ho ho. And you have proof that this isn’t her slivia? After all, it's her knife.” “...No.” I say sweating. Luna’s Knife has been updated. Luna’s Knife: Used to stab each of the victims. There is blood all over the blade. The blood on it has already dried. Currently has saliva on the handle. “Ha! I thought so.” Blueblood boasts, “And that should wrap up everything else you’re wondering about right?” (Does it? I mean her DNA is on the murder weapon! How could it not have been her? Is there anything wrong with this piece of evidence? Should I raise an objection?... Hold on. If she used it and didn’t want anyone to know she used it then-) “Wait a second!” I said slamming my foot to the ground. “Why is her saliva on the knife in the first place?” “Oh ho ho. It’s simple really. She used it.” “Then why didn’t she use magic to lift the knife? I’m sorry but, as long as your story has holes, it’s just a theory, and unless you can fill them in, I won’t accept your version of events.” “Oh ho ho. You still can’t see what happened? Then I guess I’ll just fill you in on the details.” ===Witness Testimony=== --Blueblood’s Logic-- “After Luna raised the moon at sunset, she left to do some ‘errands’.” “Later, she came back here and brought her most elite guards with her.” “Then, she used her magic to make them all fall asleep.” “She then used her mouth to pick up the knife and slit their throats.” “She couldn’t have used magic to pick up the knife because she must have been drained.” “Finally, she summoned you here to try and frame you so she could escape being a murderer.” *** “There you go.” Blueblood said, “Everything all explained so that even you have a chance of getting it if you put your mind to it” “Why are you so gung ho on your aunt being the murderer?” I asked. “Oh ho ho. I’m not being gung ho, I’m not a hoe at all.” “What I meant is, why are you so focused on making sure that Luna’s declared guilty for this?” “Please, I’m not trying to set anypony up, I’m just making sure she receives the justice she deserves.” (I can’t tell if he actually means that or he’s just doesn’t want to admit his feeling but, I can sense some real hostility coming from him. I think in order to break him, I’m going to show some definitive proof that she couldn’t have done all of that.) ===Cross-Examination=== --Blueblood’s Logic-- “After Luna raised the moon at sunset, she left to do some ‘errands’.” HOLD IT! “And what exactly did she do for her ‘errands’?” I ask. “Oh ho ho. I have no idea.” Blueblood exclaims. “So then you don’t know if she came back before the murder-” PREPOSTEROUS! “Neither do you, I might add.” Blueblood says interruptingly, “Besides, what possible connection could this have with the current case?” “Gah!” I scream out. (He’s got me there. I have no way of proving her actions during that time. And even if I did, they would only be useful to me if she came in after the murder.) “Later, she came back here and brought her most elite guards with her.” HOLD IT! “And why did she do that?” I ask. “Oh ho ho. To murder them of course. What other possible reason would she have of bringing them here.” He says. “And why did she want to do that?” “I don’t know the motives of a killer. And even if you’re suggesting she brought them here for a different reason, it still doesn’t change the end result.” (I guess when taking account that this is all theory, I guess suggestions and small holes won’t break anything.) “Then, she used her magic to make them all fall asleep.” HOLD IT! “And how much would it take for her to put them all to sleep?” I asked. “Quite a lot.” Blueblood responded, “After all, a sleeping spell is a hard spell to do. Furthermore, she would have had to use extra energy because her guards are trained against magic like that. She would have definitely been exhausted after that.” “So then how could she pick up the knife after that?” “I’m sorry, the proper term is magically exhausted. She wouldn’t have been able to do magic, but she could still move around.” “So what are you claiming she did?” “She then used her mouth to pick up the knife and slit their throats.” “She couldn’t have used magic to pick up the knife because she must have been drained.” OBJECTION! “So if I’ve got this right, the reason that she couldn’t pick up the knife with her magic, is because she was too worn out after putting them to sleep?” I ask. “Well of course, sleep spells aren’t the easiest thing to do if you couple that with the fact that it were five elite guards who probably have training against such magics. In fact, she would have been somewhat exhausted.” Blueblood replied. “Then I guess you’re investigation isn’t as complete as you must think it is,” I say flexing my fingers back and stretching my arms into the air, “Because if it was, then you would have found this contradiction!” Pulling back the blanket on the bed to reveal the blood underneath. “What!” Blueblood shouts, “What is blood doing there?” “That question should be directed at you I believe, after all, it would have been impossible for her to slice their necks, keep clean, and lift the blanket up, all while being exhausted from magic depletion!” “Well… That… What if she just had it off in the mean time? YES! That! Explain that!” “Yes, that would be tough to explain. After all, the bed takes up a third of the room. And thus, she wouldn’t have any room to put it.” PREPOSTEROUS! “She could have just folded it up!” OBJECTION! “Okay then let’s test it. Blueblood, try folding this blanket and put it in the room where it wouldn’t break anything or get onto any of the bodies. And may I remind you, you have to this all without magic!” “...GAH!” “Now Blueblood, for further points, tell me, why would the killer have to lift up this blanket in the first place?” “To keep themself… clean?” “Yes Blueblood, the killer would have to keep him or her self clean. However, why use the bed sheets to keep clean though?” “Wha-what do you mean?” “If the killer truly knew what was in this room, they would know what would easily wipe of blood without the risk of being detected found!” “GAH!” “There is no reason for why Luna would have used the bed to make sure that none of the blood gets on her!” “But then, what about the knife?” “Yes, somepony’s knife has saliva on it. We don’t know who’s but, there’s saliva on it. Tell me, what part of this points to Luna?” “Then… maybe she used magic to pick up the blanket! She could of had some left!” “I’m sorry Blueblood,” Luna says, “but we both know how attentive my guards can be, and how hard it actually is to get them to fall asleep on watch. It would have taken up all my magic to get them to sleep.” “Then- AH! Oh ho ho hooo. How can some other pony also not have that same struggle?” “What do you mean?” I ask. “Well, if somepony were to use magic, wouldn’t they also be hindered by magical exhaustion as well?” “Wha?” “Ah! Yes. That must be the case. Luna, must have had remaining magic left over. It’s the only explanation that makes sense.” “I’m ashamed Blueblood. I thought we were done with wild conjecture.” “Oh ho ho. I am. Answer me this Luna. What were your so called errands?” “I was just out to go buy some- AH!” Luna says as she apparently comes to a realization. “Tell me, you human, did you know that our dear princess has problems falling asleep? Not only that, but didn’t you recently complain about your sleeping gems going missing, Luna?” “Sleeping gems?” I ask. “Yes. Gems that are made to make ponies fall asleep. They are mostly used for recreational use, and can be so strong, they can put a princess to sleep.” “Do you have proof that these were used?” “The victims fell asleep, didn’t they? It would have taken up too much of a unicorn’s magical power to do such a thing, so it must have been by a gem.” “So what connects them to this murder?” “Luna, you filed a report that stated that some of your gems went missing, didn’t you?” “Yes.” Luna replied. “But here’s what I think. I think they didn’t go missing at all. I think you just used them. Didn’t you?” OBJECTION! “That doesn’t prove anything!” I shout out. PREPOSTEROUS! “I think it does. After all, what do you think happened to gems that apparently went missing without a trace?” “It’s still just a theory.” “Oh ho ho. A theory, yes. A theory of the truth that is. Unless you have proof otherwise. “Very well. May I just ask, when the gems went missing, how many gems disappeared, and how many would it take to subdue the guards?” “To answer you question,” Luna says, “It was a week ago, about 8 gems, and since one gem could put me to sleep as long as I’m a little tired, I would assume that 8 gems would knock them out.” Sleeping Gems have been accepted into the Journal Sleeping Gems: Gems used by Luna to help her sleep. 8 went missing a week ago and haven’t been found yet. “Now Blueblood, tell me, where do you think these gems are right now?” “I don’t know. You know what, I don’t have to.” “Then could you tell me an updated form of your logic.” “Actually, no, I’m satisfied with the way things are now.” “Yes, but that wouldn’t lead to the complete truth now, would it.” “I don’t think you’re needed- I’m sorry. I don’t think you’re wanted anymore, human.” “If you think that your theory is so great then why don’t you just tell it to me?” “Because I don’t need to. After all, you are only in here because I willed that you could be here.” (What! Why is he only now forcing me out!? Does he feel threatened? Have I actually instilled fear in this pony? What can I do then? Is there any way of convincing him?) “Now come on you human. It’s time for you to go.” (Arugh! There isn’t anything that I could possibly do! But if it ends like this, Luna might be wrongly judged!) Blueblood picks me up using his telekinesis saying, “I guess I’m going to have to show you the way out, don’t I. Bye, bye, hum- HOLD IT!!! Blueblood drops me stunned by the sudden shout, Luna turns her head in surprise of what just happened, I can only look in awe at the pony that made that sudden outburst. The guard from earlier. “I’m sorry, prince, but that is actually against the law.” The guard says. “What... WHAT!” Blueblood shouts. “Well... it’s just that according to investigative law, any party that has been given evidence by the investigator in charge is allowed to stay a part of the investigation until all questions are answered or said party’s comitance is beyond a reasonable dought. He was officially made part of the investigation the second you allowed him to have a copy of the autopsy report.” “YoU GuARD!” Blueblood mumbles out as the room almost feels like it’s going to start shaking from his rage, “YOu ArE gOiNG tO pAY DEarLy fOr tHIs!” He take a deep and continues, “Very well then. HUMan, It appears that I HAVE to tell you exactly what bloody happened. However, it’s getting late, so I think this will be the last time I will share with you my logic.” ===Witness Testimony=== --Blueblood’s Logic Pt. 2-- “Luna went out after setting the sun to buy some sleeping gems in order to make her guards fall asleep.” “After she came back from that, she called all 5 of her elite guards.” “Once they arrived, she then activated the sleeping stones in order to make them fall asleep.” “After that, she used her magic to move the lift the blanket while using her teeth to slice open their necks.” “Finally, in order to put the blame on someone else, she summoned you here from your world.” *** “THERE!” Blueblood shouts, “Can we all leave now!?” “Not yet.” I said, “After all, I still get to cross-examine you.” “FINE! But this is the last testimony that you’re going to get tonight. I may have to include you know in the investigation, but I can still at least decide when we can investigate.” (This is going to have to be my last chance to prove Luna’s innocence. Something tells me that if I just wait until tomorrow, he may actual manipulate the crime scene in order for him to get his way. I may not see any contradictions yet, but I’m sure there must be one somewhere in his testimony. However, I’m going to need a decisive flaw in his argument to beat him.) ===Cross-Examination=== --Blueblood’s Logic Pt. 2-- “Luna went out after setting the sun to buy some sleeping gems in order to make her guards fall asleep.” HOLD IT! “Do you have confirmation of this?” I asked. “Yes, the store owner and Luna herself. Didn’t she just admit that she bought them in front of you?” “Is there a confirmed time for when she bought them?” “It was around 10:15, I think.” Luna says, “There was a clock at the store that had it’s time around there.” “Well then, where are they right now?” I asked. “They are in police custody.” Blueblood responds, “Special precautions have to go in place with those things after all. We wouldn’t want the killer escaping. And if you’re thinking that because she didn’t use those gems, it wasn’t her, she could have just used the gems that went ‘missing’.” “After she came back from that, she called all 5 of her elite guards.” HOLD IT! “Do you have any proof of Luna calling her guards here?” I asked. “According to reports from some of her lesser ranking guards,” Blueblood says, “they received a note asking them to come her at this time.” (A note!? Why hasn’t mentioned this before?) “Do you have this note in question?” “Actually yes, we found it on one of the bodies. It actually looks like he was gripping quite hard on it when he was murdered.” “May I see it?” “Fine. I doubt that there’s anything important on there though.” Summons Note has been accepted into the Journal Summons Note: Note telling the guards to come to Luna’s room. Details: Hello there my most elite guards. There is something I must ask of you. I want you all to come into my room at 10:30 alone. This matter is of vital importance and I must request that you keep this a secret. -Luna. “Once they arrived, she then activated the sleeping gems in order to make them fall asleep.” HOLD IT! “What exactly would it take to activate the gems?” I asked. “Only that you supply it with a tiny bit of magical power.” Blueblood replies, “Even an earth pony can do it by holding it and thinking real hard.” “Then why didn’t the killer fall asleep at that time? Wouldn’t the killer have also been subjected to the sleeping gem’s magic?” “That would be the case, unless Luna was in a different room at the time. Since magic can neither go into this room or go out of this room, if the gems were activated in here, she wouldn’t have fallen asleep.” “Then how could she have activated the gems?” “It’s simple, she didn’t need to use her magic, she just used a magic timer. It’s a timer that once reaches zero, puts out a small amount of magic. That could have been what activated them.” “Do you have proof of this?” “Yes, if the killer was blatant enough to use their own magic to activate it, they would have fallen asleep to.“ “What about when the timer went off?” “My guess would be sometime after 10:45. If they were asleep for longer than 30 minutes, then they could have woken up.” “Could you please amend your theory to attest to these facts?” “Luna must have been outside at the time and used a timer set after 10:45 or else they might have seen what she was doing.” OBJECTION! “Found it.” I said with a confident smile on my face.. “Found what?” Blueblood asks, “The fact that Luna’s the killer?” “No. A contradiction big enough to cast entire doubt onto your theory.” “What are you talking about?” “I do have to commend you though. You did an excellent job for a pony who didn’t even look at the evidence.” “Oh ho h-. Wait… HEY!” “After all, you would have noticed that the note that the guard got, asked them to come at a totally different time than what is allotted.” “WHAT!” “According to this note, it wants the guards to come at 10:30. However, according to your logic, the guards must have come later than 10:45, at least whole 15 minutes between when they were supposed to arrive!” PREPOSTEROUS! “Then the logical conclusion would be that they came late!” OBJECTION! “So are you saying that the most highest ranking guards came late, to a request that this note said was high priority? I don’t think you have that kind of evidence on you. Furthermore, if they were set to a timer, it would activate sometime around when they would have come in. Or else the killer could risk one of the victims leaving the scene!” PREPOSTEROUS! “Then it must have been that the killer activated it at that time! That should answer you blind shots in the dark.” “Unfortunately for you, you’ve already admitted why it could have only happened sometime after 10:45, and the reason is this…” TAKE THAT! “The autopsy report clearly states that the earliest they could have fallen asleep, is 11:10, if the timer was set up to earlier, then the autopsy would have reflected earlier wouldn’t have it?” “So… then what do you think happened?” “What do you mean?” “If you’re going to pose a counter theory, then you should at least be able to explain it all the way through!” “Very well, just give me a second to think. Okay, let’s confirm what we know to be true. A: The victims must have entered at 10:30. B: The must have fallen asleep after 10:45 in order to line up with the autopsy. C: The killer must have been outside when the timer went off.” “But that impossible!” Blueblood shouted out. “Unless, we consider one of these facts to be somewhat wrong.” “But these are facts! They are by it’s definition not wrong!” “I never said that the facts were wrong, I’m saying our way of interpreting them must have been wrong.” “And what could that possibly be?” “...What if, they didn’t fall asleep at 10:45?” “What? Then how else would it be possible for the killer to have killed them without waking up?” “Simple, they just used this to extend the time that the victims would be asleep…” TAKE THAT! “Another sleeping gem.” “But sleeping gems only have one use in them. How are you suggesting that the killer pulled multiple uses out of them?” “Simple, they didn’t use them all in one go. After all, if it takes just one to knock out a princess, I’m sure a just a few more could knock them out. After that, there would just have to be another burst in order keep them asleep.” Sleeping Gems has been updated. Sleeping Gems: Used to put all of the victims to sleep. A number went missing a week ago. It is likely that the gems went off in bursts from a magic timer. “So, what does any of that prove?” “Well, let me answer that question with another question. Why did the killer do this? What would the killer gain through this?” “...It would give the killer more time?” “Yes. Thus, making it so that the killer could easily frame any other pony for murder. All they needed to do is make sure that the discoverer wouldn’t find the bodies before it was too late for the autopsy report to suggest that they killed the victims. Now, Blueblood, let me ask you one final question.” “...Yes?” “What purpose could Luna have in doing this?” “What?” “Why would Luna ask them to come at an early time, then make them fall asleep and make it look like they were killed at an earlier time?” “GAH!” “I mean that is, if she is the killer. Now, if it were any other pony, it would make total sense, but Luna, she could have just requested any time for them to come here, and kill them. Thus, the actions that have taken place in this room, are decisive evidence to Luna’s innocence!” PREPOSTEROUS! “She still could have done all of this! It’s not decisive at all!” OBJECTION! “This was a premeditated murder. The gems prove that. So, if this was premeditated by Luna, why would she choose the room where she would gain the most suspicion!?” “ARUG!” “Why would Luna want to kill them in the first place, after all, they are her most loyal guards! You are only accusing Luna based on prejudices and half-baked logic!” I said as I brought my right hand to my left thigh. “You sir, are wrong!” I said while launching my hand towards Blueblood index forward. “NO! I AM NOT WRONG!” He shouts while slamming his hoofs and face on the ground, “IT WAS LUNA! I-IT HAD TO HAVE BEEN! iT DOeSn’T mAKe SEnsE oTheRWiSe! YOU BLOODY HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMAN!!!” As he shouts his plea of denial he hits his head so hard that he passes out. *** Blueblood is laying on the ground mumbling about how he’s right. “Well Luna, I guess that is all. It’s time to get to sleep anyways. I trust that you’ll keep the scene the way it was for the time being.” “Thank you. Thank you so much.” Luna says, her eyes so wet you could swear they were water, yet managing not to cry. “What do you mean?” “Well, it’s just that Blueblood isn’t exactly the pony most concerned for my health. If it hadn’t been for you, I would have been labeled as a murderer and the whole country might have gone up in crazyness.” “Please, it wasn’t anything much. All I did was make sure that the truth was the one that was shown instead of some’s fool’s delusion.” “H-how is this possible?” I hear Blueblood mumbling in a low voice. “W-why did Luna extend? I-if it isn’t her then, w-what about the cameras?” Me and Luna turn our heads in surprise and I ask, “Cameras? What cameras?” “T-the footage.” Blueblood mumbles out, “Th-there’s a camera out in the ha-hallway. F-footage shows Luna entering- before they died.” “WHERE IS THIS FOOTAGE BLUEBLOOD?” Luna yells out in a superior voice. “I-it’s in the security room. He ha ah ha ha oh ho… ho.” He spurts out with his last breaths of consciousness, “T-try disproving that.” He says as he finally faints. “I’m sorry Luna,” The guard says, “But we are going to need to look at that footage before we wrap everything else up tonight.” “I-I didn’t even know there was security cameras! What else were you hiding from me Blueblood!?” She says as she starts shaking the unconscious pony. “Let him go.” I say, “After all, if you truly are innocent, then you have nothing to worry about.” “Fine.” She says throwing Blueblood back onto the floor, “Let’s go see what this footage has against me.” (I guess I’m the one who has to find the truth to everything after all. What was up with Blueblood though? Why didn’t he pull this footage out from the beginning? That could have disproved all of my theories. Is it that he was trying to make sure that no one knew it existed? Is that why he was so mean to Luna? And lastly, what is on that footage to begin with?) To be continued... A Summoning Turnabout: Part 3Time 2:18 Day: May, 23 Location: Security Room All three of us were silent the whole way to the Security Room. None of us knew what had Blueblood so convicted that Luna was the killer. All I could tell is that it must be very discriminating. The guard knocked on the door. After hearing the sound of something breathing in deeply, we heard somepony say, “Oh you again? I already showed you the footage. Come in.” Opening the door, me and Luna were shocked by what we saw. The wall on the other side covered with buttons and monitors. The side walls lining with all sorts of extreme weapons and gear. “I never knew we had this stuff!” said Luna. “I only heard about this because of some rumors floating around.” The guard said. “Oh! You’re Luna! Um… What are you doing here?” Said an earth pony in the only chair in the room. He had a grey mane and fur. However, he was also wearing this unusual gas mask that completely covered his face had purple lenses and spewed some type of green gas when he breathed out. “What is this!?” Luna asked. “Oh… um…” The masked pony said trying to think up a response, “well… it is… a” “It’s all the security measures we have here to make sure of your safety.” The guard interrupted, “I thought that you and Celestia were told about this.” “I was told no such thing.” Luna replied. “Really? Because we-... That’s odd.” (Yes. Yes it is odd. Blueblood must know about this stuff. What could possible make Blueblood think so strongly here that Luna committed the crime?) “Excuse me sir,” I said to the masked pony, “But you mentioned Blueblood coming in here earlier?” “Why yes I- OH DEAR CELESTIA WHAT ARE YOU!!!” The masked pony shouted as he saw me. “I’m a human. I was apparently summoned here. I’m just here to find the truth.” “Uh… W-what do you mean?” “Well, did a pony called Blueblood come in here earlier?” “Hmm… Why yes! He did! Alllllllthough, he did tell me that if either Luna or Celestia came in here demanding to know what’s going on, that… well… I should keep quiet. “Well, I have more authority that Blueblood,” Luna interjected, “so I deside if you should keep quiet or not.” “Well okay then! My name is Fast Sight! Nice to meet you Luna!” (He turned over way too fast. Also, is it just me, or does that gas mask not make any sound at all for the amount of gas it spews out. I’m surprised the room isn’t filled with green gas.) “What is this place though?” Luna asked. “Weeeell Luna, this is the room that we use to make sure that this castle is more secure than a dragon in a cave!” Sight exclaimed. “What do you mean?” “It’s the room where we make sure that no pony is able to sneak into the castle.” “I never heard about a room like this!” “Of course you wouldn’t! Or else other ponies might now about this castles secretes as well!” “I don’t think this room was made to keep you safe, as more on the lines to make sure that Blueblood was safe.” I interjected, “Anyways, when Blueblood came in here, what did he do?” “Oh! Well! If you want to know, well, then, he wanted to look at the camera footage for the hallway right outside Luna’s room for the period of time that was right before midnight. And so I showed it to him!” “What did it show?” “Well, this!” He said as he pushed some buttons and displayed a picture of Luna entering her room. “I don’t get it. What’s so decisive about this?” “Well… that is… hmm… Ah! He was really interested in the time of this!” “And what time was this taken?” “Around 11:30!” (11:30… Hm… Oh no.) “That matches up with the time of the murder!” The guard blurted out. “OOH! A murder!” Said Sight. “IMPOSSIBLE!” Shouted Luna. “I think we need to check this room out.” I said, “If Blueblood did want us to see this room, then there still may be hope that there’s something here that can disprove this.” “You’re sure?” Luna asked. “Not completely, but it’s worth checking out.” “I don’t really think so.” Sight said, “After all, if she went in at the time of the murder, then she must be the culprit.” “Well, what if she wasn’t. What if she’s being framed.” “Oh, who would frame a princess for a murder?” “I don’t know. But, it’s my duty to find out the right pony to be charged.” “Sigh. Very well. Here, I’ll give you a copy of the decisive evidence.” Security Camera Photo has been accepted into Journal. Security Camera Photo: Picture from a security cam that overlooks the hallway shows Luna entering her room at 11:30. Investigation Start (Okay now. My first priority will be to try to disprove the security camera so I should probably investigate that first. I should also look around and see what types of tools would be available to the guards around here. Maybe there will be a piece of evidence among them. But first, I need to ask what all this stuff in this room is.) I walk over to Fast Sight and say, “Hi.” “Hi you… thingamajig.” Sight replies. “Please, I’m a human.” I tell him with shrugged shoulders. “Okay… um… Human.” “Well to be technical my name is-” “HUMAN!” He exclaims as he spews gas over my face that smells worse than a clogged toilet that’s been used for several months. “GAHH!” I shout reeling from the noxious smelling gas, “What is that!” “That… Well… Um… It’s gas.” “I get that it’s a gas! But why is it coming out of your mask!?” “Because, it’s a gas mask.” (Oh god. This is the pony that runs the security in a castle? Why?) “So… Tell me a little about yourself.” “Oh! Well… That is… My name is Fast Sight and I run the security room in this castle.” “Anything else there is about you?” “Nothing that you should know. Got that?” “Really? There isn’t anything that you would like to say about yourself?” “NOPE!” He says releasing another plume of gas onto my face. “ARG! WHY!?” I say in natural response. “Because you breathed it in!” (You know what. I should just stick to what I need to know and hope I’ll be fine.) “So, about the security camera’s,” I say changing the subject, “what is the purpose of them?” “So they can protect Blueblood of course!” “Really? Not the princesses?” “Oh come on. If anypony tried telling either Celestia or Luna what was going on, then that would risk the squeaker dissiapering.” “Oh. In that case, why is there a camera right outside Luna’s bedroom?” “Well, that’s to keep an eye on her.” “Is there one of the inside of her room or the balcony outside?” “Nope! Wouldn’t want Luna to find them after all.” “Do the camera’s themselves have internal clocks for keeping time?” “Na-uh! All the times are put right into this computer over here. Also, if you're wondering, to turn off any of the cameras would mean turning them all of. Which even is, if they are turned off because the way the machines are set up, it will always be recording. So basicly, Luna’s your culprit.” Computer Info has been accepted into Journal Computer Info: All the cameras are connected to the same timer. Any manipulation that would happen with the footage on one of the cameras would have to happen to all. “Is there any possibility that this footage is lying somehow?" “Nope!” He says assaulting me with gas. “GAH! Why!?” “Because of what my mask releases.” (That gas mask. I wonder why he wears it.) “Hey, why do you where that gas mask?” “So I don’t breve in hazardous chemicals.” “But it seems to be releasing a noxious gas from it right now.” “Oh… Well… That is… I never noticed before.” “Y-you never noticed?” I feeling a wave of embarrassment. “Nope!” He exclaims all too happily. “Is it only on to protect from noxious gasses?” “Well, it’s also on to help me stay focused so I can constantly be watching these monitors for an intruder inside the castle. (What?) I think to myself rather nervously. “Um… Could you please repeat what you just said in a more easier to understand fashion?” “Okay. It’s to help me continuously watch the monitors.” (There we go. So it helps him focus on the cameras? I guess that means he was also diligently watching the cameras to night as well. I should probably keep a note on this.) Gas Mask has been accepted into Jornal. Gas Mask: Used by Fast Sight to help keep watch on the monitors and protects him from noxious gasses. Produces a noxious gas itself. (I think that’s all the questions I have for him right now. I should probably now check what else is in this room.) I think to myself as I go over to one of the walls to take a look at the gear stored here. The wall holds all sorts of items such as suits, goggles, weapons, and even strange capsules. (This is quite some advanced technology here.) I think to myself as I take a look at the goggles. (Of course, it could just be some stuff that got enchanted or what not, but, thems the breaks. My real question about all of this is how well it compares to those living outside royaltre. However, that isn’t important to my current situation at hand here.) (What about these weapons though. They appear to be some sort of gun however the handle appears to be all weird. It appears if one would have to bite- oh… yeah. No hands thing. I guess this does prove that not all security here is done by unicorns though. Ah well. Better look at something else.) (Hmm… These capsules. None of them seem to be used yet. They don’t seem like they could be used as weaponry. They hardly look like they could be used for anything. I guess they look like filters, but for what? They must be used for something. But what? Maybe…) OF COURSE! Everypony instantly turns their head in my direction shocked by my sudden outburst. “What was that for!?” The guard shouts out. “Are you trying to act like a buffoon right now?” Luna asks. “Sorry.” I meekly say. “It’s just that I got an idea.” “Well… That is…” Sight stutters, “Could you please not shout every time you get a thought into your head?” “Sorry.” I say embarrassed. (Note to self: Don’t shout when you find something out you idiot! I can’t just let the opposition get a hint of my ideas. Anyways, based on the way that they’re shaped and look, they appear to be some sort of filtering container. If we combine that with the only thing in here that needs a filter, it would be logical to assume that they belong to the gas mask.) Gas Mask has been updated. Gas Mask: Used by Fast Sight to help keep watch on the monitors and protects him from noxious gasses. Produces a noxious gas itself. Has a full supply of extra filters. (I guess that’s all I’m going to find over here. I don’t think there's anything left in here to investigate so I think I talk to the guard and see what he’s like.) “Hi there.” I say as I walk over to him actually taking the time to take a good look at him. His body is a reddish brown, with a more brownish color for his tail and mane. His butt holds an image of a broken shield holding a pile of rocks. “Hello back to you to.” He replies. “I don’t think I was able to catch it before, but what is your name?” I ask. He puts his rear legs down brings is right forehoof up to his forehead and says “I am Side Guard of the Royal Canterlot Guard, Sir!” “Pft. I didn’t see this side of you before.” “Well, Sir, you just may have not noticed.” “Yes, but you were more timid before.” “Sir, anypony would become more timid in front of that menaces.” “But what about back in the holding cell?” “That was when I didn’t know who you were, Sir. I had no clue how dangerous you could be.” “Okay, okay. You can put your hoof down if you want.” “Thank you, Sir!” He says as he puts his hoof back down and rises up to a normal standing position. (Are all of the castle guards this weird? Furthermore, is Blueblood such a threat that he needs to be reserved when in presence of him? Both good questions to ask. I think I’ll start with himself first.) “So, Side Guard, you’re a guard here, what’s your position?” (And also, who names their child Side Guard!?) “I am currently the warden of the dungeons here.” “Really?” “Why do you think I was the one watching over you, Sir?” “I guess you make a good point. How did you get that position in the first place?” “I was told it was a special position, Sir, so I took it.” “And how many prisoners have you had to deal with? “Just one, Sir!” (Let me guess, me. Something tells me that he got the short end of the stick. I kind of feel sorry for him. Anyways, onto a more pressing matter.) “I do have to say thanks for helping me with Blueblood, though.” “Your welcome.” “Why did you do it anyways?” “Well, Sir,” He says as he salutes again, “to protect Luna!” “So you honestly think Luna wasn’t guilty here?” “Because, I here, do not have any faith in Blueblood.” “Why not?” “Sir! Did you not see how he acted? He’s a total ass who only thinks for himself.” “Has he always been like that?” “From what I’ve heard, Sir, even while he was still in the womb, he was an ass”. “So I take it not a lot of ponies here like him.” “Actually, not necessarily, while the Solar and Lunar guards are fully loyal to their respective princess, the Royal Guard is actually more loyal to Blueblood.” “By how much?” “Neither Luna or Celestia knew this room existed before tonight. This kind of stuff has been in place even before Luna’s return.” “How many years ago was that?” “It’s about four years now.” “Interesting. Onto a different subject, could you tell me what that image on your butt is?” I finally get around to asking. “...It’s my cutie mark.” He slowly replies. “What’s with the hesitation?” “I’m sorry, Sir, I just guess it’s because you don’t come from this world. You see, every pony has a special talent to them. Something that makes them unique. Once they finally found what their talent is, an image appears on their flank representing their talent.” “Ah. So it’s a destiny thing?” “With that, Sir, you’re just getting into a whole philosophical debate that’s way too hard to explain.” “Okay then. What does your cutie mark mean?” “Oh this? It shows my undying spirit. It shows how no matter I get broken, I will never stop trying.” “Interesting.” “You think so?” He asks me with a sparkle in his eye. “Spirit can be a very powerful thing.” (I think by now, I rapped up my investigation in this room. I should probably just now focus on learning all about how Blueblood thinks so I can face off against him again.) “Really? Anyways, you don’t trust Blueblood yourself?” “No, Sir! I’ve managed to stay away from him long enough so he wouldn’t remember me for anything.” “Oh ho ho. Well, I must say that you were doing a fine job of that before hand.” A voice spontaneously says. (Oh no. He’s already recovered!?) Investigation Complete “I have to wonder what you’re doing in here now though, human.” Blueblood says entering the room. “Simple, I was investigating.” “Oh ho ho noooooo. That simply won’t do. You see, I’ve actually come in contact with a very interesting fact. It’s about a certain lie somepony made up to make me talk.” “What do you mean, sir?” Side asks nervously. “I think you know quite well what I mean. And that, is the fact that there was no rule stating that this human had to be a part of the investigation because he had some evidence.” “Wait, what!?” I shout reeling back. “That is correct, human. You actually have no right whatsoever to be in here. But don’t worry, as long as you immediately agree that I was correct and promise to never tell Celestia about this room, I think I might let you go free.” (Something tells me that even if I comply, he’s still going to make sure I never see the sun again.) “And if I refuse?” I ask. “Simple, death.” “You’re threatening me in front of a princess?” “No, I’m threatening you in front of a murderer. You will forget anything that you’ve learned here tonight and let the hammer of justice’s will strike down upon the guilty.” “I’m sorry, I don’t think you’ve proven anything.” “Sight? Did you show them the footage?” “Um… Well… I did just as you requested.” Sight replies. (He planned this to happen? Or does he just keep like a thousand contingency plans.) “You’re too upsetting to even look at, so, before I decide to thin the paint, do you accept my offer?” Blueblood asks. (Dam! I have no choice to accept! There isn’t any other-) OBJECTION!!! (What the hell? Who said that? Wait a minute, it came from-) “Blueblood, I propose a counter-offer. You explain your logic, and if he can’t find a problem with it, then we’ll both comply with your demands.” Luna exclaims. “Or else?” Blueblood asks. “I’ll tell Celestia about this room.” “ACK!” Blueblood reels. “I promise that if it he doesn’t find any type of problem, then I’ll go quietly.” “I don’t see why I can’t just silence you.” “Silence a human, a princess, and a guard, sir?” Side includes. “What?” Blueblood says angrily. “Oh sure, maybe reports of a non-existent human might turn her head, a princess accused of murder would cause her to investigate, but topped it all off with another missing guard? Blueblood, she would directly turn her attention towards you.” “Are you two sure about this?” I ask the Luna and Side. “I mean, I’m don’t care what happens to me at the end of all of this, but, you two are innocent here.” “Sir! This is Blueblood we’re talking about. Any chance to knock him down a peg is what half of the guards signed up for this job for.” “Also, I can tell that if I just try to let this go to court or something, I’ll be called guilty before the judge swings down his hammer.” “Very well then.” I say as I turn my attention back to Blueblood. “Well, you’ve heard our offer. Decisively prove that Luna’s the culprit in this case, or Celestia will know what you’ve been doing here!” I say with my finger extended. “FINE! BUT IF YOU FAIL, YOU WILL SUFFER CONSEQUENCES THAT YOU WOULDN’T BELIEVE WERE POSSIBLE!” Blueblood shouts. (Okay now, I’m able to defend Luna. Now, for the hard part. I have to find a flaw within a recording… I hope I didn’t just make a terrible mistake.) ===Witness Testimony=== --Decisive Proof-- “The only possibility is that Luna killed her guards.” “The autopsy clearly states that the deaths happened between sometime before midnight.” “The camera footage proves that she was the only one to enter her room at that time.” “Sure somepony could enter through the window, but it was closed when afterwards meaning the pony who closed it, would have been seen by the camera.” “That is why, only Luna could have committed these acts.” *** Both Luna and Side are speechless towards Blueblood’s logic. “You know… um… well… It’s your fault.” Fast says. “What is?” I ask. “Going against Blueblood.” “I made my decision, and I’m not going to back out.” “Sir! Are you sure that this was the right deal actually?” Side whispers to me, “I completely forgot about that footage!” “I don’t think I found a single flaw in his argument.” Luna states. “I’m not even sure that pressing him will lead to anything!” “Then I guess I have one other way of dispatching him.” I respond. “And what’s that?” Side asked. “I’m going to have to use logic against him.” “What? How would you do that?” Luna replies. “Well, pressing him might not lead to any new information, but it may bring out facts. They may not be as strong as evidence, but they are items of information that are true. I can then use those packets of information against him in conjunction with his testimony. I may need combined packets of information sometimes before I can use them against him, but, I’m sure I’ll think of something.” “Are you done with your last group hug?” Blueblood says mockingly. “Who says it’s going to be our last?” I respond. “Then begin already!” “Very well.” ===Cross-Examination=== --Decisive Proof-- “The only possibility is that Luna killed her guards.” HOLD IT! “And where’s your proof of that!?” I shout. “I was just starting to get to it, imbecile!” Blueblood replies. “Well then, carry on.” “Oh ho ho. So you just shouted at me for nothing then?” “No.” I say sweating. “Of course you didn’t. Anyways…” “The autopsy clearly states that the deaths happened between sometime before midnight.” HOLD IT! “How do we know that the autopsy reports are telling the truth?” I ask. “Oh ho ho.” Blueblood laughs. “You’re really grasping at straws now. I’ll tell you right now that we there’s actually proof of our timing.” “And what proof would that be?” “There are tests that can tell us ponies when another pony died. And we used a verified method of checking.” “So that told you the beginning time that they could have died and the ending time?” “Well, for the ending time, we just used when Luna announced she found the bodies.” “So, you mean that the bodies were reported at midnight?” “Yes, a whole thirty minutes after she entered her room. I wonder what she could have been doing at the time.” “I-I reported the bodies immediately!” Luna stammers. (A thirty minute gap between when she went into her room and when she reported the bodies? I wonder if there is any piece of information I know about that could help explain this.) “The camera footage proves that she was the only one to enter her room at that time.” (Wait a second! If you add the thirty minute difference between when Luna said she reported the bodies and the camera said she reported the bodies, with the fact that the cameras must always be recording something, that must mean the footage on what the cameras were showing, was manipulated. But if that is to be assumed then that fact against his statement right here means-) OF COURSE! “What is it?” Blueblood sarcastically asks, “Have you once again found out nothing?” “Actually, I realized an interesting fact.” “That Luna is-” “No, it’s that the cameras footage was manipulated with.” “What?” And where’s your proof of that?” “There’s a difference in the time that Luna said she reported the bodies and when the camera’s say she reported them.” I said, pulling out a sheet that held facts on the cameras. “Now, for arguments sake, let’s assume that Luna is in the right. But then that would create a contradiction from what the cameras are showing. However, if we purely assume that Luna is in the right, there is something that is in the wrong. ” “And what would that be?” “Simple, somepony manipulated the footage.” PREPOSTEROUS! “I would like to see some proof that shows that the cameras are lying.” Blueblood exclaims, "Not just some half-assed theories.” “Do we have proof of such a thing?” Side asks me. “We do. If we assume that there was footage being manipulated with, it would have to go through something. Yet, this can show proof that the cameras were lying: TAKE THAT! “The footage of what the rest of the cameras recorded. Since the cameras are all hooked up to each other, then that means if one camera is paused, the others would have to be has well.” “Oh ho ho. Okay then! Fast Sight! Show them the truth!” “Do we really need to? It’s not like he has any proof to back up his theory.” “Actually, I do have proof to back this up. It’s in the footage of from the other cameras.” “Um… I can only pull up the footage in images, so there’s really no way that you can accurately tell-” “If my theory is correct, then that means that they should all be the same. There isn’t going to be any problem with that.” “Fine.” Fast says, pulling up the images of the different cameras. As I suspected, they are all the same for the thirty minute interval. “So, Blueblood, I guess I made a huge hole in your theory. Namely, that Luna couldn’t have been the only pony in her room during the murders!” PREPOSTEROUS! “Just because of some faulty evidence doesn’t prove Luna’s innocence either!” OBJECTION! “Of course. However, wasn’t your most recent nap was a cause of me proving her innocence?” PREPOSTEROUS! “You proved that the killer lifted a blanket before they committed the foul deed. That isn’t any kind of proof showing innocence!” “I fear that you may want to have a check on your memory after we’re done here, after all, I’ve proven that the killer must have been a being that could resist the effects of sleeping gems!” “What? How?” “The length that they were asleep for was longer than the sleeping gems could hold them for.” “Ah! Right… But that still doesn’t prove Luna’s innocence. After all, she’s been using them for a while now, wouldn’t she learn how to avoid the effects?” “Actually, you’ve just ignored what I’ve just said. How would the guards still be sleeping after the amount of time that passed?” “Simple, they’re were just not all used at once. Like you figured out.” “Not that,” I say stretching my arms upwards, “but the fact that Luna entered thirty minutes after the cameras say she did, now actually prove her innocence.” “They prove that she entered her room! That’s good enough for me!” “Yes, it shows Luna entering at a decisive time. However, this has been offset by thirty minutes. Thus, the time that she entered her room was: midnight!” “So? What does it prove if she entered at midnight? She could have entered at noon for all I care!” “Actually, it shows that she couldn’t have committed this. I can prove it with: TAKE THAT! “The autopsy report! It clearly states that the guards died no later than midnight. However, if Luna entered her room at right at that time, she couldn’t have been the one to do it. Not unless, she killed them all within a minute!” “But wait!” Blueblood interrupts, “Do you have any proof that midnight is the correct time? Because until then, Luna is still the guilty one!” “But I did go in at midnight,” Luna tries to say, “I keep telling you-” “Luna, that isn’t necessary right now.” I interrupt, “He doesn’t trust your word, after all. However, I do.” “But do you have the proof to show it?” “Well, I don’t have any proof of the footage going forward thirty minutes. However, if I can prove that, at some point, the footage went back thirty minutes, then that’s proof enough.” “Oh ho ho.” Blueblood cuts in, “And at what point would it be going back thirty minutes?” “I think that we should check the time around 10:50. After all, that would be the start of this inaccuracy.” “Okay, Fast?” “...Pulling it up now.” Fast complies, and shows us the images around 10:50. To everyone’s amazement, the lighting at 10:50 drastically changes. “Huh!?” Blueblood shouts in disbelief, “What is going on?” “Simple, since there’s a drastic difference in time, the location of the moon is different, thus casting a different amount of light into the room. And the only reason for this is that the original footage between 10:50 and 11:20 was deleted!” PREPOSTEROUS! “Then why isn’t Luna entering at 11:00 instead of 11:30!” “Simple, she never entered at 11:30, she entered directly at midnight.” “Gah!” Blueblood shouts in disbelief. “Fine then! Who could have done this if it wasn’t Luna? Huh?” “The real murder.” “That’s not an acceptable answer. I want a name!” “Sir!” Side Guard asks me, “Do we know who could have done this?” “Let’s remember just the different ponies that know and can access the computer to do the manipulation required and we should have our answer.” “And who would that be? Huuuuh!?” Blueblood aggravatingly asks me. “Simple.” I say unleashing the full force of my finger at the murderer, “Fast Sight, I accuse you of the murder of the Elite Lunar Guards!” PREPOSTEROUS! “It couldn’t have been him!” Blueblood stammers, “He was working down here!” OBJECTION! “Do you have proof that he was in here during the time of the murder?” “Do you have proof that he wasn’t?” “If the computer was manipulated with, then that means that Fast Sight had to know about it. Unless, he wasn’t in the room. So, Fast Sight, did anypony come in here while you were working and manipulate the footage?” “Umm… That is… Well...” “So, no.” PREPOSTEROUS! “So what? He must have left to take a piss break!” OBJECTION! “At both 10:50 and 12:00? That’s some pretty coincidental pee. Besides, what murder would plan their actions passed on another's blatter?” “Um… Well… Couldn’t have Luna teleport in here?” Sight poses. “Actually, that’s impossible.” Side interjects, “After all, Luna stayed right outside of the dungeon while waiting for our guest here to wake up.” “Furthermore,” I continue, “if Luna were to go into this room, wouldn’t you have seen her?” “But what about the sleeping gems?” Blueblood asks. “He couldn’t possibly stay awake against those.” “Actually, it’s the reverse. He’s the only one who can stay awake from those, and I have proof.” “Bah! What could that possibly be?” TAKE THAT! “Fast Sight, didn’t you tell me that one of the functions of your mask is to help keep you focused on the monitors?" “Technically it’s-” “Get to the point, human.” Blueblood interrupts. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but if he had was using a device that were to cancel out the powers of the gems, wouldn’t he still be awake? Not only that, but he’s the only one with access to such a thing. Thus, he is the only pony that could pull it off!” “Um… Actually, I still see a flaw in your theory.” Fast Sight interjects. “And what would that be?” “I haven’t ever gone into Luna’s room before. How would I know how to do anything?” “What do you mean?” “Okay. I’ll try to explain it to you…” ===Witness Testimony=== --Fast’s Defence-- “According to your theory, somepony would need to have serious knowledge of Luna’s room.” “That would mean that they would have to have been in Luna’s room before.” “However, I’ve never been into her room.” “Can some computer malfunctions really be used to place blame on me?” *** “Is that good enough for you?” Fast asks. “Well, no. After all, I haven’t cross-examined you yet.” “Do we need to go through this process?” “Yes, or else, an innocent pony may be pushished for something she didn’t do.” “How can you be so sure she didn’t?” “There are too many unanswered questions for her to be the killer. And right now, I’m going to answer them.” ===Cross-Examine=== --Fast’s Defence-- “According to your theory, somepony would need to have serious knowledge of Luna’s room.” HOLD IT! “Well, I never said that.” I point out. PREPOSTEROUS! “For your theory to work out, it would have to be that somepony knew the room.” Blueblood remarks, “Or else, they wouldn’t be able to know where Luna kept her knife.” “I’m afraid he’s right in this situation.” Luna adds, “I keep my knife in a very secretive space that would require a thorough search to be able to find it.” “But couldn’t the killer be able to find it in thirty minutes?” “Would you take that risk?” Blueblood asks, “Especially if you don’t know when the owner is coming back.” (Not gonna win this argument. If I had proof that the killer could find the knife on the first go, I would be good but…) “That would mean that they would have to have been in Luna’s room before.” HOLD IT! “Not necessarily.” I say. “What about the sleeping gems? The killer would have had to sneak in before hand to take them.” “Well, they could have took the gems got to her room.” PREPOSTEROUS! “Luna stated that the gems disappeared from her room. Not from her saddle bags. How would a pony even be able to sneak into a princess’s saddlebags without several guards noticing?” “I guess you’ve got a point. Fast Sight, have you ever been in Luna’s room before?” “Well… I always wanted a look…” “However, I’ve never been into her room.” HOLD IT! “Do you have proof of such?” I ask. “I don’t know what her room looks like.” Fast replies. “How do we know you’re not lying?” “Simple, you show proof that I am lying.” “Sir! Do we have proof that he’s knows what the room looks like?” Side asks. “...No we don’t. We don’t have any proof that shows that he knows what the room looks like.” “I thought so.” Fast boasts, “And besides…” “Can some computer malfunctions really be used to place blame on me?” HOLD IT! “What do you mean malfunctions?” I ask. “Well, that’s what likely happened. Since there Luna’s the killer, and she didn’t come in here, we must assume that the computers malfunctioned.” “That seems like such a stretch to just say that it malfunctioned.” “Oh ho ho. And it’s not a stretch to say that a pony that was never in Luna’s room, knew what was in there?” “That footage was manipulated with!” I say slamming my foot on the ground. “Do you actually have any proof of manipulation?” Asked Fast Sight. “Sir! I just had an idea!” Side remarks. “What is it?” “Maybe, instead of focusing on the footage itself, there might be a piece of evidence that manipulated what the footage showed!” “You know what, Side, you actually may be on to something.” (Hmm… proof that shows not the footage being changed, but caused something to appear on the footage that wouldn’t be on there otherwise.) “I do have proof that the footage was manipulated with from outside sources.” “Oh ho ho. What could possibly manipulate footage from outside of it?” TAKE THAT! “The window! It was open before Luna left to do her errands, but it was closed when she came back!” “And how is that manipulation of the footage?” “If the window was closed, then that means the only way that Luna could have entered was the hallway!” PREPOSTEROUS! “You don’t know that! And besides how could have that manipulated the footage?” “If the window was closed, then that means the only way that Luna could enter her room was the hallway, and this proves it: TAKE THAT! “The map of Luna’s room only shows two methods of entry, one being the window, which was locked off at the time, the other being the hallway. Thus, if one were to close the window, they would be able to catch footage of Luna entering her room!” PREPOSTEROUS! “So what?” Blueblood screamed, “Just because somepony closed a window, that means that their intent was to catch Luna on film? How do we know that the window wasn’t closed before hand?” “Simple, I have… proof?” “Oh ho ho. Really? Show me.” “Just give me a second.” “Okay, one. Go.” “Sir! Don’t what’s wrong?” Side asks me pulling me aside. “I don’t have any proof of the window being closed by the murderer.” “Well, is there another way of thinking about it?” Luna asks. (Hmm… Another way of thinking about it… Then that means I shouldn’t be asking if the window was closed by the murderer, I should be asking when the window was closed.) “What if, we think about this. When was the window closed?” I point out. “Well, what would that mean?” Luna asks. “If the window was closed during the murder, that means that ponies would be able to get into your room before hand, they wouldn’t be picked up by the cameras.” “And who would be the last ponies to enter my room?” “Why that would be, your guards. So, if I can prove that your guards entered through the window, then that would mean that the killer was the one who closed the windows.” “And do we know when, the guards entered my room?” “Yes! We do!” “Ah, so you're finally ready.” Blueblood remarks. “I would like to check the footage.” I exclaim. “Oh ho ho. Honestly, I’m getting quite tired of having to look at monitors. So, unless you can show me proof of a direct time to look at, I’m not going to aide to your request.” “Very well, I’ll show you proof at which time I would like to look at.” TAKE THAT! “The note asks the guards to come in at 10:30, so if they went in through the hallway, they would be shown on the camera. So Fast, if you could?” “Fine!” Fast begrudgingly agrees, pulling up the footage at 10:30 of the empty hallway. “So, you see Blueblood, the guards went in through the window. And that means that the only pony to close the window was the killer. Why? To set Luna up. And the only pony that could have done that, is Fast Sight!” PREPOSTEROUS! “How is the way that Luna was framed, point to Fast Sight as the culprit?” “Not many ponies know this room exists. Hell, the only reason Side Guard over here knows where it is, is just pure chance. And only one pony knows how to operate all of this machinery, and that would be Fast Sight!” “But you don’t have any decisive proof that it was me!” Fast whines. OBJECTION! “I believe the fact that the footage was tampered in such a way that only you knew how is proof enough.” PREPOSTEROUS! “Can you truly say that he knew how to operate it?” Blueblood asks. “Yes I can. After all, hasn’t that been what’s he’s been doing for the past half hour or so? He is the pony in charge of all of this.” "Well… If that’s all the proof you have, that isn't proof." He says going into a confident position. "What do you mean?" "Simple, I was never there and I don't think that you have any evidence to prove that I was." "What?" "Show me the proof that I was in the room." "Okay, then." Side said, "Don't we have proof that he was in the room?" (Hmm… We don’t have any direct proof. But if that’s admitted, then Blueblood wins. Maybe I can just prove that he had no choice but to be in that room or something. I just need to keep him talking.) "Okay then Fast Sight, if you weren't in Luna's room, where were you?" "Ah. So you want to know what I was doing? Okay then. I'll bite." === Witness Testimony=== --Fast's Alibi-- "Since I'm the only pony that watches the monitors, some missing footage means I'm the culprit?" "I'm sorry, but I was in the bathroom at the time." "Once I got back from it, I noticed that the main computer malfunctioned and it shut off." "I instantly turned it back on." "However, a few minutes later, I realized that the clock was thirty minutes off. So I paused the footage to cover my mistake." *** "I hope that's good enough for you." Fast said. "Only one way to find out." I reply. (I wish I took the time earlier to ask about that. I guess the only thing for me to do now is press him in search for a flaw.) ===Cross-Examination=== --Fast's Alibi-- "Since I'm the only pony that watches the monitors, some missing footage means I'm the culprit?" HOLD IT! "What other explanation would there be?" I say with a confident smile. PREPOSTEROUS! "He was just about to get to that!" Blueblood shouts. "So then tell it to us!" I scream out. "I was just about to!" Fast replies. "Good!" "I'm sorry, but I was in the bathroom at the time." HOLD IT! "You expect us to believe something like that?" I ask. "Do you have any proof to disprove me?" Fast retaliates. "I have the proof of believability!" "Well just because you believe in something doesn't make it true!" “Yes, but it’s more believable that you went to Luna’s room to- PREPOSTEROUS! “Do you have any actual proof that he went to Luna’s room?” “...No.” "Once I got back from it, I noticed that the main computer malfunctioned and it shut off." HOLD IT! "What happened?" "I'm not sure, after all, this is new equipment." "Is there any kind of record of this malfunction?" "Yeah, about 30 minutes of missing footage." "How do we know that you didn't just turn it off?" "Do you have proof of such?" "No. So then, what did you do when you realized this?" "I instantly turned it back on." HOLD IT! "When exactly did you turn it back on?" I asked. "Around 11:20." Fast replied. "That's pretty accurate." "Well, I wouldn't want you to make a mistake in your logic now would I?" "Very well then, what did you after you did that?" "Well... Um... After that, I went back to doing my regular thing around here..." "However, a few minutes later, I realized that the clock was thirty minutes off. So I paused the footage to cover my mistake." HOLD IT! "Why did you pause the footage?" "Because even though the cameras are hooked up to the computers, the timers are not. It's a bit too technical to fully explain." "But then why did you pause exactly as Luna was entering her room?" "Simple coincidence. Unless you have proof to say otherwise." "No..." *** (Dam! I don't have any proof that can negate his alibi!) "Oh ho ho. I hope now you can now truly see the truth?" Blueblood boasts. "Come on!" Side says to me, "Sir! Are there no flaws in his testimony?" "...There isn’t any flaws with his alibi." I admit. "Sir! You have to be joking! We can't stop now! If we do, then that means evil wins!" "Oh ho ho. I'm not evil, I'm just doing what is right and what I'm destined for." (There really isn't any other leads left! Even if there were, we couldn't even investigate them thanks to Blueblood!) "Is there truly nothing left?" Luna questions. "I'm sorry but I just can't think of anything." "There's still unanswered questions. Isn't there?" "Like what?" "Well, we still haven't found the sleeping crystals." (That's right! We haven't! I can't investigate any farther, but maybe, we already know the answer.) “Yes, it shows Luna entering at a decisive time. However, this has been offset by thirty minutes. Thus, the time that she entered her room was: midnight!” “So, you see Blueblood, the guards went in through the window. And that means that the only pony to close the window was the killer. Why? To set Luna up.” (Hmm… These capsules. None of them seem to be used yet.) (Okay now. I have the pieces in my head. I just have to put them together. We know that the killer was the one who offset the footage. What the question here is, how did the killer know how long to offset it for. Wait! If the killer was the one to close the window, then that could mean that the killer waited until Luna tried to enter through the window before killing the guards and leaving! That way the killer could place the time of death in a way that would be convenient for them. Now, if the killer were to wait until the last possible second to leave, and didn’t want to be suspected by a passing guards pony, that means the killer took the all of the decisive evidence with them! Including the sleeping gems. However, where would you store something like sleeping gems… even if they're small enough, they still could be noticeable on the body without some type of container to store them in. And I can only think of one type of container that Fast Sight could have store them in!) "Oh ho ho. I guess you're all out of excuses.” Blueblood says motioning us to the exit, “Well, if you the would just come with m-” OBJECTION!!! "Before we do that, can I just make one last request?" "Oh ho ho. I'm sorry, but the time that you could have gotten mercy never actually existed." "No, I’m still not asking for any kind of mercy.” I retaliate with my arms outstretched, “In fact, I can now show Fast Sight’s guilt right here and now." "Very well then. I’ll humor you. How exactly can you prove that?" "I request that we examine Fast Sight's had containers!" "What!? Why would you want to do that?" "Because, if my logic is correct, we should find a piece of definitive evidence in there." "Oh ho ho. And what would that be?" TAKE THAT! "The sleeping gems. He would need a place to hide I mean after all, it such a foolish idea, that you could simply disprove in less than thirty seconds." I say “And what purpose would I have for following up with such a request?” “You could just lock all three of us up anytime you wanted before, and yet you haven’t.” Luna states, “After all, you don’t Celestia to know that this room exists, do you?” "No! I refuse!" Shouted Fast Sight. OBJECTION! “Oh, but if you’re innocent, you have nothing to worry about.” I remark. PREPOSTEROUS! “T-this is an invasion of his privacy!” OBJECTION! “How exactly is this an invasion of privacy? It’s not like he has anything in there that he should be storing.” PREPOSTEROUS! “You don’t have any actual proof that they’re in there!” “That’s why we’re about to find out. It shouldn’t be anything too hard. We just need to make a simple check, and then we’ll admit defeat. That is, if there’s nothing in there!” “No!” Fast Sight tries to yell out. “I-I refuse” “Are you going to make me repeat myself? I said that if there isn’t anything there, there’s nothing to worry about. You don’t need to lie any more. There isn’t anything left that you can lie about. There is only one truth. So come on Fast Sight," I said bringing my right hand past my left shoulder, "face the truth of your murder!" I proclaim unleashing my hand in an overhead arc stopping it in the direction of the culprit, index finger fully extended. "Truth..." Fast Sight mumbled out. "You think that's truth? That isn't any kind of truth. NONE OF YOU BELIEVE IN THE TRUTH! NONE! YOU ALL EXIST JUST PUSHING ME AROUND AND I'M TRULY TO BLAME! I'MNOTTHEONETOBLAME!" He starts shouting out loud pulling on his mask trying to get it off. "YOUALLARE! IT'SALWAYSSOMEONEELSESFAULT! WELL, I'LL SHOW YOU THE TRUTH!" He says finally pulling off the mask, stopping the flow of gas from the mask, and starts the flow from his mouth. "THIS, IS THE TRUTH! YOU LUNA, ARE GUILTY FOR CURSING ME LIKE THIS! THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED BECAUSE OF YOU! THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS! AND YOU BLUEBLOOD! WHAT DID YOU DO, YOU JUST USED IT TOWARDS YOUR OWN ADVANTAGE! LOCKING ME UP I'M HERE! BUT WHAT IS THE TRUTH IN THIS MATTER? ROYALTY! I NO LONGER ACCEPT YOUR TRUTH! I NO LONGER ACCEPT IT! I DON'T! IDON'T! IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!... I d-don't." He manages to push out before he fades into an unconscious of denial. *** "Well, that was interesting." Luna says. "Most certainly was." Side agrees. "I'm just glad it's finally over." I say. ~CLICK~ (Oh don't tell me-) "I must thank you," Blueblood says holding a gun with his magic, "after all, he might have dared to turn on me." "Blueblood! Put the gun down now!" Luna shouts. "Well, I'm afraid I can't do that. After all, I have a kingdom to overthrow." “Sir! I’ve got this!” He says as he tries to run forwards, but just gets hit with the end of the gun introducing him to unconsciousness. I can’t do anything. I’m too shocked by the sudden turn of events to even fully think. (I can’t do anything! There isn’t anything I can do! Why!? What’s going on!? I need to do something! I need to protect them somehow!) “Why?” Luna tries reasoning, “Why are you doing this?” “Oh ho ho. I think you know why. It’s because I want power. And I want all of it. Granted this wasn’t my master plan coming to fruition, but it makes a decent substitute.” “You don’t need to do any of this!” “Oh ho ho. I’m sorry. Every time you open your dumb ass mouth I can’t help but laugh at the stupid things that you say. I mean, I am the pony that deserves the most simply because I’m me. It would have been so nice if you could have just accepted being a murderer and get bashed again like a good little girl, but, something had to get involved. Didn’t you?” He says focusing on me. “You just haaad to appear out of thin air didn’t you. You just haaad be the bigger pony. You had to be all innocent and smart with your logic. Well, unfortunately for you, no pony that knows about this is going to live long enough to talk about this. "I have to say, it hasn't been a pleasure knowing that you existed.” He says aiming the gun at me. “But now, I'm going to remedy that." Finally lining up his shot and pulling the trigger. The room becomes silent. (What? What happened? Did he fire? Am I now dead? Who’s that? What is Luna saying? Is she hugging the new pony? What’s going on? What’s going on?) I think to myself as I once again have a separation from consciousness. Time: ??? Date: ??? Location: Luna's Room (Uhg. Is this what death is like. Did I already think that before? My head is killing me. Am I on a bed?) I slowly open my eyes to get a good look at the world around me. I see a familiar being looking at me with a some sort of smile on his face. “Sir? Sir! You’re awake!” “Am I?” “Sir! How could you do that to us?” “What?” “Fall unconscious like that! You had me worried!” “What happened?” “I came in.” A white pony said coming into my field of vision. “And who are you?” “I am Princess Celestia. The main ruler of this fine land. I must thank you for all that you have done.” “Your welcome? I’m sorry but what exactly happened to me?” “She came in right as Blueblood was about to fire.” Side says, “She saved your life.” “No, no, no.” Celestia interrupts, “I did nothing. Sir, or at least what Side Guard over here says your name is, what you did, you saved a nation.” “How?” “I was only woken up by the screaming going about between you and Blueblood. I doubt that if you didn’t spend all that time trying to defend my sister, I would have made it into the room in time.” “Speaking of which, where’s Luna?” And, as if spoken of the devil, “Sister! Why didn’t you tell me he was awake!?” Luna says running into the room and hugging me. “Thank you. Thank you so much for what you did.” “What do you mean?” I ask. “There is no pony out there that would be so bold to go against Blueblood believes so strongly as to go physically argue against him. Especially after the way I treated you.” “I was just trying to make sure an innocent being wasn’t improperly convicted. I could tell right away that you were just scared.” “H-how?” “Just everything about you. You never seemed like the type of being that’s just committed murder and trying to get away with it.” “You’re an idiot.” Luna replied. “I guess I am. So, were you able to find out why Fast Sight hated you?” “Yes. It turns out that apparently, on the night of my return, he was part of a squad that went into the Everfree Forest in search of some way to get rid of m- Nightmare Moon. Instead, all of his friends died and he got cursed by having anything he breathed turn into a noxious gas. He, blamed me since if I never came back, his friends will still be alive.” She says with her eyes starting to water. “Don’t blame yourself, if anypony, blame Blueblood.” “Why would that be?” “From what I’ve seen and heard, Blueblood was the first pony that Fast Sight went to after being cursed like that. Blueblood repaid that by locking him up, forcing him to endlessly watch monitors, and squeezing as much of his gas out as possible for his own benefit.” “I guess, but-” “You may have been the one to start the flame, but you did it unknowingly. Blueblood saw that and tried to spread it. Besides, I’ve done worse than just killing a mass amount of beings.” "And what would that be?" "I killed my parents." "What?" Both Side Guard and Luna exclaim. "Those clothes that you saw on me were prison clothes. In fact, I was just about to be executed. I don't remember the event well, but, I now admit it." "You now admit it?" Luna asks. "When I was in prison, every second I never thought that I did it. In fact, most of that time I spent leaning law and how to investigate. It’s where I learned the techniques used the night before last. But I'm willing to accept the fact that I was the only one who could have done it." "Why are you so willing to accept that you committed murder if you previously denied it?" Side questions. “The trial for my case, had me guilty before it even started. I was unlucky and got this prosecutor that never lost. At least a twenty year record of guilties. Man like that, the kind that never loses, cheats. And I thought that he cheated on mine. However, during the time I was being sent to this world, it’s like all the facts of the case were in front of me. I tried arranging them in any possible way to find something wrong, but I couldn’t. Tried claiming a piece of evidence was fake. Tried claiming that a testimony was wrong. Tried claiming that I couldn’t have done it. But, there were no holes. Even if I did find a contradiction, who would have listened? I was already dead. Even then, who would listen to a parent-murdering psychopath? I just can’t see any other way that I couldn’t have done it. "I-I don't remember why I did it. I don’t even remember how!" I say as my eyes start brimming, "But now, all I can say to you is, Thank You." And I hug the two of them. "Thank You, for being my first friend." "Wha?” Luna reacts, calms down and replies, “I don't get you. I mean it. After the way I treated you? Anypony wouldn’t want to be around me after that." "I guess that means I’m not a pony. And I already told you, I could see that you were just scared. "But, what are you trying to tell me?" "I'm telling you what kind of person I am. So that you may make the proper decision about what to do with me. I don’t know what you want to happen to me. I don’t know if you want to send me back or keep me here. I just want you to know all there is about me so that you may make the proper decision. I’m treated as the worst kind of scum where I’m from. So, I honestly don’t know what you plan to do with me. I just know that I can let the innocent be punished over the guilty.” “I don’t think I’ve ever heard something like that before.” “It must be because this world is starting to become dark. From what I’ve seen, Blueblood’s murder attempt on us hasn’t made any major news. Also, murder is a new thing here. Murder isn’t exactly the most gracious thing. And if Blueblood was in charge of criminal justice here, I can only imagine what the police must be like. However, that doesn’t mean that Equestria will become violent and crime ridden. I believe, that with the proper care, that this fall into darkness, will only be as far as the floor.” “I’ve already made up my mind about what’s going to happen. I want you to become an investigator.” “You mean you want me to become a detective?” “No. It’s like being a detective, but instead of trying being the one of the first parties at the scene that are there to try and figure out who did it, an investigator tries to find the truth behind the situation. A party that’s more searching into the how and why instead of the who. While a detective searches for the culprit, you’ll be searching for everything else.” “What’s the point of that? Why can’t a detective do that already?” “Right now, most detectives are ones that have been created from Bluebloods teachings. He actually had control over criminal justice before hand, but now I’m in charge of that. Anyways, most detectives either don’t fully know how to investigate, are corrupt, or something in between. I can’t just take them away, so I’m adding something new. Something that can help immediately with solving crimes, and helping the other parties in criminal justice become the best in their fields. I want you to be at the forefront of all of this.” "Won't ponies be scared because I'm human?" "Ponies know that humans exist. It's just that there's rarity of them." "Very well, I accept. If I'm going to stay in this world, I'm going to need to do something after all." After I said that, I could hear the sound of Side Guard starting to leave. “Where do you think you’re going.” “...Nowhere.” He meekly replies. "Is there something wrong?" Luna asks. "No. Sorry for bothering you." He says as he starts to turn around and leave. "Thank you for your help before." I mention. "What? No. I didn't do anything." "Actually, you did something very important." "No I didn't. I'm sorry for-" "Actually, I have proof of you helping us." "And what would that proof be?" TAKE THAT! "I never asked for the autopsy report. You're the one who got it for me." "Oh. That's nothing." "It made sure that I became a part of the investigation. After all, I was only there under the pretense of my own appearance here." "Really?... SIR! Thank you for your kindness." He says as he hugs both me and Luna. “I never thought that anypony could be so kind to me! I’m sorry, it’s just that you two were talking about yourselves, and-” “What do you mean our selves? After all, I’m going to need a pony to help me properly adjust to this world.” “Sir! I-I can’t believe that-” “David. Call me David.” I say. “Why?” “That’s my name. David Nicholas.” “Pfft. What kind of name is David Nicholas?” He remarks. “Hey! What kinda name is Side Guard!?” I reply. “You know what. David. Call me Sides. It sounds much cooler.” “Okay then. Sides, I think I’m going to need a suit. Do you think that cyan would look nice on me?” “Actually, I don’t know where to get a suit around here. Luna what about you?” “Um… I don’t know.” She hastily says. “What, a princess doesn't know where to find a place to get clothes? Why that is just deadly!” I say inciting laughter out of all of us. (I can't believe I never had a moment like this before. I wonder if there has ever been a moment like this. A disgraced princess trying to amend historic sins, a patriotic yet naive guard who wants purpose, and finally a murder who hasn't been friends with anyone before. These kinds of moments are going to be what I should try to achieve. This is going to be what my purpose is. To find the truth that brings happiness into this world. I am David Nicholas, and I am an investigator.) End. A Summoning Turnabout: ExtrasPart: 2 (Okay then, lets see what else is in this room.) I think to myself as I head over to a table holding all sorts of novelty items. (Huh. I didn’t think that a princess would have time to collect trinkets. Wait a second… Some of these look like they came from my world. And, is that the Super-Limited Edition Steel Samurai Action Figure with Kung-Fu Grip!? What’s she doing with that? She couldn’t possibly be… Nah. It’s probably just a collection of nick-knacks that somehow got teleported to this world by some freak occurrence… I hope.) *** (I wonder what else I should talk to Luna about. Maybe I should see how she reacts to some of my findings.) “So Luna, what do you think about this piece of evidence?” “Honestly, I don’t know what to think. Is it another nail in the coffin? Is it something to prove my innocence?" She replies with her voice trailing off. "You know what, let's not think about that." I quickly say. (Okay. Not any evidence of importance.) *** “Yes, but then how did our victims fall asleep if the murderer was a pegasus? After all, pegasi can’t use magic, only unicorns can.” “Hmph. I guess that means that one other possibility exists.” “And what would that be?” “If a pegasus came in here and a unicorn put our victims to sleep then that would mean, the killer, was an alicorn!” I shout out loud leaving everypony in the room speechless. “Oh ho ho.” Blueblood mocks, “So you are admitting that the only pony that could have done it was Luna?” “No, I’m stating that the killer-” “Out of the entire empire, only four known alicorns exist.” Blueblood states, “Only one of them doesn’t have an alibi for the murders. I’ll let you guess which one that is.” “Well… How do you know that there wasn’t some type of alicorn that wasn’t ever heard about?” I embarrassingly suggest. “Oh ho ho. An alicorn isn’t exactly an easy pony to hide. How would you suggest we never heard of one?” “Then maybe it wasn’t an alicorn. Have you thought about that?” “That is an idea, however, it’s also an idea that you don’t know what you’re talking about!” Blueblood exclaims with vigour enough to damage my reputation. (Maybe I should have thought that one through. After all, if it wasn’t an alicorn that did it, and there were two different ponies involved in the murder, that can only mean one thing…) *** “If you’re going to pose a counter theory, then you should at least be able to explain it all the way through!” “Very well, just give me a second to think. Okay, let’s confirm what we know to be true. A: The victims must have entered at 10:30. B: The must have fallen asleep after 10:45 in order to line up with the autopsy. C: The killer must have been outside when the timer went off.” “But that impossible!” Blueblood shouted out. “Unless, we consider one of these facts to be somewhat wrong.” “But these are facts! They are by it’s definition not wrong!” “I never said that the facts were wrong, I’m saying our way of interpreting them must have been wrong.” “And what could that possibly be?” “...Maybe, the killer was inside when the guards went to sleep.” PREPOSTEROUS! “Wouldn’t that also cause the killer to fall asleep as well?” Blueblood states. "Well, maybe the killer was able to resist the effects of the sleeping gems.” “And do you have any proof of this?” “...No.” “Furthermore, what purpose would the killer staying in Luna’s room serve.” “Well maybe-” “And lastly, what would that change about the situation? The time is still going to be off.” “That would just mean-” “You’re wrong.” Blueblood states with enough force to damage my reputation. (I really need to think logically about this. I mean, this could actually make Luna innocent. Okay then let think about this again…) Part: 3 (I wonder what this is.) I think to myself as I examine the back wall filled with all sorts of monitors and buttons. (It appears to be a computer, but… I wonder what this button does.) As I push a button at random causing a bunch of alarms to go off. “Hey! Watch what you’re pressing you fool!” Fast Sight shouts and pushes some other buttons on the console, “You could have sent the entire nation into a state of alarm!” “Sorry! Sorry!” I quickly apologize, “I was just trying to investigate!” “Well, next time, ask me to do it!” (I guess I’m as qualified to use electronics here than I was back in my world. I should have probably tried to find that out in a… less hazardous method.) *** “I would like to check the footage.” I exclaim. “Oh ho ho. Honestly, I’m getting quite tired of having to look at monitors. So, unless you can show me proof of a direct time to look at, I’m not going to aide to your request.” “Very well, I’ll show you proof at which time I would like to look at.” TAKE THAT! “There! That should show exactly what time I want to pull up!” I say with vigor. “Oh ho ho. I seem to have some trouble seeing what time that piece of evidence relates to. Could you please tell me?” Realizing my mistake I say, “Oh... j-just pull up Mph O’clock.” “What time was that again?” Blueblood sarcastically asks. “Mph O’Clock.” I hastily say. “Say it louder for me.” “...Mph O'clock?” I say with such instability in my voice to ruin part of my reputation. “I thought so.” Blueblood replies. (Okay, that was beyond humiliating for me. I just have to think about proof that shows when the guards went into Luna’s room. Let’s try this again.) An Acted Turnabout: Prologe“Hello Ladies and Gentlecolts! I am all glad you could make it here for this wonderful night of culture!” Life is a performance. “After all, it is always important to look on to the finer things in life and reflect. We are civilised after all.” It has a beginning, middle, and end. “But now, is now the time to talk. Now, is the time to absorb, reflect, and look, just a little deeper into yourself than you usually do.” Even though it can seem to go on forever. “So to start you off, I give you, the world renowned Cellist, Octavia!” Eventually, it must come to an end. ~BANG~ And at the end, the curtain falls back down. Covering the beings watching from the events at hand. ~BOOM~ Covering them, from the future. An Acted Turnabout: Part 1Time: 7:47 PM Day: May, 30th Location: The High Hoof Theater Lobby “Well, here we are.” I said walking into the lobby with Side right behind me. “I can’t believe that we’re actually doing this.” Side says, “I mean, who cares about some music?” “Some music!?” I almost gasp in shock, “Why, I’ll have you know that performers from all across Equestria are playing here tonight.” “Yeah. And?” “And I never got to go to a performance before. Besides, it will be fun. After all, such a cheery world like this has to have colorful music.” “David, if you just wanted to listen to music, then you could have just used a radio.” “Tell me, have you spent your entire life in pris-” “Oh come on. It’s just going to be the same classical musicians played everywhere else in Canterlot. Let me see who’s playing,” Side says grabbing a brochure of a wall. “Octavia… Lyra… Some other performers… eh… nopony important.” “Really?” “Yeah. No Vinyl Scratch.” “Who’s Vinyl Scratch?” “Only like the best DJ ever!” “Really? A DJ? We are going to a concert featuring some of the most exquisite music Equestria has to offer, and you can’t get past the fact that there isn’t a DJ!?” I ask embarrassed for myself. “Well, yeah! Classical music is boring.” “I’m sorry for not wanting to lose my hearing.” “Please. We have magic to fix ear problems.” (So!?! That doesn’t change the fact that that kind of loud music will make any being lose their ability to hear!) “Joy. Anyways, can I see that?” “Sure, here you go,” Side says handing me the brochure, “There’s a map of the theater on the other side.” High Hoof Brochure has been accepted into Journal High Hoof Brochure: A Brochure stating some basic facts about the performance and a map of the theater. (What the hell? What is this? What kind of map only gives a basic idea of the seating arrangements? Who even designed this in the first place? Some amature who’s using an open-source program? I guess I’ll keep it for now.) “I guess we should have come here a little later though. We still have about 30 minutes before the performance actually begins.” “HHHHHHHHHHHHHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU” “I told you beforehoof David. It’s easy to get around in Canterlot.” “MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA” “I’m just learning new facts about this world. Also is it me or do you hear somethi-” “AN!” I hear before I’m tackled in the back. “GAH!” I scream falling down trying to use my hands as a cushioning device. I instantly flip myself over to get a look at my attacker and I see a mint colored unicorn standing above me. “You’re a human! Aren’t you!?” She says. “Wha?” “Hi! I’m Lyra!” She continues while picking me up with her magic and starts examining my hands. “I’m sorry for acting all improper and everything but this is the first time I’ve ever actually been able to see one of you up close. I mean, yes there was that one time during the whole Indy Cup incident, but I was too shy to actually examine him. So, I’m taking a look at you!” “I’m sorry miss,” Side tries to say, “But could you please get off him? You’re disturbing him right now.” “HE DOESN’T SEEM TO BE UPSET!” She snarled, turning her anger-filled gaze right into Side’s eyes. “Sorry. Sorry.” He cowers. (No! Don’t be sorry! Be helpful!) “Anyways,” Lyra says turning her attention back to me, “what’s your name?” “...David Nicholas?” I meekly say. “Cool!” She replies with a way too enthusiastic glee. (She’s going to kidnap me. She’s going to kidnap me and I’ll spend the rest of my life trapped with her examining my body... I need to tread with caution.) “...So Lyra,” I slowly say, “I hear you’re one of the performers playing tonight.” “Yeah. I mean, this may be my first performance in such a large theater but, I can’t just let opportunities pass by like this.” “Really? Your first big performance?” “Well, I come from Ponyville and even though there may be a lot of stuff that happens there, there isn’t that many opportunites to get a big crowd like here.” “Then why stay there? Couldn’t you stay somewhere else?” “First big performance. Rember?” “Yeah, but surely you’ve done other performances. Why didn’t you use the money from that to move to a more profitable place.” “I was born and raised there. I just don’t feel comfortable leaving.” “Oh.” “Actually, that’s where I saw the last human.” (Changing subject! Changing subject!) “So Lyra, are you affiliated with any of the other ponies playing tonight?” “Not really. I mean, I’ve talked with Octavia once or twice, but we don’t hang out or anything.” “But you’ve talked with her before. What is she like?” “Octavia plays the Cello and cares even more about etiquette than Rarity.” “Rarity?” “...Yeah. Rarity. One of the ay. “That probably doesn’t lead to anything..” Lyra points out. “There must be a reason for that and I think we’ll find it out before the day is done.” “Oh well. Hey! Who’s that?” Lyra points out motioning to the Beverly Hills pony from before. “I don’t know.” “I think she may be the owner of the theater.” “Really? Huh.” (The owner? Maybe she might know a thing or two about what went down.) “Hello there,” I say as I walk over to her, “who are yo-” “Hush!” She whispered out with volume making me silent for a moment. “I’m sorry bu-” “I do not need to speak with you.” “Actu-” “There is nothing of importance that we could talk about.” “I don’t know, what about the murder that just happened.” “...Hmph. Very well, we shall talk about that. But only that.” “Could you at least tell me your name?” “...It is, Fleur de Lis.” (Welp, somepony’s reserved. I have a bad feeling about communicating with her.) “So,” I start off, “could you tell me a little about yourself? “...I could, but I will not” “Why not?” “I do not see the need to.” “But you are the owner of this theater, right?” “That is correct.” “So, if it turns out to be faulty equipment that caused the death of Octavia, wouldn’t you be held responsible?” “I doubt that it was faulty equipment that killed her.” “And why would that be?” “You said that she had been murdered. If it were faulty equipment, then you would be calling it an accident.” “Very well, can you tell me about the performance itself?” “What about it?” “Well… Do you think any of the other ponies would be the one to commit murder.” “I am not the type to single out others for personal gain.” “Then-” “Are you going to say that I must have killed her if I will not place the blame on another? If I were truly the killer, why would I not pin it on some other pony?” “I never said anything of that sort.” “Could you at least tell me why you set this performance up?” “Because, this is a theater. Theaters need shows or else they will not make any money.” “So, you set this whole thing up just so you could make money?” “You know, when you put it like that, it makes me sound like a scammer. Do you have a problem with a pony trying to make a living?” “No.” “Then stop pushing the subject.” (Ugh! It feels impossible to get anywhere with her! Let me try being as specific as possible.) “So, did you know Octavia at all?” “Yes. I had to contact her for the performance after all.” “What was your opinion of her?” “She was a very fine pony and the world just seems… a little more sloppier without her. In fact, I just used the word sloppy as an adjective.” (How terrible.) “Do you have an idea why anypony would want to kill her?” “I do not have the faintest clue as to why somepony would do that.” (I think that’s all I’m going to get out of her… Say, I don’t think I hear any noise going on in the theater.) I think to myself as I put my ear on the door. “You aren’t going to hear anything.” Lyra tells me. “Really? I ain’t?” “Nope. Those doors are soundproofed so that if a performance gets too loud, nopony outside the theater who didn’t pay doesn’t hear it.” “Interesting.” I comment. Theater Doors have been accepted into Journal Theater Doors: Theater Doors are specially made as to not let any sound escape when closed. (That may be all there is to this lobby. I wish I didn’t have to scrounge for clues, but at least I’ve searched everything in here.) INVESTIGATION COMPLETE At that moment, Noir came out of the theater half done with a cigarette saying, “Okay, everything’s done here. We can go home.” “What do you mean?” I reply, “I still have to do my investigation.” “No you don’t. After all, I’m the one in charge, and I’m the one who says it’s over. Lyra, you’re going to have to come with me. “What!? Why?” She asks. “Because, you obviously killed Octavia.” “What do you mean?” I asked. “I don’t have to bow down before you. I so all I have to say to you, is to get out of my way.” “I still have the ability to challenge any theory you may have Noir.” “Alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” ===Argument=== --How Lyra Committed The Murder-- “As you figured out for me, the reason that poor Octavia died, was murder.” “The way that it was done was by making a sandbag fall on top of her head.” “Now, what out mint friend over here must have done is set up the bag beforehand.” “Then, she set the end of the rope that wasn’t tied to the bag next to where she was standing.” “That way, she could easily cut the rope with a knife and in the end, killed Octavia.” *** “There, that logic good enough for you?” Noir said tossing the used cigarette onto the ground and stepped on it. “Not yet, I have to give a rebuttal after all.” I replied. “Oh, you have to? No, you want to. You want to believe that you’re the superior here.” The detective said as he lit a new cigarette and started smoking it, “After all, if you don’t feel superior, you don’t feel happy.” “No, I want to find the tru-” NONSENSE! “You want to find squat. You want to gain respect. I know how you types are. Don’t you ever think that I’ll be able to trust a being like you.” “I guess we’ll have to see how well you theory holds up against the truth then.” ===Rebuttal=== --How Lyra Committed The Murder-- “As you figured out for me, the reason that poor Octavia died, was murder.” “The way that it was done was by making a sandbag fall on top of her head.” “Now, what out mint friend over here must have done is set up the bag beforehand.” HOLD IT! “Why would you say that she’s the one to do it?” I asked. “Because, she was the one to kill her.” “Where’s your proof that she did such a thing?” “Where’s your proof that she didn’t?” He replied. “I think that the more likely possibility is that she didn’t do it.” “And that’s because you’re new to this field. You’re going to need to find a serious problem with my theory to prove that it’s wrong.” “I’m sorry, but why? After all, your theory is just made fro- NONSENSE! “You’re not at all legally part of this investigation. If you want to prove me wrong, you’re going to have to convince me. Myself. Not any kind of court.” “Very well, what did she supposedly do next?” “Then, she set the end of the rope that wasn’t tied to the bag next to where she was standing.” HOLD IT! “How do you know that she was standing on the other end of the rope?” I questioned. “Because, I asked around, and was told that her waiting position was right next to where the other end of the rope was.” “Do you have the other end in question?” “Yes, I have it right here.” Noir says as he pulls the rope out of his saddlebag. (Hmm. Getting a good look at the rope in question, I can’t tell how this broke. It appears that something just tore through the top, and the rest of the rope just snapped. Furthermore, there also appears to be quite a number of feet the length of the rope is.) Rope has been accepted into Journal Rope: A rope that was used to hold up a sandbag. Snapped after half of it was torn off somehow. Is multiple feet in length. This end was tied to the wall. “That way, she could easily cut the rope with a knife and in the end, killed Octavia.” OBJECTION! “You know,” I said, “I didn’t think a job such as yours would take kindly to sloppiness.” “What are you talking about?” Noir responded. “After all, there is no way that somepony could just cut the rope next to the wall and leave behind a few feet.” “Oh and why would that be?” “Because, to stand next to where it’s tied and cut it there, would leave barely an inch, much less a foot.” NONSENSE! “You don’t know that. After all, she’s a unicorn, she could have used telekinesis to cut the rope!” OBJECTION! “That would be possible, if it weren’t that she would need to be behind the curtain to do that. And if what I’ve been told is correct, unicorns horns start to shine when they’re performing magic, and somepony would have seen that. Wouldn’t that pony then tell her to stop shining a light backstage!” NONSENSE! “She could have hid her aura!” “Oh, that’s possible? Could you tell me how then?” “ARUGH!” Noir screams retracting by his wings fully spreading out and him taking a few steps back. “Fine! I guess that the murderer couldn’t have cut the rope right at the wall.” “You see, that’s why Lyra couldn’t do i-” “But, that only digs Lyra further into her grave.” Noir interrupts lighting a new cigarette. “How, she would be waiting right at the backstage for-” “She wasn’t seen at the location that she was supposed to be at.” Noir says grabbing a cigarette and lighting it. “I’ve talked to the ponies that were making sure that everything was right during the performance, and they all agreed at one point, ‘Lyra was supposed to go right after Octavia, but wasn’t able to be found once the lights dimmed.’ If that’s true, where do you think she was? There then is only one place that she could have been. And that would have to be at the catwalk, cutting the rope.” “Catwalk, what’s that?” Lyra asks. “It’s a bridge above a stage that’s used to hang such equipment as lights or props.” I answer. “Pfft, I can’t believe that you’ve been a performer for so long and you don’t even know what a catwalk is.” Noir jests. “Hey! I’ve manly only done small shows. I haven’t had the time to ask every single aspect of a theater.” “But wouldn’t she then be seen by one of the other ponies up there?” I question. “Nope, after all, unless it’s necessary for a show, nopony is allowed to go up onto the catwalk.” “Could you please show me where this catwalk is?” I ask. “Alright, I’ll even show you the rope.” Theater Map has been updated. Theater Map: Dotted line represents rope path. “And can I assume that the statements that the stagehands made were official?” I ask. “They most certainly are.” Stagehand Statements have been accepted into Journal Stagehand Statements: Even though Lyra was supposed to be right after Octavia, she was nowhere to be found at the start of the performance. “But that doesn’t prove anything.” I try to point out. “Except, that she was the only pony whose whereabouts were unknown, and the only place that a pony wasn’t watching was the catwalk. Where the murderer had to be. Put those two facts together, and you can see the obvious outcome. If you really have that much confidence in her, then you know what you need to ask.” “Alright then, Lyra, where were you during the murder?” “I was in my room?” She unconvincingly says. “Really? Lyra, this isn’t the time for lies. If you lie now, you will be convicted of murder. I can only help you if you tell the truth.” “But I was! I was!” “Can you even back that up?” “Yeah! I can tell you everything that happened!” ===Witness Testimony=== --Where I Was During The Murder-- “I was in my room the entire time.” “I didn’t know that it was my time to get ready.” “I hadn’t even heard that the performance started.” “Not a single pony came to my room either.” “I wasn’t the one who killed Octavia!” *** “Nothing suspicious about that at all! Got that?” Lyra said. “You know that you can’t just let her statements fly right?” Noir asks. “I know,” I reply, “After all, the logic of it all just doesn’t add up.” “What do you mean the logic does add up! It’s flawless!” (I guess I’ll just have to logic up a retort then. Although I should be cautious when using logic here. After all, even though I should consider all facts, not all facts will have use to them. So, even though I may gain a piece of logic, that doesn’t mean that I can use it with anything. In a sense, you could call it Dud Logic. However, once I finish with my rebuttal, any pieces of logic leftover that was gained during my examination can be properly deemed as unworthy and will be tossed aside. I just need to see what pieces of logic I’m using and I should be okay. But, without further adue, I should get started.) ===Rebuttal=== --Where I Was During The Murder-- “I was in my room the entire time.” HOLD IT! “Can you prove that you were in there?” I ask her. “...No.” She meekly replied. “Then how do we know that you stayed in your room for the entire time then?” “You don’t trust me?” She asks with a tear in her eye. “No, we don’t.” Answers Noir, “After all, there were ponies that were looking for you, and yet you weren’t able to be found.” “So! That would just mean that I was never in the hallway backstage! It’s not like they entered my room or anything!” “Hold on,” I but in, “why didn’t you know that it was time for you to go onstage?” “Well, that’s because…” “I didn’t know that it was my time to get ready.” HOLD IT! “You didn’t know that it was your time to get ready?” “Yeah! After all, there wasn’t a clock or anything in there.” “So nopony came to get you even though you were supposed to be on stage soon?” “Exactly! Not a knock or a shout!” “Nopony?" "Nopony. Thurthermore,... “I hadn’t even heard that the performance started.” HOLD IT! “How come you didn’t hear anything?” I question “I was taking a nap at the time.” She replies with a straight face. “Really? But what about the sound of the performance? Wouldn’t that have woken you up? “I honestly didn’t know that it started! I didn’t I tell you something to that effect before?” (Did she? I think she may have said something…) “Investigate?” “Yeah, somepony’s been killed.” “What! Who?” “Octavia. It was right as she was about to preform.” “Oh! The performance started? I didn’t know.” “Ah well, I need to start investigating though.” “...I guess you did say something like that.” I admit. “You idiot,” Noir replies, “the performance had only just started when the murder happened. Even if she was out of range of the sound, she would have fitted nicely into the time slot. Think next time you object!” (You think nothing was gained there? Well, I think I may need to think about that idea.) “Not a single pony came to my room either.” HOLD IT! "How can you be so sure if that?" "Because, I didn't hear any kind of knock!" "Why wouldn't they try to enter your room?" "What do you mean?" "Well, if they thought that you may not have heard the knocking, then they might think that they should go inside your room to get your attention?" "Actually, dressing rooms here are locked and only the pony using it has the key to the locked and only the pony using it has the key to the locked and only the pony using it has the key to the room.” “Really now?” “Yeah, so nopony could enter or leave my dressing room except for me.” “Is this true Noir?” “According to what I’ve asked, yes, this is fact.” “And besides,” Lyra says... “I wasn’t the one who killed Octavia!” (Okay David, be careful. Even though she may state some facts that may go into logic, not all of them will have use to me. I do need to press her to get those facts though so I think I should start there. After that though, I should try and confront the facts with her. Let’s just start again from the beginning and see what I can do.) “I was in my room the entire time.” OF COURSE! “No you weren’t.” I flat out state. “Hey! How could you say such a thing?” “Easy, you would have heard the sound of Fier de Luis’s voice if you were.” “EEP!” She shrieks jumping up a little in surprise. “True, she wouldn’t be as loud as music would be, but, it would still be hearable from backstage.” “You don’t know that I would be able to hear the sound of her voice from backstage!” She says. OBJECTION! “Lyra, then how did you know that the theater went into a state of panic?” “What do you mean?” “When you meet up with me the second time, you said something to the effect of, ‘Everything was fine, until everypony panicking happened.’ Why is it, that you were able to hear the sound of panicking ponies if you couldn’t hear the sound of an amplified voice?” “EEP!” She shrieks jumping. “Honestly, there only one place where you could be that would give reason to why you never hear the voice of Luis.” “And where would that be?” Asked Noir. “The lobby. It’s the only location available.” “Hmph, why would she be there?” Noir asks annoyed. “I don’t know. Lyra, would you like to answer his question?” “I wasn’t in the lobby, I was in my dressing room!” She says defensively. “Unfortunately for you, I have proof that you were in the lobby during the murder.” “And what would that be?” TAKE THAT! “The doors to the lobby from the theater are soundproof, right?” I confirm. “Yes…” Lyra nervously replies. “Thus, if you were in here when they were closed, you wouldn’t be able to hear the performance!” NONSENSE! “Then how would she be able to hear the sound of ponies panicking!? Since the doors were closed, she wouldn’t be able to hear the screams!” OBJECTION! “What way do you think the audience left the theater!? Those ponies didn’t leave in an orderly manner!” “Fine!” Noir growled scrunching up his cigarette. “So, Lyra, tell me, what were you doing in the lobby?” “Nothing! Nothing at all.” Lyra nervously claimed. “Hmph, seems like this little pony won’t confess. I’ll let you have one free guess as to why.” Noir stated. “Because she did something in here that she doesn’t want to admit?” I offer. “Nope. It’s because she wasn’t in here.” Noir says pulling out a new cigarette and lighting it. “Yes she was. There’s evidence to prove it.” “Ah ha ha ha!” Noir laughs, “Evidence? You’ve got evidence to prove that Lyra was in the lobby during the murder? What is it? Did somepony see her in here? Do you have some footage? Tell me.” “Process of elimination should be good enough.” “What elimination? Elimination based of what a killer said? That isn’t proof of anything. She can’t even give a reason as to why she might have been in here.” “Lyra, I need you to tell me the truth. What were you doing in here?” “I was… nothing… I can’t say.” “Come on Lyra. It’s that, or you get falsely arrested for murder.” “Please, don’t make me say it. Find something else… Please.” She whimpers out. (I guess she won’t tell me what she did here. I guess the only thing now is to calm down and think about this logically. What I need to do is try and think about what may have changed in the lobby. Wait a second! There is something that changed in here during the murder!) “Lyra, if I make some assumptions, will you tell me if I’m right or wrong?” “...I’ll tell you if you're wrong.” Lyra agrees. “Good enough for me.” “Pha!” Noir cries out. “It’s not like she’ll tell the truth. There isn’t anything in here that could show what she may have did!” “Really? Because I think there is something that she may have done.” TAKE THAT! “I think that Lyra over here took out the trash… and replaced it with yesterday’s bags.” “Why!? What purpose would she have for doing such a thing?” (Reason… Reason… Why would Lyra do such a thing… Well, what would switching the bags accomplish?) “I guess it would have to be that Lyra wanted something in today’s garbage bag.” “Ha! Now that’s just ridiculous.” Noir scoffs. “Well, Lyra? Am I wrong?” “...No.” Lyra affirms. “What! This is ridiculous!” Noir shouts. “Ridiculous maybe, but true.” “Yeah! Where’s your proof? Huh!? I don’t see any proof that Lyra took something from today’s garbage bag! What did she even take!?” (Alright, let me think about this for a second… What would possibly compel a pony like Lyra to do such a thing… What could she want that was in there… What would be put in there? Something that was thrown away…) “I think she wanted something thrown away by someone.” I state out loud. “Oh!? And who would that be?” (I just got to think of who would throw away an item that she would want. And that item would be from…) TAKE THAT! “Lyra, you have a deep obsession. Don’t you.” I state. “Yes…” “A deep obsession, one that you place as your number one priority.” “Where are you going with this?” Noir asks. “So tell me Lyra, if you could get a sample of human blood, would you try and get it?” “Eep!” Lyra shrieks, jumping into the air a little. “What nonsense are you talking about?” Noir furiously asks. “Before the performance began, me and Lyra met each other. Admittedly, she introduced herself by slamming me onto the ground which caused a nosebleed, but she had a tissue on her to clean it up. Now, let me ask you Noir, what do you think a pony who has a deep rooted obsession would do when faced with the chance to act upon that obsession?” NONSENSE! “Then why wouldn’t she grab it before the performance began?” Noir suggested. OBJECTION! “Oh yes, just reach into the garbage when there are more than a dozen ponies watching. That seems like the best course of action.” I sarcastically retaliated. NONSENSE! “Then why did she bother switching the bags around when she could have just pulled it out later!?” “The trash had already piled up some and I couldn’t immediately find it.” Lyra told us, “Not wanting to be seen digging through trash, I switched the bags so that I wouldn’t be seen picking up David’s blood.” “And there you have it.” I said, “Lyra was in the lobby the entire time.” “Then where’s the tissue! I would like to see this so called bloodied tissue!” “I have it right here.” Lyra says pulling out the tissue. Bloodied Tissue has been accepted into Journal Bloodied Tissue: A tissue that was used to wipe my blood and placed in the trash. Lyra took the tissue during the murder. “Arg!” Noir screams. “That should be sufficient for you now.” I say. “So, does this mean I can go?” Lyra asks. “I believe that there isn’t any reason for you to stay any longer.” I tell her. NONSENSE! “You’re making me feel a slight feeling of shame right now.” Noir says lighting a new cigarette. “Well, you did accuse an innocent pony of murder.” “I don’t think that issue has been settled yet.” Noir says taking a puff of his newly lit cigarette. “I feel like the issue has been settled quite well.” “We still haven’t found out when she got the tissue.” “When would she have the opportunity to switch the bags if not during the murder?” “Before and after. We don’t have any proof that she did it during the murder. In fact, there isn’t a piece of decisive evidence that you have to say otherwise.” (But after all we’ve just gone through! Ugh! It’s like talking to a smoky wall!) “What? But I have the tissue! Doesn’t that count as proof?” Lyra questions. Noir takes a puff of his cigarette before replying, “It’s proof that you’re a crazed psycho, nothing more. It doesn’t prove when you were outside of the theater.” OBJECTION! “Do you have any evidence to counter her alibi?” “Do I need to counter a half-baked theory?” “So if that’s true, then when exactly did Lyra steal the tissue? According to your opinion?” “I don’t care when she stole it, I just know that she did.” “Fine! Then what about a motive for Lyra? What purpose would she have for committing murder?” “What reason would anypony have for committing a murder? The only matter is that she is the only pony that could possibly do this.” “You’re avoiding the question Noir.” “No I’m not. I’m saying that I don’t know, and I don’t care.” “Really then? Can you at least explain in full how Lyra’s alibi is not valid?” “Very well.” ===Argument=== --Why Lyra’s Alibi Doesn’t Work-- “Just because a pony is able to make a possible alibi doesn’t mean that it’s true if nopony else saw it.” “After all, my theory still very much intact.” “She is the one who went up onto the catwalk and cut the rope.” “While I will admit that Lyra switched the garbage bags, we still don’t know when she switched them.” “It’s not like you have any definitive proof of when she switched them.” *** “So that’s why Lyra will be having a nice talk about what she’s just done in prison.” Noir says. “But why can’t-” “I CAN!” Side says bursting into the lobby. “What the!” I say retracting with surprise. “Sorry.” Side apologies, “I thought you guys were going over something dramatic so I decided I wanted to join into the drama.” (Please tell me nopony important heard that.) “So, Side, what did you find out?” I ask him. “Just that nopony is needed to supervise the catwalk. We can go up there any time we want.” “Really now?” Noir smugly says. “What? Did I say something that I wasn’t supposed to?” Side asks. “No.” I reluctantly say. “Did you happen to find anything else?” “Not really. I spent most of my time chatting with Vinyl. So, what’s going on?” “Lyra’s the suspect and I’m trying to find another possibility.” “Ah. And we are at?” “The final part.” Noir says. “I want to be able to leave before sunrise after all.” “Are you debating theories?” Side asks. “Essentially.” “Got it. I think I’m caught up now.” (Remember David, this isn’t going to be about finding something wrong with his theory, this is going to be showing how my theory is more plausible. Nothing definitive, just striking.) ===Argument=== --How Lyra Committed The Murder Pt. 2-- “Just because a pony is able to make a possible alibi doesn’t mean that it’s true if nopony else saw it.” HOLD IT! “Yes, but it’s certainly a possibility.” I point out, “If there’s another possibility available, then we should be searching on either view to see which one is-” NONSENSE! “Ha!” Noir shouts, “Actually, since nopony saw Lyra, it actually gives quite a good deal of doubt on her testimony. After all, nopony saw her? That seems mighty suspicious to me.” OBJECTION! “We don’t know that nopony saw her. We haven’t asked after all.” “Actually, nopony did see me.” Lyra says. “What!” I yell retracting, “How come nopony saw you?” “That’s actually because the ponies that work here like to watch the performances.” Side tells me. “Huh? You mean that they allow the ponies that make sure everypony has a ticket before they get in, get distracted by a performance the second it starts?” I question sweating. “Yep!” Side answers. (I need to get back on track. After all, is there any questions that I could ask to validate my theory?) “Noir,” I start to ask, “why is it that just because nopony saw Lyra, that it casts doubt on my theory?” “Hmph, it’s because there’s nopony that can show us she’s telling the truth. After all, you need proof to show innocence.” “In that case, could you please change your initial statement to reflect that view?” “Alright.” Noir says with caution. “Since nopony saw Lyra, it casts doubt that your theory is correct in any way.” OBJECTION! “Noir, I must give you some credence to what you are doing.” I say with confidence. “And what would you mean by that?” He asks me. “Pointing out the flaw in your theory just to show the same problem in mine.” “How so?” “I didn’t hear you mention any witness saying that they saw Lyra up at the catwalk.” I point out. “Ack!” He screams retracting again with his wings up. “If you’re going to complain that just because Lyra wasn’t seen in the Lobby that makes my theory incorrect, then why wasn’t Lyra seen on the Catwalk!” NONSENSE! “It’s still plausible that the ponies just missed her! There are ponies that would go through the lobby even when the performance starts!” OBJECTION! “And ponies were looking everywhere backstage during that time as well! Was Lyra not seen by anypony who made a curious glance upwards at one point? Are you saying that Lyra managed to sneak out of everypony’s peripheral vision when she was up there?” NONSENSE! “It’s still possible that she was missed by the ponies that were onstage!” OBJECTION! “I seem to recall both of us having doubts on Lyra’s first alibi based on that same reasoning she gave.” NONSENSE! “Yes, but the catwalk is high above the stage. It’s much more likely that they would have missed Lyra if she was up there than in her room!” OBJECTION! “And it’s even more likely that they wouldn’t find her in a place that we have affirmed that nopony was in!” I shouted slamming my foot onto the ground, “In fact, the truth that nopony saw Lyra is in itself the alibi!” NONSENSE! “So!? There wasn’t anypony that saw another pony up on the catwalk! That still makes it possible for her to be up there by your reasoning!” OBJECTION! “You’re making me feel a slight bit of shame.” I said mocking Noir. “How so?” He asked. “This is a world of magic, isn’t it? So, wouldn’t that mean that any unicorn could cut the rope using the proper spell!?” I shouted making a full lunge of my finger at Noir. “Damn! Damn you!” Noir shouts. “...So,” Side starts to ask, “what does this mean now?” “Well, it means that we have to do a proper investigation of the stage now. And there isn’t a single pony that can stop us.” I reply. “What about me?” Lyra asks. “I think that right now, you’re free to go. However, if any questions may arise, it would be much easier for me if you were here.” “Ooh! Goody!” Lyra pirks up with a gleam in her eye. (What does all of this mean though? Who committed the murder, furthermore how? Sure I may have pulled of a suitable explanation of a unicorn doing this, but is that all? Also, why did this murder happen? I suspect that there’s more to this case than I’ve just uncovered. I hope though I’m able to arrive at the truth before Noir denies it from me.) To be continued… A Summoning Turnabout: Prologue Truth. Truth is a very sad thing. Sometimes, to get the truth, you have to do bad things. To make sure the truth is shown to others, you will have to do even worse. But, it’s not as bad as the truth being lost forever. When that happens, we become ignorant. Become stupid. Believe whatever we want to and let innocents get hurt. And I’m not going to let that happen. “I never killed anyone!” I wish I could say I was sorry. But I’m not. “Too bad for you then. Sucks that all of that evidence exists or else we might believe it to.” After all, you’ve all become ignorant to the truth. “Why doesn't anyone ever re-look at the evidence!?” Or maybe, you’ve all done something worse. Maybe, you’ve known the truth all along and are keeping it a secret. “Besides, it’s too late for that now. It’s time for you to go to sleep.” You’re with her, aren’t all of you. But don’t worry. For I’ll make sure that you all go down with her. Just so the truth can rise up to the top. “I never killed anyone! I didn’t do it! It wasn’t me… It... wasn’t…" Time: ??? Date: ??? Location: ??? (Uhg. My head is killing me) I think to myself, (So, is this what death is? Is somebody shouting something?)I slowly open my eyes and what appears to be a blue female horse. (What the hell? What’s going on?) “THERE’S BEEN A MURDER! COME QUICK!” The horse yells.(Murder? What is she talking about?) I think as my head lowers and I see blood, (Blood? Why is there blood here if- oh no. No no no no no no!) I start panting but manage to speak out, “Wha-what happened?” Before I once again fall into unconsciousness.
A Summoning Turnabout: Part 1Time: 1:00 AM Day:??? Location: Holding Cell (Where am I?) I think as I wake up seeing bars guarding the only open wall, (I guess I’m in a holding cell. Doesn’t answer my original question completely, but its a start.) (Okay. It’s best if I get my thoughts together after what just happened. So, from what I’ve seen, horses are apparently a sentient race in wherever I am. Also, it appears that I’m in a completely different location then when I first fainted. Hmm… I would bet, based on those two facts, I’m in a different universe than my own. After all, it’s much more likely than a different planet or time era. I don’t know what is normal with cultural standards here, so I should be sensitive with how I talk) I get up from the bench, walk to the bars and say, “Hello? Is anyone there?” In response, the sound of metal armor starts clanging together as a horse walks up to my cell and says, “Where have you come from that you use anyone? I guess it’s not strange since there little to none humans in Equestria. Anyways, what do you want?” I say, “I want to know what I’m in here for. Could you please tell me?” “...You’re in here for murder.” “Wait. MURDER!?” I say as a reel back from shock as my eyes widen and my arms go into a defence stance. “I didn’t kill anyone! Why doesn’t anyone believe me?” The guard becomes confused from my statement and says, “What are you talking about? This has literally been the first moment that anypony’s talked to you since we’ve arrested you.” (Wait. So they don’t know- forget about that right now. That’s not what’s important. What is important is what I’m being tried for right now.) I ask, “Then for what reason am I being arrested for? Why am I considered guilty here?” He starts to respond, but then get interrupted by someone else. “Because of the proof that states you did it.” The blue horse pony I saw from earlier starts coming down the hall. This time, I notice that she’s got some sort of horn sticking out of her head and wings. “Guard, didn’t I tell you to get me instantly once he woke up?” He replies, “Yes Luna. But-” “And here I find you having a sociable conversation with the killer. This won’t look good on your next pay.” “But I… I’m sorry your majesty.” “If I may interject,” I said, “I just regained consciousness and I asked him what was going on. Do you mind if I could hear your logic for why you arrested me? Um… Luna is it?” “Alright. It's simple. Since you were the one found at the scene, you must have been the one who killed them.” She says. “Could you please explain it to me in detail?” I ask. “Very well then. If you can’t remember your actions yourself.” She says. ==== Witness Testimony === --Luna’s Logic-- “It must have been you. After all, you were the only one at the scene of the crime.” “Somehow, you were able to lure five of my guards into my room.” “Next, you slit the throats each of them.” “There is no possible way it couldn’t have been you.” *** “And that my proof.” Luna says. “Really? Is all you have?” I ask sweating from embarrassment. “Yes. And I can see I have you shaking in fear from my deductive reasoning.” She replies. “So… Um… What happens now?” The guard pony asks. “I... cross-examine her. Wait, do you not know what’s going on right now?” I ask him with a worried stare. “Not really.” (I guess I should tell him. I mean he’s the only pers- I mean pony that can verify our conversation.) “Okay then I'll tell you.” I say, “What she just gave, was a testimony. It’s her version of how events went down. Now, it’s my turn to prove her story wrong.” “Why would you want to do that?” He asks. Sweating I say, “Because if I don’t, I’ll be labeled as a murderer.” “Ohh! Okay.” Regaining my normal stance I continue, “Anyways, I have two ways to do so. Pressing statements for information, and presenting evidence. When there isn’t enough information in a statement, I can press to try and fill in the gaps. However, when something she says contradicts the evidence, then I can present that evidence and show the lies she’s been spreading.” “Ah! Now I got it.” “Let’s get on with it then!” Luna exclaims annoyed by the tangent we just went off on. “Okay then.” ===Cross-Examination=== --Luna’s Logic-- “It must have been you. After all, you were the only one at the scene of the crime.” “Somehow, you were able to lure five of my guards into my room.” “Next, you slit the throats each of them.” HOLD IT! “Stabbed?” I ask. “Yes. Stabbed.” Luna replies. “Do you have the knife or an autopsy report to confirm this?” “I have the knife right here. Unfortunately, the autopsy is still being done.” She says and pulls out a knife that has blood all over one side. "Why is blood only on one side?" "Their throats were slit. This caused the blood to spray out of the body instead of pour out." “Is there any proof on the knife that points to me?” “You were on it. I think that proof enough.” “Very well.” I say jotting down notes about it. Knife has been accepted into the journal. Knife: Used to stab each of the victims. There is blood all over one side blade. (It wasn’t me who stabbed any of them. That fact I know to be true. Now, I just need to prove it to her.) “It must have been you. After all, you were the only one at the scene of the crime.” “Somehow, you were able to lure five of my guards into my room.” “Next, you slit the throats each of them.” OBJECTION! “So according to your theory, I used a knife.” I say. “Yes.” She confirms. “And if you look at the knife, you can see that blood is everywhere on knife meaning that when they were killed, blood started pouring out.” “Yes.” “Then why don't I have any blood on me?” “Well... Um... GAH!” She exclaims while reeling her self back. “Ma-maybe you just didn’t get it on you.” “That could be case if the blood simply went out. However, if the blood sprayed out, what ever was directly in front of the knife would also got blood on it.” “Then you must have wiped it of somewhere!” “Then where? Do you have proof of what I could have used?" "Um... That is..." “If I didn't get blood on me, then how could I have used that knife?” “Well… Um…” She says trying to think. “Maybe you just…” “Face it. You made a rash decision.” “WHAT?” “I wouldn’t blame you. After all, I can’t imagine having the most rational thoughts after seeing an unknown species inside a murder scene.” She starts crying, “I-I’m sorry. I-I didn’t mean to-” “You made a mistake, and that’s okay. I forgive you.” “Thank you. Could you please let him out.” She says to the guard, “I-I think I just need to rest for a second and-” HOLD IT! “Now, now, auntie. I think you’ll have plenty of time to rest after the atrocity that you just committed.” Somepony says walking down the hall. He appears to be some sort of noble stuck-ass. "What do you mean? I haven't done anything." She says. "Oh ho ho ho. Really? Trying to be ignorant of your actions? How unruly of you." "I have done nothing wrong." "Oh ho ho ho. Tell that to this poor... thing." He says while putting his hoof through his hair in an 'elegant' manner. (THING!? That little piece of) "Fine. I admit it. I acted irrationally. Because of that, an innocent being may have been charged for crimes he didn't commit." “Please," I say, " No need to apologize. I drop any charges that may come about accus-” “No, no, no." The ass says, "Not that. Well, it is that she wanted you guilty. That is, so she could escape punishment.” “Wait, WHAT!?” I shout reeling back. “BLUEBLOOD! THIS IS NO TIME FOR JOKES!” Luna shouts. “Oh ho ho. I’m not joking. Even a simple glance shows that you really killed them" Blueblood says. “WHAT!?" She shouts as she reels back. "Anypony could have seen that it was you." (Is that really the truth here? What proof does he have? Furthermore, why am I here? Was it truly her that summoned me? Did she set me up? Is it her fault that lives were lost? I can’t let somepony- no. I can’t let anybody that is innocent be declared guilty.) “I-I would like to investigate.” I say. “Oh ho ho. You investigate? I doubt you even know how.” Blueblood asks. “I want to make sure that you’re right about this.” "You clearly don't know how things work around here, do you?" "Based on what I've seen so far, you'd need some evidence to say she's guilty." "Which I have." "What if you were also wrong." “Oh please. There's no need. I know I’m rig-” “Then let me see if there’s any clues that may lead to how I got here.” “You can take a look after we're finished with our-.” “But then you might take away some clues!” “You can-” “PLEASSSE!” I whine out trying to be as hammy as possible. He thinks it over for a few seconds, “...Fine." He says annoyed, "I’ll grant you the right to investigate the scene of the crime. That way, I’m sure I’ll shut up any complaints you might have. Come with me.” “Thank you so much.” I say with a bow. (I can’t believe I just did that. I just had to bow to that ungrateful little- whatever. Anyways, am I really going to defend a pony? I haven't even ever investigated a crime scene before! I was just winging it up till now. I just hope I’ve made the right decision here. At least I’m no longer thought as a guilty person.) ...To be continued
A Summoning Turnabout: Part 2Time: 1:30 AM Day: May, 23 Location: Luna’s Bedroom “Thank you, Luna.” I said entering her room. On the way there, I decided to ask Luna about the different types of sentient species in Equestria. There wasn’t enough time for her to tell me everything, but she did tell me about the main types of ponies that exist. Unicorns, ponies that can use magic. Pegasus, ponies that can fly. And Earth Ponies, ponies that can neither fly or use magic but, have more stamina and work faster than the other two. The guard that was holding me in the mean time, was able to pick up the autopsy report. Even though it didn’t list everypony separately, the differences between the bodies weren’t big enough to note. Autopsy Report has been accepted into Journal. Autopsy Report: Each pony was cut in the jugular, killing them. Signs indicate that the guards might have been rendered unconscious magically before death. Time of death is estimated around 11:10 PM to 12:00 PM “You may now start your investigation. Though I doubt that you’ll find anything different than what I’ve already found. Oh ho ho. I’ll decide when you’ve had enough time playing around though.” Blueblood said. (Ladies and Gentlemen! I present to you, the Incredible Ass! I wonder if there’s a reason why he doesn’t care about his sister at all. He won’t even share with me his findings until after I’ve completed mine. Anyways, I think it might be wise to search out all the possibilities Luna’s room has to offer. It would be best to start with the entrances and exits the killer could have used.) Investigation Start I see the room before me. It’s a simple circular room, with the drawers and such around the walls and a bed that takes up about a third of the room in the middle. The walls are neatly designed with spiral patterns with a pink backround and have a cumitive total of six windows that are at least three times my height. The bodies that were laying around the bed have been taken away with only white tape as a reminder of what used to be. The only ways to get in and out of this room are the hallway we just came through and a window door that leads to a balcony outside. Bedroom Map has been accepted into Journal. Bedroom Map: A circular room. The only means of entrance and exit are a hallway, and a balcony. (I should explore from every angle possible. Hmm… maybe the killer flew in here from the balcony.) I think to myself as I walk over there to check it out. After moving the curtains that were covering it away, I see the window door closed and locked. From what I can see, there isn’t anything to open the lock from the outside. “Hey, Luna.” I say. “Yes?” She replies. “How often do you use the balcony to leave?” “I usually go onto the balcony to raise the moon. After that, I leave the castle from there to go do some errands that need to be done.” “Don’t you have servants for that?” “There are somethings that I do, that I like to do personally.” “If you’re wondering, there are multiple witness accounts that show this was the case at that time.” Said Blueblood. “Just out of curiosity, is there anyone who would normally come into this room between when Luna left and when the bodies were discovered?” I ask. “No.” Said Luna, “I like to take care of my own room. Puts a little more purposes into my life.” (She’s a princess and she feels like she doesn’t have enough purpose in her life? I’ll have to ask about that later. Anyways, I know know that this window was originally open.) Window has been accepted into Journal. Window: Open when Luna first left. Closed, locked, and covered by curtains when the bodies were found. Can only be opened from the inside. (That still doesn’t lead to any concrete facts yet though. I might as well check out some of the other things in this room.) I turn left, and go to the mirror in the room. It’s holds a nice shine to it, like it’s constantly being cleaned. I, for the first time in a while, am able to get a good look at my face. (Wow! My hair is a mess! Have I been screaming all about with my hair like this? This must be fixed immediately!) “Luna!” I shout. “Yes?” She replies. “I need to borrow your brush! Where is it?” “It’s right on the counter.” (Oh thank god!) I think to myself as a pick up the brush and begin to fix my hair. (I honestly don’t understand why anyone would consider me a reasonable being with my hair like this!) As I finally put the last strands in place, I put the brush back on the counter where it used to be. “Um…” Luna says, “It looks exactly the same.” “Please,” I reply, “it looked hideous before. “Are you sure?” “Trust me, where I’m from, it’s a curse to have porcupine hair.” She giggles a little. “Pfft. Really? You didn’t change it at all.” (Do they not fear spiked hair in this universe!? Anyways, back to the investigation.) I decide to go over to where each of the bodies used to lie, and examine the area. The blanket on the bed is a pinkish purple and is disturbed but for the most part clean. Also, the tape now lies where the bodies used to be. There isn’t any visible blood in sight over any of the bodies. “Hey Guard!” I shout out. “Yes?” He replies. “When the bodies were taken away, did they also clean up after themselves?” “No. They should have just left everything else where it was.” “Then something isn’t right.” “What do you mean?” He asks with a curious stare. “I think there’s a contradiction between this scene and the evidence.” I say with my first three right hand fingers rub my chin. “Where is it?” “...Something seems off with the bodies used to lay.” “Well, you may think something is weird, but that won’t equal squat without evidence.” (Hmm… I know something is wrong here. Maybe it’s-) OF COURSE! “It’s to clean!” I exclaim. “What’s to clean?” Blueblood asks, hearing my uproar. “Nothing.” I meekly say, trying to make him forget my scream. “Very well then. Continue on.” He says, turning his attention away from me again. “What is it?” The guard asks. “Well,” I respond, “our victims here were cut in the jugular right? Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t the jugular spray out a lot of blood?” “Yes, actually. But there’s no blood here!” He finally realizes. “Exactly, so, where did the blood go?” (Did the killer clean up after he or she was done? Where they cut somewhere else? I wonder. Anyways, back to searching for clues.) Taking a look at the bed itself, I notice that the sheets are red and moist while the comforter on top, is clean. (That’s weird. Is this what Equestrian silk is like? Why this feels to moist to be comfortable. Are these what her sheets are like?) Stopping for a second to piece together the facts I’ve just learned, I start think of a logical conclusion to some of them. (Hmmm…. Luna’s sheets are way too moist to seem comfortable. In fact, there quite red. Maybe, the reason for this is because it’s blood! That the answers where the blood went. So that would mean, that the killer removed the comforter, and slit the victims throats on the bed.) Bed has been accepted into Journal. Bed: While the comforter on top is clean, the sheets underneath are moistened with blood. (There are still somethings about this world that I still don’t know. I guess it’s as good of a time as any to get them cleared up.) “Hey Luna!” I exclaim. “Yes?” She replies, “Is there something that you would like to know?” “Multiple things actually.” “Alright,” Luna interrupts, “but may I ask a question of my own first?” “Sure.” I say whilst shrugging my shoulders. “Why are you doing this?” “What do you mean?” “Protecting me. After all, the first thing that I did when I first met you is wrongly accuse you of murder.” “My reasoning is two-fold. One, I don’t believe somepony in here has the capability to perform an actual intelligent investigation. And, I can see that you’re too innocent to commit murder.” “Innocent?” She says like she could be anything but. “Yes. First off, are there any secret things about this room that wouldn’t be known to the general public?” “Quite a few actually. Like the fact that nothing in this room can be manipulated from the outside with telekinesis.” “Interesting, what else?” “There isn’t any sort of secret escape tunnel if that’s what you're wondering boy.” Blueblood interjects, “Besides, if they aren’t known to the general public, why should they be known to you?” (This guy doesn’t want me to know anything! I don’t have a clue as to what sort of functions and security this place has. Well… I do know that any manipulation that happened to objects in this room, had to have been caused by something else in this room.) “Fine,” Luna says, “Is there anything else you wanted to know?” “Yeah,” I say, “why does Blueblood have this much investigative power over you?” “Oh ho ho. Why, you may ask?” Blueblood says, “It’s because I’m the best at solving crimes in our family, so I’m the leader of investigations around here.” “Actually,” Luna says, “it’s because when he got the position, things were a lot nicer and there wasn’t any real crime problem.” “Why you little-” Blueblood rants. Deciding not to focus on him, I ask, “What do you mean crime wasn’t as bad?” “Well,” Luna says while getting a tear in her eye, “things used to be a bit more peaceful.” “What caused change?” “...I became... evil.” Luna says. “WHAT!” I shout. “It’s a long story.” “Tell me.” “Around a thousand years ago, me and my sister, Celestia, were both rulers of this land. However, all sorts of evil entities were trying to take over. We managed to defeat them in the end using The Elements of Harmony.” “What are those?” “They are arguably, the most powerful force in Equestria. Yet, they require ponies that have the same virtues as the Elements to use. Only one pony has been able to use the Elements on their own, my sister. And… It was when she had to banish me to the moon.” “Why?” “I got corrupted by hate and became evil. Not wanting to harm me, my sister used the Elements and did the only thing that she could do. However, I was not contained forever. A few years ago, I managed to break out of the moon and threatened to plunge Equestria into eternal darkness. Fortunately, a new group of ponies were able to find the Elements and purge me of my hate. “Unfortunately though, since that day, crime started to go onto the rise. Next thing I knew, theft, treason, arson, and even assault were everywhere. We had the first murder trial in century’s a few years ago. And it’s all my fault. I can see it in my sister’s eyes. She blames me for all of this. And I don’t blame her for thinking that way. I feel like I’m to blame as well. “Blueblood didn’t and still doesn’t have any skill in solving anything, he’s just the pony who was in charge before Equestra became so dark.” I can see it in her eyes. She’s trying to hold back the tears, but she can’t. (I can only imagine what she’s been through. I can’t just let her be mis-convicted on top of everything else.) “I’m sorry Luna.” I say. “Don’t be.” She says while sobbing. “It’s always my fault.” “No it isn’t.” “YES IT IS! IF I NEVER CAME BACK, THEN EQUESTRIA WOULD STILL BE IN A TIME OF PEACE! IT’S MY FAULT! IT ALWAYS IS!” “I don’t believe that to be true.” “W-what do you mean?” “If you were truly evil, nothing would able to change that. If these Elements were able to take away your hate, that means it completely changed your personality, or, it was never yours to begin with. Either way, it’s that part that corrupted you that’s at fault. Not you.” “Th-thanks.” “Besides, I’ve done worse.” “W-worse?” “Yes. You may have been the indirect cause of thousands of murders, but I was the direct cause of two.” Luna’s shocked by what I’ve just told her. She at least has stopped crying when she brings her head up and asks, “You’ve committed murder?” “Yes. I promise you to tell you about it when I’m done here.” She giggles a little, “I don’t get you. You’re a murderer who is now trying to defend a pony that just blamed you for a different murder?” “I’ve accepted the fact a long time ago. I don’t care about what happens to me anymore.” I said while shrugging my shoulders. “Honestly, I’m doing this because I care more about truth now than anything else.” (She’s innocent. This is genuine. But crying about her misdeeds won’t fix anything. I need to think this through. Hm… None of my three loose ends connect with any other to make anything concrete… AH! Maybe, if two loose ends don’t lead to anything, maybe three might! So if I consider all three parts, the killer’s method of movement, the change of the window, and how nothing can be manipulated by the outside then…) “It’s was most likely the killer left through the hallway.” I blurt out. “What?” Luna asks. “Ah. Sorry, I just figured something out.” “How did you figure it out?” “Well, this room can’t be tampered with by magic from the outside, right?” “Yes.” “And when you first left this room, the window was open.” “Correct.” “However, the window is now locked. So that could mean either three possibilities: the window was closed by somepony who came in before the murder, during the murder, or after the murder. Yet, it’s impossible for random pony to come in and lock the window after the murder and not see the bodies. So unless you were the one who closed the windows, the windows were closed by the time the murder left the room. And the only way to leave after locking the windows, is through the hallway.” “Interesting,” Luna remarks, “I didn’t think of it that way.” Window has been updated. Window: Open when Luna first left. Closed, locked, and covered by curtains when the bodies were found. Can only be opened from the inside. Killer likely closed and locked the window. (Well, I think I’ve investigated everything in this room. Now, I make sure that the facts match up with Blueblood’s logic.) Investigation Complete “Finally,” Blueblood moans, “I was just about to throw you out myself. Now, can you see why only Luna could have killed them?” “No actually.” I reply, “I don’t see any decisive evidence that Luna’s the killer. This may be her room, but anyone could have entered it.” “Oh ho ho. You haven’t realised it yet? Very well, I’ll tell you exactly why she’s the killer. It’s because she’s the only one with access to this room.” “That doesn’t prove anything.” “Then how could a pony enter here with access?” “They... could enter here?” “You don’t get this, do you?” “I don’t think you get it.” “Very well. I’ll explain it to you.” ===Witness Testimony=== --Access to this Room-- “I don’t think a simpleton like you would understand this, but this castle is not a public playground. There are only a number of ponies that can just walk into this castle.” “Furthermore, this is the sleeping area for where one of the rulers of Equestria sleeps. You can’t just come in to a room like this without regal permission.” “However, one of the few ponies that can enter this room at will, is Luna. Not only that, but her guards can to.” “If it were anypony else, they would be arrested immediately.” “Unfortunately, due to the deaths of all of the guards that can come in this room, there is only one pony left who would. Luna.” “There isn’t a single way any normal pony can just enter and leave at will.” *** “Oh ho ho.” Blueblood boasted, “There. That should be decisive enough for you.” (Really? He really expects me to buy all of that. That doesn’t even prove anything. Who would buy into something like that?) “Wow, he’s good.” Said the guard pony. (Simpleton!) “But wait,” I said, “Are you saying that only six ponies can come in here at will?” “There are only six that could have come in here.” Blueblood confirms, “Luna’s guards can bring another guard in here as well, but since there isn’t any evidence that one could be brought in here, you get the idea. I hope.” ===Cross-Examination=== --Access to this Room-- “I don’t think a simpleton like you would understand this, but this castle is not a public playground. There are only a number of ponies that can just walk into this castle.” “Furthermore, this is the sleeping area for where one of the rulers of Equestria sleeps. You can’t just come in to a room like this without regal permission.” HOLD IT! “And what exactly would regal permission entail?” I ask. “Merely that either Celestia or Luna say it’s okay.” Blueblood responds. “Really? That easy?” I pondered with a worried stare. “There are only so many ponies that actually know either of my aunts, so there isn’t that long of a list. Plus, you would have to get in touch with them.” “Still, is there any way to keep track of them?” “Luna,” Blueblood asks, “did you allow anyone into your room in the past day or so?” “No Blueblood.” Luna says looking a little sad. “And I’ve already asked Celestia the same question if you're wondering,” Blueblood continues saying, “and her response was the same.” “However, one of the few ponies that can enter this room at will, is Luna. Not only that, but her guards can to.” HOLD IT! “But what about Celestia?” I ask. “She’s sleeping.” Replied Blueblood, “I checked, and her guards have informed me that she went to sleep at around 10:30 PM.” (She went to sleep at 10:30? How much of a lightweight must this Celestia be?) “So why can’t any other pony just come in here at all?” “Oh ho ho. You really need an answer to that? Very well…” “If it were anypony else, they would be arrested immediately.” “Unfortunately, due to the deaths of all of the guards that can come in this room, there is only one pony left who would. Luna.” HOLD IT! “There is literally no other pony that could come in here?” I ask. “Oh ho ho. No.” Blueblood simply responds. “So, Luna only has five guards that can just come in here at will? Why is that?” “Same reason there’s a restriction in the first place, to protect Luna.” “But wouldn’t-” “Don’t even try to say that one of the other guards did it, since they group up in pairs.” “Then-” “I asked all the guards, they didn’t see anything suspicious heading towards Luna’s room.” (Really? All of them? That quickly? How on earth… no, how could he at all manage to do that?) “There isn’t a single way any normal pony can just enter and leave at will.” OBJECTION! “Hmph.” I said, “So there isn’t any way for a pony to get in here?” “Not without being seen by several guard ponies along the way,” Blueblood said, “all of which each testifying not seeing anypony going to here.” “So you're saying that no pony could enter through the window?” “Oh please. It’s impossible to open from the outside.” “Even though Luna testified that she left it open?” “GAH!” Blueblood said reeling back. “It doesn’t matter if the pony that killed them entered in here legally, after all, the pony that entered here committed murder.” “Um… That is… Ah! Then why is the window closed right now?” “Simple, the killer closed it before leaving.” “And what, sneaked out of the castle without a single guard pony seeing the culprit?” “Tell me, are your guards trained in finding a pony sneaking in, or out?” “It doesn’t matter! They didn’t see anything!” “That still doesn’t prove that it didn’t happen.” “Yes, but then how did our victims fall asleep if the murderer was a pegasus? After all, pegasi can’t use magic, only unicorns can.” “Hmph. I guess that means that one other possibility exists.” “And what would that be?” “If a pegasus came in here and a unicorn put our victims to sleep then that would mean, there was an accomplice.” PREPOSTEROUS! "I think we need to stop before you get too silly." "Silly?" "Yes. Why would pegusas need to be a part off the murder?" "I don't know. However, I've just proved that your investigation was incomplete!" PREPOSTEROUS!!! “Oh ho ho.” Blueblood laughed, “You think what a pony could access was actually my proof of Luna’s guilt? HA! No, no, no, that isn’t it at all. There’s also what was used to actually stab them.” “Wait, WHAT!?” I said reeling back. “Well of course. I just wanted to see how well you would handle under… pressure. Admittedly I didn’t mean to appear so weak at first, but then again you actually found a flaw in an argument. (Didn’t he hear how I proved MY innocence? I had to argue for that as well. Why would he even bother if he just wanted to shut me up?) “I figured out right away from your appearance that this room is no longer secure. However, that’s not made me think it was my poor, tragic, aunt. BEHOLD!” He says while pulling out the knife that was used to kill the guards. “Yeah, what about that?” “I want you to look directly at the handle, if that isn’t too much for you.” “I can see... what appears to be bite marks?” “Yes, well, ponies that don’t have magic can’t pick up small things with their hoofs with relative ease. Thus, they bite on the object to pick it up. And even us unicorns like to pick things up with our mouths sometimes. Now, when a pony bites on an object, they get their saliva on it. And what do you know! There just happens to be saliva on the knife. So tell me, who’s saliva do you think is on this knife?” (Oh god don’t tell me-) “...Luna’s?” I meekly manage to say. “Well, it looks like you have an actual brain in their after all. Of course this would be natural since it is her knife, however, there's more. The handle is wet. If the handle is wet, that means she used it. And what do you think she used it for?” “Gah!” I said whilst reeling back. “You’ve performed tests?” “Not yet, but-” OBJECTION! “Then she might have not been the one to wield the knife tonight.” PREPOSTEROUS!!! “Oh ho ho. And you have proof that this isn’t her slivia? After all, it's her knife.” “...No.” I say sweating. Luna’s Knife has been updated. Luna’s Knife: Used to stab each of the victims. There is blood all over the blade. The blood on it has already dried. Currently has saliva on the handle. “Ha! I thought so.” Blueblood boasts, “And that should wrap up everything else you’re wondering about right?” (Does it? I mean her DNA is on the murder weapon! How could it not have been her? Is there anything wrong with this piece of evidence? Should I raise an objection?... Hold on. If she used it and didn’t want anyone to know she used it then-) “Wait a second!” I said slamming my foot to the ground. “Why is her saliva on the knife in the first place?” “Oh ho ho. It’s simple really. She used it.” “Then why didn’t she use magic to lift the knife? I’m sorry but, as long as your story has holes, it’s just a theory, and unless you can fill them in, I won’t accept your version of events.” “Oh ho ho. You still can’t see what happened? Then I guess I’ll just fill you in on the details.” ===Witness Testimony=== --Blueblood’s Logic-- “After Luna raised the moon at sunset, she left to do some ‘errands’.” “Later, she came back here and brought her most elite guards with her.” “Then, she used her magic to make them all fall asleep.” “She then used her mouth to pick up the knife and slit their throats.” “She couldn’t have used magic to pick up the knife because she must have been drained.” “Finally, she summoned you here to try and frame you so she could escape being a murderer.” *** “There you go.” Blueblood said, “Everything all explained so that even you have a chance of getting it if you put your mind to it” “Why are you so gung ho on your aunt being the murderer?” I asked. “Oh ho ho. I’m not being gung ho, I’m not a hoe at all.” “What I meant is, why are you so focused on making sure that Luna’s declared guilty for this?” “Please, I’m not trying to set anypony up, I’m just making sure she receives the justice she deserves.” (I can’t tell if he actually means that or he’s just doesn’t want to admit his feeling but, I can sense some real hostility coming from him. I think in order to break him, I’m going to show some definitive proof that she couldn’t have done all of that.) ===Cross-Examination=== --Blueblood’s Logic-- “After Luna raised the moon at sunset, she left to do some ‘errands’.” HOLD IT! “And what exactly did she do for her ‘errands’?” I ask. “Oh ho ho. I have no idea.” Blueblood exclaims. “So then you don’t know if she came back before the murder-” PREPOSTEROUS! “Neither do you, I might add.” Blueblood says interruptingly, “Besides, what possible connection could this have with the current case?” “Gah!” I scream out. (He’s got me there. I have no way of proving her actions during that time. And even if I did, they would only be useful to me if she came in after the murder.) “Later, she came back here and brought her most elite guards with her.” HOLD IT! “And why did she do that?” I ask. “Oh ho ho. To murder them of course. What other possible reason would she have of bringing them here.” He says. “And why did she want to do that?” “I don’t know the motives of a killer. And even if you’re suggesting she brought them here for a different reason, it still doesn’t change the end result.” (I guess when taking account that this is all theory, I guess suggestions and small holes won’t break anything.) “Then, she used her magic to make them all fall asleep.” HOLD IT! “And how much would it take for her to put them all to sleep?” I asked. “Quite a lot.” Blueblood responded, “After all, a sleeping spell is a hard spell to do. Furthermore, she would have had to use extra energy because her guards are trained against magic like that. She would have definitely been exhausted after that.” “So then how could she pick up the knife after that?” “I’m sorry, the proper term is magically exhausted. She wouldn’t have been able to do magic, but she could still move around.” “So what are you claiming she did?” “She then used her mouth to pick up the knife and slit their throats.” “She couldn’t have used magic to pick up the knife because she must have been drained.” OBJECTION! “So if I’ve got this right, the reason that she couldn’t pick up the knife with her magic, is because she was too worn out after putting them to sleep?” I ask. “Well of course, sleep spells aren’t the easiest thing to do if you couple that with the fact that it were five elite guards who probably have training against such magics. In fact, she would have been somewhat exhausted.” Blueblood replied. “Then I guess you’re investigation isn’t as complete as you must think it is,” I say flexing my fingers back and stretching my arms into the air, “Because if it was, then you would have found this contradiction!” Pulling back the blanket on the bed to reveal the blood underneath. “What!” Blueblood shouts, “What is blood doing there?” “That question should be directed at you I believe, after all, it would have been impossible for her to slice their necks, keep clean, and lift the blanket up, all while being exhausted from magic depletion!” “Well… That… What if she just had it off in the mean time? YES! That! Explain that!” “Yes, that would be tough to explain. After all, the bed takes up a third of the room. And thus, she wouldn’t have any room to put it.” PREPOSTEROUS! “She could have just folded it up!” OBJECTION! “Okay then let’s test it. Blueblood, try folding this blanket and put it in the room where it wouldn’t break anything or get onto any of the bodies. And may I remind you, you have to this all without magic!” “...GAH!” “Now Blueblood, for further points, tell me, why would the killer have to lift up this blanket in the first place?” “To keep themself… clean?” “Yes Blueblood, the killer would have to keep him or her self clean. However, why use the bed sheets to keep clean though?” “Wha-what do you mean?” “If the killer truly knew what was in this room, they would know what would easily wipe of blood without the risk of being detected found!” “GAH!” “There is no reason for why Luna would have used the bed to make sure that none of the blood gets on her!” “But then, what about the knife?” “Yes, somepony’s knife has saliva on it. We don’t know who’s but, there’s saliva on it. Tell me, what part of this points to Luna?” “Then… maybe she used magic to pick up the blanket! She could of had some left!” “I’m sorry Blueblood,” Luna says, “but we both know how attentive my guards can be, and how hard it actually is to get them to fall asleep on watch. It would have taken up all my magic to get them to sleep.” “Then- AH! Oh ho ho hooo. How can some other pony also not have that same struggle?” “What do you mean?” I ask. “Well, if somepony were to use magic, wouldn’t they also be hindered by magical exhaustion as well?” “Wha?” “Ah! Yes. That must be the case. Luna, must have had remaining magic left over. It’s the only explanation that makes sense.” “I’m ashamed Blueblood. I thought we were done with wild conjecture.” “Oh ho ho. I am. Answer me this Luna. What were your so called errands?” “I was just out to go buy some- AH!” Luna says as she apparently comes to a realization. “Tell me, you human, did you know that our dear princess has problems falling asleep? Not only that, but didn’t you recently complain about your sleeping gems going missing, Luna?” “Sleeping gems?” I ask. “Yes. Gems that are made to make ponies fall asleep. They are mostly used for recreational use, and can be so strong, they can put a princess to sleep.” “Do you have proof that these were used?” “The victims fell asleep, didn’t they? It would have taken up too much of a unicorn’s magical power to do such a thing, so it must have been by a gem.” “So what connects them to this murder?” “Luna, you filed a report that stated that some of your gems went missing, didn’t you?” “Yes.” Luna replied. “But here’s what I think. I think they didn’t go missing at all. I think you just used them. Didn’t you?” OBJECTION! “That doesn’t prove anything!” I shout out. PREPOSTEROUS! “I think it does. After all, what do you think happened to gems that apparently went missing without a trace?” “It’s still just a theory.” “Oh ho ho. A theory, yes. A theory of the truth that is. Unless you have proof otherwise. “Very well. May I just ask, when the gems went missing, how many gems disappeared, and how many would it take to subdue the guards?” “To answer you question,” Luna says, “It was a week ago, about 8 gems, and since one gem could put me to sleep as long as I’m a little tired, I would assume that 8 gems would knock them out.” Sleeping Gems have been accepted into the Journal Sleeping Gems: Gems used by Luna to help her sleep. 8 went missing a week ago and haven’t been found yet. “Now Blueblood, tell me, where do you think these gems are right now?” “I don’t know. You know what, I don’t have to.” “Then could you tell me an updated form of your logic.” “Actually, no, I’m satisfied with the way things are now.” “Yes, but that wouldn’t lead to the complete truth now, would it.” “I don’t think you’re needed- I’m sorry. I don’t think you’re wanted anymore, human.” “If you think that your theory is so great then why don’t you just tell it to me?” “Because I don’t need to. After all, you are only in here because I willed that you could be here.” (What! Why is he only now forcing me out!? Does he feel threatened? Have I actually instilled fear in this pony? What can I do then? Is there any way of convincing him?) “Now come on you human. It’s time for you to go.” (Arugh! There isn’t anything that I could possibly do! But if it ends like this, Luna might be wrongly judged!) Blueblood picks me up using his telekinesis saying, “I guess I’m going to have to show you the way out, don’t I. Bye, bye, hum- HOLD IT!!! Blueblood drops me stunned by the sudden shout, Luna turns her head in surprise of what just happened, I can only look in awe at the pony that made that sudden outburst. The guard from earlier. “I’m sorry, prince, but that is actually against the law.” The guard says. “What... WHAT!” Blueblood shouts. “Well... it’s just that according to investigative law, any party that has been given evidence by the investigator in charge is allowed to stay a part of the investigation until all questions are answered or said party’s comitance is beyond a reasonable dought. He was officially made part of the investigation the second you allowed him to have a copy of the autopsy report.” “YoU GuARD!” Blueblood mumbles out as the room almost feels like it’s going to start shaking from his rage, “YOu ArE gOiNG tO pAY DEarLy fOr tHIs!” He take a deep and continues, “Very well then. HUMan, It appears that I HAVE to tell you exactly what bloody happened. However, it’s getting late, so I think this will be the last time I will share with you my logic.” ===Witness Testimony=== --Blueblood’s Logic Pt. 2-- “Luna went out after setting the sun to buy some sleeping gems in order to make her guards fall asleep.” “After she came back from that, she called all 5 of her elite guards.” “Once they arrived, she then activated the sleeping stones in order to make them fall asleep.” “After that, she used her magic to move the lift the blanket while using her teeth to slice open their necks.” “Finally, in order to put the blame on someone else, she summoned you here from your world.” *** “THERE!” Blueblood shouts, “Can we all leave now!?” “Not yet.” I said, “After all, I still get to cross-examine you.” “FINE! But this is the last testimony that you’re going to get tonight. I may have to include you know in the investigation, but I can still at least decide when we can investigate.” (This is going to have to be my last chance to prove Luna’s innocence. Something tells me that if I just wait until tomorrow, he may actual manipulate the crime scene in order for him to get his way. I may not see any contradictions yet, but I’m sure there must be one somewhere in his testimony. However, I’m going to need a decisive flaw in his argument to beat him.) ===Cross-Examination=== --Blueblood’s Logic Pt. 2-- “Luna went out after setting the sun to buy some sleeping gems in order to make her guards fall asleep.” HOLD IT! “Do you have confirmation of this?” I asked. “Yes, the store owner and Luna herself. Didn’t she just admit that she bought them in front of you?” “Is there a confirmed time for when she bought them?” “It was around 10:15, I think.” Luna says, “There was a clock at the store that had it’s time around there.” “Well then, where are they right now?” I asked. “They are in police custody.” Blueblood responds, “Special precautions have to go in place with those things after all. We wouldn’t want the killer escaping. And if you’re thinking that because she didn’t use those gems, it wasn’t her, she could have just used the gems that went ‘missing’.” “After she came back from that, she called all 5 of her elite guards.” HOLD IT! “Do you have any proof of Luna calling her guards here?” I asked. “According to reports from some of her lesser ranking guards,” Blueblood says, “they received a note asking them to come her at this time.” (A note!? Why hasn’t mentioned this before?) “Do you have this note in question?” “Actually yes, we found it on one of the bodies. It actually looks like he was gripping quite hard on it when he was murdered.” “May I see it?” “Fine. I doubt that there’s anything important on there though.” Summons Note has been accepted into the Journal Summons Note: Note telling the guards to come to Luna’s room. Details: Hello there my most elite guards. There is something I must ask of you. I want you all to come into my room at 10:30 alone. This matter is of vital importance and I must request that you keep this a secret. -Luna. “Once they arrived, she then activated the sleeping gems in order to make them fall asleep.” HOLD IT! “What exactly would it take to activate the gems?” I asked. “Only that you supply it with a tiny bit of magical power.” Blueblood replies, “Even an earth pony can do it by holding it and thinking real hard.” “Then why didn’t the killer fall asleep at that time? Wouldn’t the killer have also been subjected to the sleeping gem’s magic?” “That would be the case, unless Luna was in a different room at the time. Since magic can neither go into this room or go out of this room, if the gems were activated in here, she wouldn’t have fallen asleep.” “Then how could she have activated the gems?” “It’s simple, she didn’t need to use her magic, she just used a magic timer. It’s a timer that once reaches zero, puts out a small amount of magic. That could have been what activated them.” “Do you have proof of this?” “Yes, if the killer was blatant enough to use their own magic to activate it, they would have fallen asleep to.“ “What about when the timer went off?” “My guess would be sometime after 10:45. If they were asleep for longer than 30 minutes, then they could have woken up.” “Could you please amend your theory to attest to these facts?” “Luna must have been outside at the time and used a timer set after 10:45 or else they might have seen what she was doing.” OBJECTION! “Found it.” I said with a confident smile on my face.. “Found what?” Blueblood asks, “The fact that Luna’s the killer?” “No. A contradiction big enough to cast entire doubt onto your theory.” “What are you talking about?” “I do have to commend you though. You did an excellent job for a pony who didn’t even look at the evidence.” “Oh ho h-. Wait… HEY!” “After all, you would have noticed that the note that the guard got, asked them to come at a totally different time than what is allotted.” “WHAT!” “According to this note, it wants the guards to come at 10:30. However, according to your logic, the guards must have come later than 10:45, at least whole 15 minutes between when they were supposed to arrive!” PREPOSTEROUS! “Then the logical conclusion would be that they came late!” OBJECTION! “So are you saying that the most highest ranking guards came late, to a request that this note said was high priority? I don’t think you have that kind of evidence on you. Furthermore, if they were set to a timer, it would activate sometime around when they would have come in. Or else the killer could risk one of the victims leaving the scene!” PREPOSTEROUS! “Then it must have been that the killer activated it at that time! That should answer you blind shots in the dark.” “Unfortunately for you, you’ve already admitted why it could have only happened sometime after 10:45, and the reason is this…” TAKE THAT! “The autopsy report clearly states that the earliest they could have fallen asleep, is 11:10, if the timer was set up to earlier, then the autopsy would have reflected earlier wouldn’t have it?” “So… then what do you think happened?” “What do you mean?” “If you’re going to pose a counter theory, then you should at least be able to explain it all the way through!” “Very well, just give me a second to think. Okay, let’s confirm what we know to be true. A: The victims must have entered at 10:30. B: The must have fallen asleep after 10:45 in order to line up with the autopsy. C: The killer must have been outside when the timer went off.” “But that impossible!” Blueblood shouted out. “Unless, we consider one of these facts to be somewhat wrong.” “But these are facts! They are by it’s definition not wrong!” “I never said that the facts were wrong, I’m saying our way of interpreting them must have been wrong.” “And what could that possibly be?” “...What if, they didn’t fall asleep at 10:45?” “What? Then how else would it be possible for the killer to have killed them without waking up?” “Simple, they just used this to extend the time that the victims would be asleep…” TAKE THAT! “Another sleeping gem.” “But sleeping gems only have one use in them. How are you suggesting that the killer pulled multiple uses out of them?” “Simple, they didn’t use them all in one go. After all, if it takes just one to knock out a princess, I’m sure a just a few more could knock them out. After that, there would just have to be another burst in order keep them asleep.” Sleeping Gems has been updated. Sleeping Gems: Used to put all of the victims to sleep. A number went missing a week ago. It is likely that the gems went off in bursts from a magic timer. “So, what does any of that prove?” “Well, let me answer that question with another question. Why did the killer do this? What would the killer gain through this?” “...It would give the killer more time?” “Yes. Thus, making it so that the killer could easily frame any other pony for murder. All they needed to do is make sure that the discoverer wouldn’t find the bodies before it was too late for the autopsy report to suggest that they killed the victims. Now, Blueblood, let me ask you one final question.” “...Yes?” “What purpose could Luna have in doing this?” “What?” “Why would Luna ask them to come at an early time, then make them fall asleep and make it look like they were killed at an earlier time?” “GAH!” “I mean that is, if she is the killer. Now, if it were any other pony, it would make total sense, but Luna, she could have just requested any time for them to come here, and kill them. Thus, the actions that have taken place in this room, are decisive evidence to Luna’s innocence!” PREPOSTEROUS! “She still could have done all of this! It’s not decisive at all!” OBJECTION! “This was a premeditated murder. The gems prove that. So, if this was premeditated by Luna, why would she choose the room where she would gain the most suspicion!?” “ARUG!” “Why would Luna want to kill them in the first place, after all, they are her most loyal guards! You are only accusing Luna based on prejudices and half-baked logic!” I said as I brought my right hand to my left thigh. “You sir, are wrong!” I said while launching my hand towards Blueblood index forward. “NO! I AM NOT WRONG!” He shouts while slamming his hoofs and face on the ground, “IT WAS LUNA! I-IT HAD TO HAVE BEEN! iT DOeSn’T mAKe SEnsE oTheRWiSe! YOU BLOODY HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMAN!!!” As he shouts his plea of denial he hits his head so hard that he passes out. *** Blueblood is laying on the ground mumbling about how he’s right. “Well Luna, I guess that is all. It’s time to get to sleep anyways. I trust that you’ll keep the scene the way it was for the time being.” “Thank you. Thank you so much.” Luna says, her eyes so wet you could swear they were water, yet managing not to cry. “What do you mean?” “Well, it’s just that Blueblood isn’t exactly the pony most concerned for my health. If it hadn’t been for you, I would have been labeled as a murderer and the whole country might have gone up in crazyness.” “Please, it wasn’t anything much. All I did was make sure that the truth was the one that was shown instead of some’s fool’s delusion.” “H-how is this possible?” I hear Blueblood mumbling in a low voice. “W-why did Luna extend? I-if it isn’t her then, w-what about the cameras?” Me and Luna turn our heads in surprise and I ask, “Cameras? What cameras?” “T-the footage.” Blueblood mumbles out, “Th-there’s a camera out in the ha-hallway. F-footage shows Luna entering- before they died.” “WHERE IS THIS FOOTAGE BLUEBLOOD?” Luna yells out in a superior voice. “I-it’s in the security room. He ha ah ha ha oh ho… ho.” He spurts out with his last breaths of consciousness, “T-try disproving that.” He says as he finally faints. “I’m sorry Luna,” The guard says, “But we are going to need to look at that footage before we wrap everything else up tonight.” “I-I didn’t even know there was security cameras! What else were you hiding from me Blueblood!?” She says as she starts shaking the unconscious pony. “Let him go.” I say, “After all, if you truly are innocent, then you have nothing to worry about.” “Fine.” She says throwing Blueblood back onto the floor, “Let’s go see what this footage has against me.” (I guess I’m the one who has to find the truth to everything after all. What was up with Blueblood though? Why didn’t he pull this footage out from the beginning? That could have disproved all of my theories. Is it that he was trying to make sure that no one knew it existed? Is that why he was so mean to Luna? And lastly, what is on that footage to begin with?) To be continued...
A Summoning Turnabout: Part 3Time 2:18 Day: May, 23 Location: Security Room All three of us were silent the whole way to the Security Room. None of us knew what had Blueblood so convicted that Luna was the killer. All I could tell is that it must be very discriminating. The guard knocked on the door. After hearing the sound of something breathing in deeply, we heard somepony say, “Oh you again? I already showed you the footage. Come in.” Opening the door, me and Luna were shocked by what we saw. The wall on the other side covered with buttons and monitors. The side walls lining with all sorts of extreme weapons and gear. “I never knew we had this stuff!” said Luna. “I only heard about this because of some rumors floating around.” The guard said. “Oh! You’re Luna! Um… What are you doing here?” Said an earth pony in the only chair in the room. He had a grey mane and fur. However, he was also wearing this unusual gas mask that completely covered his face had purple lenses and spewed some type of green gas when he breathed out. “What is this!?” Luna asked. “Oh… um…” The masked pony said trying to think up a response, “well… it is… a” “It’s all the security measures we have here to make sure of your safety.” The guard interrupted, “I thought that you and Celestia were told about this.” “I was told no such thing.” Luna replied. “Really? Because we-... That’s odd.” (Yes. Yes it is odd. Blueblood must know about this stuff. What could possible make Blueblood think so strongly here that Luna committed the crime?) “Excuse me sir,” I said to the masked pony, “But you mentioned Blueblood coming in here earlier?” “Why yes I- OH DEAR CELESTIA WHAT ARE YOU!!!” The masked pony shouted as he saw me. “I’m a human. I was apparently summoned here. I’m just here to find the truth.” “Uh… W-what do you mean?” “Well, did a pony called Blueblood come in here earlier?” “Hmm… Why yes! He did! Alllllllthough, he did tell me that if either Luna or Celestia came in here demanding to know what’s going on, that… well… I should keep quiet. “Well, I have more authority that Blueblood,” Luna interjected, “so I deside if you should keep quiet or not.” “Well okay then! My name is Fast Sight! Nice to meet you Luna!” (He turned over way too fast. Also, is it just me, or does that gas mask not make any sound at all for the amount of gas it spews out. I’m surprised the room isn’t filled with green gas.) “What is this place though?” Luna asked. “Weeeell Luna, this is the room that we use to make sure that this castle is more secure than a dragon in a cave!” Sight exclaimed. “What do you mean?” “It’s the room where we make sure that no pony is able to sneak into the castle.” “I never heard about a room like this!” “Of course you wouldn’t! Or else other ponies might now about this castles secretes as well!” “I don’t think this room was made to keep you safe, as more on the lines to make sure that Blueblood was safe.” I interjected, “Anyways, when Blueblood came in here, what did he do?” “Oh! Well! If you want to know, well, then, he wanted to look at the camera footage for the hallway right outside Luna’s room for the period of time that was right before midnight. And so I showed it to him!” “What did it show?” “Well, this!” He said as he pushed some buttons and displayed a picture of Luna entering her room. “I don’t get it. What’s so decisive about this?” “Well… that is… hmm… Ah! He was really interested in the time of this!” “And what time was this taken?” “Around 11:30!” (11:30… Hm… Oh no.) “That matches up with the time of the murder!” The guard blurted out. “OOH! A murder!” Said Sight. “IMPOSSIBLE!” Shouted Luna. “I think we need to check this room out.” I said, “If Blueblood did want us to see this room, then there still may be hope that there’s something here that can disprove this.” “You’re sure?” Luna asked. “Not completely, but it’s worth checking out.” “I don’t really think so.” Sight said, “After all, if she went in at the time of the murder, then she must be the culprit.” “Well, what if she wasn’t. What if she’s being framed.” “Oh, who would frame a princess for a murder?” “I don’t know. But, it’s my duty to find out the right pony to be charged.” “Sigh. Very well. Here, I’ll give you a copy of the decisive evidence.” Security Camera Photo has been accepted into Journal. Security Camera Photo: Picture from a security cam that overlooks the hallway shows Luna entering her room at 11:30. Investigation Start (Okay now. My first priority will be to try to disprove the security camera so I should probably investigate that first. I should also look around and see what types of tools would be available to the guards around here. Maybe there will be a piece of evidence among them. But first, I need to ask what all this stuff in this room is.) I walk over to Fast Sight and say, “Hi.” “Hi you… thingamajig.” Sight replies. “Please, I’m a human.” I tell him with shrugged shoulders. “Okay… um… Human.” “Well to be technical my name is-” “HUMAN!” He exclaims as he spews gas over my face that smells worse than a clogged toilet that’s been used for several months. “GAHH!” I shout reeling from the noxious smelling gas, “What is that!” “That… Well… Um… It’s gas.” “I get that it’s a gas! But why is it coming out of your mask!?” “Because, it’s a gas mask.” (Oh god. This is the pony that runs the security in a castle? Why?) “So… Tell me a little about yourself.” “Oh! Well… That is… My name is Fast Sight and I run the security room in this castle.” “Anything else there is about you?” “Nothing that you should know. Got that?” “Really? There isn’t anything that you would like to say about yourself?” “NOPE!” He says releasing another plume of gas onto my face. “ARG! WHY!?” I say in natural response. “Because you breathed it in!” (You know what. I should just stick to what I need to know and hope I’ll be fine.) “So, about the security camera’s,” I say changing the subject, “what is the purpose of them?” “So they can protect Blueblood of course!” “Really? Not the princesses?” “Oh come on. If anypony tried telling either Celestia or Luna what was going on, then that would risk the squeaker dissiapering.” “Oh. In that case, why is there a camera right outside Luna’s bedroom?” “Well, that’s to keep an eye on her.” “Is there one of the inside of her room or the balcony outside?” “Nope! Wouldn’t want Luna to find them after all.” “Do the camera’s themselves have internal clocks for keeping time?” “Na-uh! All the times are put right into this computer over here. Also, if you're wondering, to turn off any of the cameras would mean turning them all of. Which even is, if they are turned off because the way the machines are set up, it will always be recording. So basicly, Luna’s your culprit.” Computer Info has been accepted into Journal Computer Info: All the cameras are connected to the same timer. Any manipulation that would happen with the footage on one of the cameras would have to happen to all. “Is there any possibility that this footage is lying somehow?" “Nope!” He says assaulting me with gas. “GAH! Why!?” “Because of what my mask releases.” (That gas mask. I wonder why he wears it.) “Hey, why do you where that gas mask?” “So I don’t breve in hazardous chemicals.” “But it seems to be releasing a noxious gas from it right now.” “Oh… Well… That is… I never noticed before.” “Y-you never noticed?” I feeling a wave of embarrassment. “Nope!” He exclaims all too happily. “Is it only on to protect from noxious gasses?” “Well, it’s also on to help me stay focused so I can constantly be watching these monitors for an intruder inside the castle. (What?) I think to myself rather nervously. “Um… Could you please repeat what you just said in a more easier to understand fashion?” “Okay. It’s to help me continuously watch the monitors.” (There we go. So it helps him focus on the cameras? I guess that means he was also diligently watching the cameras to night as well. I should probably keep a note on this.) Gas Mask has been accepted into Jornal. Gas Mask: Used by Fast Sight to help keep watch on the monitors and protects him from noxious gasses. Produces a noxious gas itself. (I think that’s all the questions I have for him right now. I should probably now check what else is in this room.) I think to myself as I go over to one of the walls to take a look at the gear stored here. The wall holds all sorts of items such as suits, goggles, weapons, and even strange capsules. (This is quite some advanced technology here.) I think to myself as I take a look at the goggles. (Of course, it could just be some stuff that got enchanted or what not, but, thems the breaks. My real question about all of this is how well it compares to those living outside royaltre. However, that isn’t important to my current situation at hand here.) (What about these weapons though. They appear to be some sort of gun however the handle appears to be all weird. It appears if one would have to bite- oh… yeah. No hands thing. I guess this does prove that not all security here is done by unicorns though. Ah well. Better look at something else.) (Hmm… These capsules. None of them seem to be used yet. They don’t seem like they could be used as weaponry. They hardly look like they could be used for anything. I guess they look like filters, but for what? They must be used for something. But what? Maybe…) OF COURSE! Everypony instantly turns their head in my direction shocked by my sudden outburst. “What was that for!?” The guard shouts out. “Are you trying to act like a buffoon right now?” Luna asks. “Sorry.” I meekly say. “It’s just that I got an idea.” “Well… That is…” Sight stutters, “Could you please not shout every time you get a thought into your head?” “Sorry.” I say embarrassed. (Note to self: Don’t shout when you find something out you idiot! I can’t just let the opposition get a hint of my ideas. Anyways, based on the way that they’re shaped and look, they appear to be some sort of filtering container. If we combine that with the only thing in here that needs a filter, it would be logical to assume that they belong to the gas mask.) Gas Mask has been updated. Gas Mask: Used by Fast Sight to help keep watch on the monitors and protects him from noxious gasses. Produces a noxious gas itself. Has a full supply of extra filters. (I guess that’s all I’m going to find over here. I don’t think there's anything left in here to investigate so I think I talk to the guard and see what he’s like.) “Hi there.” I say as I walk over to him actually taking the time to take a good look at him. His body is a reddish brown, with a more brownish color for his tail and mane. His butt holds an image of a broken shield holding a pile of rocks. “Hello back to you to.” He replies. “I don’t think I was able to catch it before, but what is your name?” I ask. He puts his rear legs down brings is right forehoof up to his forehead and says “I am Side Guard of the Royal Canterlot Guard, Sir!” “Pft. I didn’t see this side of you before.” “Well, Sir, you just may have not noticed.” “Yes, but you were more timid before.” “Sir, anypony would become more timid in front of that menaces.” “But what about back in the holding cell?” “That was when I didn’t know who you were, Sir. I had no clue how dangerous you could be.” “Okay, okay. You can put your hoof down if you want.” “Thank you, Sir!” He says as he puts his hoof back down and rises up to a normal standing position. (Are all of the castle guards this weird? Furthermore, is Blueblood such a threat that he needs to be reserved when in presence of him? Both good questions to ask. I think I’ll start with himself first.) “So, Side Guard, you’re a guard here, what’s your position?” (And also, who names their child Side Guard!?) “I am currently the warden of the dungeons here.” “Really?” “Why do you think I was the one watching over you, Sir?” “I guess you make a good point. How did you get that position in the first place?” “I was told it was a special position, Sir, so I took it.” “And how many prisoners have you had to deal with? “Just one, Sir!” (Let me guess, me. Something tells me that he got the short end of the stick. I kind of feel sorry for him. Anyways, onto a more pressing matter.) “I do have to say thanks for helping me with Blueblood, though.” “Your welcome.” “Why did you do it anyways?” “Well, Sir,” He says as he salutes again, “to protect Luna!” “So you honestly think Luna wasn’t guilty here?” “Because, I here, do not have any faith in Blueblood.” “Why not?” “Sir! Did you not see how he acted? He’s a total ass who only thinks for himself.” “Has he always been like that?” “From what I’ve heard, Sir, even while he was still in the womb, he was an ass”. “So I take it not a lot of ponies here like him.” “Actually, not necessarily, while the Solar and Lunar guards are fully loyal to their respective princess, the Royal Guard is actually more loyal to Blueblood.” “By how much?” “Neither Luna or Celestia knew this room existed before tonight. This kind of stuff has been in place even before Luna’s return.” “How many years ago was that?” “It’s about four years now.” “Interesting. Onto a different subject, could you tell me what that image on your butt is?” I finally get around to asking. “...It’s my cutie mark.” He slowly replies. “What’s with the hesitation?” “I’m sorry, Sir, I just guess it’s because you don’t come from this world. You see, every pony has a special talent to them. Something that makes them unique. Once they finally found what their talent is, an image appears on their flank representing their talent.” “Ah. So it’s a destiny thing?” “With that, Sir, you’re just getting into a whole philosophical debate that’s way too hard to explain.” “Okay then. What does your cutie mark mean?” “Oh this? It shows my undying spirit. It shows how no matter I get broken, I will never stop trying.” “Interesting.” “You think so?” He asks me with a sparkle in his eye. “Spirit can be a very powerful thing.” (I think by now, I rapped up my investigation in this room. I should probably just now focus on learning all about how Blueblood thinks so I can face off against him again.) “Really? Anyways, you don’t trust Blueblood yourself?” “No, Sir! I’ve managed to stay away from him long enough so he wouldn’t remember me for anything.” “Oh ho ho. Well, I must say that you were doing a fine job of that before hand.” A voice spontaneously says. (Oh no. He’s already recovered!?) Investigation Complete “I have to wonder what you’re doing in here now though, human.” Blueblood says entering the room. “Simple, I was investigating.” “Oh ho ho noooooo. That simply won’t do. You see, I’ve actually come in contact with a very interesting fact. It’s about a certain lie somepony made up to make me talk.” “What do you mean, sir?” Side asks nervously. “I think you know quite well what I mean. And that, is the fact that there was no rule stating that this human had to be a part of the investigation because he had some evidence.” “Wait, what!?” I shout reeling back. “That is correct, human. You actually have no right whatsoever to be in here. But don’t worry, as long as you immediately agree that I was correct and promise to never tell Celestia about this room, I think I might let you go free.” (Something tells me that even if I comply, he’s still going to make sure I never see the sun again.) “And if I refuse?” I ask. “Simple, death.” “You’re threatening me in front of a princess?” “No, I’m threatening you in front of a murderer. You will forget anything that you’ve learned here tonight and let the hammer of justice’s will strike down upon the guilty.” “I’m sorry, I don’t think you’ve proven anything.” “Sight? Did you show them the footage?” “Um… Well… I did just as you requested.” Sight replies. (He planned this to happen? Or does he just keep like a thousand contingency plans.) “You’re too upsetting to even look at, so, before I decide to thin the paint, do you accept my offer?” Blueblood asks. (Dam! I have no choice to accept! There isn’t any other-) OBJECTION!!! (What the hell? Who said that? Wait a minute, it came from-) “Blueblood, I propose a counter-offer. You explain your logic, and if he can’t find a problem with it, then we’ll both comply with your demands.” Luna exclaims. “Or else?” Blueblood asks. “I’ll tell Celestia about this room.” “ACK!” Blueblood reels. “I promise that if it he doesn’t find any type of problem, then I’ll go quietly.” “I don’t see why I can’t just silence you.” “Silence a human, a princess, and a guard, sir?” Side includes. “What?” Blueblood says angrily. “Oh sure, maybe reports of a non-existent human might turn her head, a princess accused of murder would cause her to investigate, but topped it all off with another missing guard? Blueblood, she would directly turn her attention towards you.” “Are you two sure about this?” I ask the Luna and Side. “I mean, I’m don’t care what happens to me at the end of all of this, but, you two are innocent here.” “Sir! This is Blueblood we’re talking about. Any chance to knock him down a peg is what half of the guards signed up for this job for.” “Also, I can tell that if I just try to let this go to court or something, I’ll be called guilty before the judge swings down his hammer.” “Very well then.” I say as I turn my attention back to Blueblood. “Well, you’ve heard our offer. Decisively prove that Luna’s the culprit in this case, or Celestia will know what you’ve been doing here!” I say with my finger extended. “FINE! BUT IF YOU FAIL, YOU WILL SUFFER CONSEQUENCES THAT YOU WOULDN’T BELIEVE WERE POSSIBLE!” Blueblood shouts. (Okay now, I’m able to defend Luna. Now, for the hard part. I have to find a flaw within a recording… I hope I didn’t just make a terrible mistake.) ===Witness Testimony=== --Decisive Proof-- “The only possibility is that Luna killed her guards.” “The autopsy clearly states that the deaths happened between sometime before midnight.” “The camera footage proves that she was the only one to enter her room at that time.” “Sure somepony could enter through the window, but it was closed when afterwards meaning the pony who closed it, would have been seen by the camera.” “That is why, only Luna could have committed these acts.” *** Both Luna and Side are speechless towards Blueblood’s logic. “You know… um… well… It’s your fault.” Fast says. “What is?” I ask. “Going against Blueblood.” “I made my decision, and I’m not going to back out.” “Sir! Are you sure that this was the right deal actually?” Side whispers to me, “I completely forgot about that footage!” “I don’t think I found a single flaw in his argument.” Luna states. “I’m not even sure that pressing him will lead to anything!” “Then I guess I have one other way of dispatching him.” I respond. “And what’s that?” Side asked. “I’m going to have to use logic against him.” “What? How would you do that?” Luna replies. “Well, pressing him might not lead to any new information, but it may bring out facts. They may not be as strong as evidence, but they are items of information that are true. I can then use those packets of information against him in conjunction with his testimony. I may need combined packets of information sometimes before I can use them against him, but, I’m sure I’ll think of something.” “Are you done with your last group hug?” Blueblood says mockingly. “Who says it’s going to be our last?” I respond. “Then begin already!” “Very well.” ===Cross-Examination=== --Decisive Proof-- “The only possibility is that Luna killed her guards.” HOLD IT! “And where’s your proof of that!?” I shout. “I was just starting to get to it, imbecile!” Blueblood replies. “Well then, carry on.” “Oh ho ho. So you just shouted at me for nothing then?” “No.” I say sweating. “Of course you didn’t. Anyways…” “The autopsy clearly states that the deaths happened between sometime before midnight.” HOLD IT! “How do we know that the autopsy reports are telling the truth?” I ask. “Oh ho ho.” Blueblood laughs. “You’re really grasping at straws now. I’ll tell you right now that we there’s actually proof of our timing.” “And what proof would that be?” “There are tests that can tell us ponies when another pony died. And we used a verified method of checking.” “So that told you the beginning time that they could have died and the ending time?” “Well, for the ending time, we just used when Luna announced she found the bodies.” “So, you mean that the bodies were reported at midnight?” “Yes, a whole thirty minutes after she entered her room. I wonder what she could have been doing at the time.” “I-I reported the bodies immediately!” Luna stammers. (A thirty minute gap between when she went into her room and when she reported the bodies? I wonder if there is any piece of information I know about that could help explain this.) “The camera footage proves that she was the only one to enter her room at that time.” (Wait a second! If you add the thirty minute difference between when Luna said she reported the bodies and the camera said she reported the bodies, with the fact that the cameras must always be recording something, that must mean the footage on what the cameras were showing, was manipulated. But if that is to be assumed then that fact against his statement right here means-) OF COURSE! “What is it?” Blueblood sarcastically asks, “Have you once again found out nothing?” “Actually, I realized an interesting fact.” “That Luna is-” “No, it’s that the cameras footage was manipulated with.” “What?” And where’s your proof of that?” “There’s a difference in the time that Luna said she reported the bodies and when the camera’s say she reported them.” I said, pulling out a sheet that held facts on the cameras. “Now, for arguments sake, let’s assume that Luna is in the right. But then that would create a contradiction from what the cameras are showing. However, if we purely assume that Luna is in the right, there is something that is in the wrong. ” “And what would that be?” “Simple, somepony manipulated the footage.” PREPOSTEROUS! “I would like to see some proof that shows that the cameras are lying.” Blueblood exclaims, "Not just some half-assed theories.” “Do we have proof of such a thing?” Side asks me. “We do. If we assume that there was footage being manipulated with, it would have to go through something. Yet, this can show proof that the cameras were lying: TAKE THAT! “The footage of what the rest of the cameras recorded. Since the cameras are all hooked up to each other, then that means if one camera is paused, the others would have to be has well.” “Oh ho ho. Okay then! Fast Sight! Show them the truth!” “Do we really need to? It’s not like he has any proof to back up his theory.” “Actually, I do have proof to back this up. It’s in the footage of from the other cameras.” “Um… I can only pull up the footage in images, so there’s really no way that you can accurately tell-” “If my theory is correct, then that means that they should all be the same. There isn’t going to be any problem with that.” “Fine.” Fast says, pulling up the images of the different cameras. As I suspected, they are all the same for the thirty minute interval. “So, Blueblood, I guess I made a huge hole in your theory. Namely, that Luna couldn’t have been the only pony in her room during the murders!” PREPOSTEROUS! “Just because of some faulty evidence doesn’t prove Luna’s innocence either!” OBJECTION! “Of course. However, wasn’t your most recent nap was a cause of me proving her innocence?” PREPOSTEROUS! “You proved that the killer lifted a blanket before they committed the foul deed. That isn’t any kind of proof showing innocence!” “I fear that you may want to have a check on your memory after we’re done here, after all, I’ve proven that the killer must have been a being that could resist the effects of sleeping gems!” “What? How?” “The length that they were asleep for was longer than the sleeping gems could hold them for.” “Ah! Right… But that still doesn’t prove Luna’s innocence. After all, she’s been using them for a while now, wouldn’t she learn how to avoid the effects?” “Actually, you’ve just ignored what I’ve just said. How would the guards still be sleeping after the amount of time that passed?” “Simple, they’re were just not all used at once. Like you figured out.” “Not that,” I say stretching my arms upwards, “but the fact that Luna entered thirty minutes after the cameras say she did, now actually prove her innocence.” “They prove that she entered her room! That’s good enough for me!” “Yes, it shows Luna entering at a decisive time. However, this has been offset by thirty minutes. Thus, the time that she entered her room was: midnight!” “So? What does it prove if she entered at midnight? She could have entered at noon for all I care!” “Actually, it shows that she couldn’t have committed this. I can prove it with: TAKE THAT! “The autopsy report! It clearly states that the guards died no later than midnight. However, if Luna entered her room at right at that time, she couldn’t have been the one to do it. Not unless, she killed them all within a minute!” “But wait!” Blueblood interrupts, “Do you have any proof that midnight is the correct time? Because until then, Luna is still the guilty one!” “But I did go in at midnight,” Luna tries to say, “I keep telling you-” “Luna, that isn’t necessary right now.” I interrupt, “He doesn’t trust your word, after all. However, I do.” “But do you have the proof to show it?” “Well, I don’t have any proof of the footage going forward thirty minutes. However, if I can prove that, at some point, the footage went back thirty minutes, then that’s proof enough.” “Oh ho ho.” Blueblood cuts in, “And at what point would it be going back thirty minutes?” “I think that we should check the time around 10:50. After all, that would be the start of this inaccuracy.” “Okay, Fast?” “...Pulling it up now.” Fast complies, and shows us the images around 10:50. To everyone’s amazement, the lighting at 10:50 drastically changes. “Huh!?” Blueblood shouts in disbelief, “What is going on?” “Simple, since there’s a drastic difference in time, the location of the moon is different, thus casting a different amount of light into the room. And the only reason for this is that the original footage between 10:50 and 11:20 was deleted!” PREPOSTEROUS! “Then why isn’t Luna entering at 11:00 instead of 11:30!” “Simple, she never entered at 11:30, she entered directly at midnight.” “Gah!” Blueblood shouts in disbelief. “Fine then! Who could have done this if it wasn’t Luna? Huh?” “The real murder.” “That’s not an acceptable answer. I want a name!” “Sir!” Side Guard asks me, “Do we know who could have done this?” “Let’s remember just the different ponies that know and can access the computer to do the manipulation required and we should have our answer.” “And who would that be? Huuuuh!?” Blueblood aggravatingly asks me. “Simple.” I say unleashing the full force of my finger at the murderer, “Fast Sight, I accuse you of the murder of the Elite Lunar Guards!” PREPOSTEROUS! “It couldn’t have been him!” Blueblood stammers, “He was working down here!” OBJECTION! “Do you have proof that he was in here during the time of the murder?” “Do you have proof that he wasn’t?” “If the computer was manipulated with, then that means that Fast Sight had to know about it. Unless, he wasn’t in the room. So, Fast Sight, did anypony come in here while you were working and manipulate the footage?” “Umm… That is… Well...” “So, no.” PREPOSTEROUS! “So what? He must have left to take a piss break!” OBJECTION! “At both 10:50 and 12:00? That’s some pretty coincidental pee. Besides, what murder would plan their actions passed on another's blatter?” “Um… Well… Couldn’t have Luna teleport in here?” Sight poses. “Actually, that’s impossible.” Side interjects, “After all, Luna stayed right outside of the dungeon while waiting for our guest here to wake up.” “Furthermore,” I continue, “if Luna were to go into this room, wouldn’t you have seen her?” “But what about the sleeping gems?” Blueblood asks. “He couldn’t possibly stay awake against those.” “Actually, it’s the reverse. He’s the only one who can stay awake from those, and I have proof.” “Bah! What could that possibly be?” TAKE THAT! “Fast Sight, didn’t you tell me that one of the functions of your mask is to help keep you focused on the monitors?" “Technically it’s-” “Get to the point, human.” Blueblood interrupts. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but if he had was using a device that were to cancel out the powers of the gems, wouldn’t he still be awake? Not only that, but he’s the only one with access to such a thing. Thus, he is the only pony that could pull it off!” “Um… Actually, I still see a flaw in your theory.” Fast Sight interjects. “And what would that be?” “I haven’t ever gone into Luna’s room before. How would I know how to do anything?” “What do you mean?” “Okay. I’ll try to explain it to you…” ===Witness Testimony=== --Fast’s Defence-- “According to your theory, somepony would need to have serious knowledge of Luna’s room.” “That would mean that they would have to have been in Luna’s room before.” “However, I’ve never been into her room.” “Can some computer malfunctions really be used to place blame on me?” *** “Is that good enough for you?” Fast asks. “Well, no. After all, I haven’t cross-examined you yet.” “Do we need to go through this process?” “Yes, or else, an innocent pony may be pushished for something she didn’t do.” “How can you be so sure she didn’t?” “There are too many unanswered questions for her to be the killer. And right now, I’m going to answer them.” ===Cross-Examine=== --Fast’s Defence-- “According to your theory, somepony would need to have serious knowledge of Luna’s room.” HOLD IT! “Well, I never said that.” I point out. PREPOSTEROUS! “For your theory to work out, it would have to be that somepony knew the room.” Blueblood remarks, “Or else, they wouldn’t be able to know where Luna kept her knife.” “I’m afraid he’s right in this situation.” Luna adds, “I keep my knife in a very secretive space that would require a thorough search to be able to find it.” “But couldn’t the killer be able to find it in thirty minutes?” “Would you take that risk?” Blueblood asks, “Especially if you don’t know when the owner is coming back.” (Not gonna win this argument. If I had proof that the killer could find the knife on the first go, I would be good but…) “That would mean that they would have to have been in Luna’s room before.” HOLD IT! “Not necessarily.” I say. “What about the sleeping gems? The killer would have had to sneak in before hand to take them.” “Well, they could have took the gems got to her room.” PREPOSTEROUS! “Luna stated that the gems disappeared from her room. Not from her saddle bags. How would a pony even be able to sneak into a princess’s saddlebags without several guards noticing?” “I guess you’ve got a point. Fast Sight, have you ever been in Luna’s room before?” “Well… I always wanted a look…” “However, I’ve never been into her room.” HOLD IT! “Do you have proof of such?” I ask. “I don’t know what her room looks like.” Fast replies. “How do we know you’re not lying?” “Simple, you show proof that I am lying.” “Sir! Do we have proof that he’s knows what the room looks like?” Side asks. “...No we don’t. We don’t have any proof that shows that he knows what the room looks like.” “I thought so.” Fast boasts, “And besides…” “Can some computer malfunctions really be used to place blame on me?” HOLD IT! “What do you mean malfunctions?” I ask. “Well, that’s what likely happened. Since there Luna’s the killer, and she didn’t come in here, we must assume that the computers malfunctioned.” “That seems like such a stretch to just say that it malfunctioned.” “Oh ho ho. And it’s not a stretch to say that a pony that was never in Luna’s room, knew what was in there?” “That footage was manipulated with!” I say slamming my foot on the ground. “Do you actually have any proof of manipulation?” Asked Fast Sight. “Sir! I just had an idea!” Side remarks. “What is it?” “Maybe, instead of focusing on the footage itself, there might be a piece of evidence that manipulated what the footage showed!” “You know what, Side, you actually may be on to something.” (Hmm… proof that shows not the footage being changed, but caused something to appear on the footage that wouldn’t be on there otherwise.) “I do have proof that the footage was manipulated with from outside sources.” “Oh ho ho. What could possibly manipulate footage from outside of it?” TAKE THAT! “The window! It was open before Luna left to do her errands, but it was closed when she came back!” “And how is that manipulation of the footage?” “If the window was closed, then that means the only way that Luna could have entered was the hallway!” PREPOSTEROUS! “You don’t know that! And besides how could have that manipulated the footage?” “If the window was closed, then that means the only way that Luna could enter her room was the hallway, and this proves it: TAKE THAT! “The map of Luna’s room only shows two methods of entry, one being the window, which was locked off at the time, the other being the hallway. Thus, if one were to close the window, they would be able to catch footage of Luna entering her room!” PREPOSTEROUS! “So what?” Blueblood screamed, “Just because somepony closed a window, that means that their intent was to catch Luna on film? How do we know that the window wasn’t closed before hand?” “Simple, I have… proof?” “Oh ho ho. Really? Show me.” “Just give me a second.” “Okay, one. Go.” “Sir! Don’t what’s wrong?” Side asks me pulling me aside. “I don’t have any proof of the window being closed by the murderer.” “Well, is there another way of thinking about it?” Luna asks. (Hmm… Another way of thinking about it… Then that means I shouldn’t be asking if the window was closed by the murderer, I should be asking when the window was closed.) “What if, we think about this. When was the window closed?” I point out. “Well, what would that mean?” Luna asks. “If the window was closed during the murder, that means that ponies would be able to get into your room before hand, they wouldn’t be picked up by the cameras.” “And who would be the last ponies to enter my room?” “Why that would be, your guards. So, if I can prove that your guards entered through the window, then that would mean that the killer was the one who closed the windows.” “And do we know when, the guards entered my room?” “Yes! We do!” “Ah, so you're finally ready.” Blueblood remarks. “I would like to check the footage.” I exclaim. “Oh ho ho. Honestly, I’m getting quite tired of having to look at monitors. So, unless you can show me proof of a direct time to look at, I’m not going to aide to your request.” “Very well, I’ll show you proof at which time I would like to look at.” TAKE THAT! “The note asks the guards to come in at 10:30, so if they went in through the hallway, they would be shown on the camera. So Fast, if you could?” “Fine!” Fast begrudgingly agrees, pulling up the footage at 10:30 of the empty hallway. “So, you see Blueblood, the guards went in through the window. And that means that the only pony to close the window was the killer. Why? To set Luna up. And the only pony that could have done that, is Fast Sight!” PREPOSTEROUS! “How is the way that Luna was framed, point to Fast Sight as the culprit?” “Not many ponies know this room exists. Hell, the only reason Side Guard over here knows where it is, is just pure chance. And only one pony knows how to operate all of this machinery, and that would be Fast Sight!” “But you don’t have any decisive proof that it was me!” Fast whines. OBJECTION! “I believe the fact that the footage was tampered in such a way that only you knew how is proof enough.” PREPOSTEROUS! “Can you truly say that he knew how to operate it?” Blueblood asks. “Yes I can. After all, hasn’t that been what’s he’s been doing for the past half hour or so? He is the pony in charge of all of this.” "Well… If that’s all the proof you have, that isn't proof." He says going into a confident position. "What do you mean?" "Simple, I was never there and I don't think that you have any evidence to prove that I was." "What?" "Show me the proof that I was in the room." "Okay, then." Side said, "Don't we have proof that he was in the room?" (Hmm… We don’t have any direct proof. But if that’s admitted, then Blueblood wins. Maybe I can just prove that he had no choice but to be in that room or something. I just need to keep him talking.) "Okay then Fast Sight, if you weren't in Luna's room, where were you?" "Ah. So you want to know what I was doing? Okay then. I'll bite." === Witness Testimony=== --Fast's Alibi-- "Since I'm the only pony that watches the monitors, some missing footage means I'm the culprit?" "I'm sorry, but I was in the bathroom at the time." "Once I got back from it, I noticed that the main computer malfunctioned and it shut off." "I instantly turned it back on." "However, a few minutes later, I realized that the clock was thirty minutes off. So I paused the footage to cover my mistake." *** "I hope that's good enough for you." Fast said. "Only one way to find out." I reply. (I wish I took the time earlier to ask about that. I guess the only thing for me to do now is press him in search for a flaw.) ===Cross-Examination=== --Fast's Alibi-- "Since I'm the only pony that watches the monitors, some missing footage means I'm the culprit?" HOLD IT! "What other explanation would there be?" I say with a confident smile. PREPOSTEROUS! "He was just about to get to that!" Blueblood shouts. "So then tell it to us!" I scream out. "I was just about to!" Fast replies. "Good!" "I'm sorry, but I was in the bathroom at the time." HOLD IT! "You expect us to believe something like that?" I ask. "Do you have any proof to disprove me?" Fast retaliates. "I have the proof of believability!" "Well just because you believe in something doesn't make it true!" “Yes, but it’s more believable that you went to Luna’s room to- PREPOSTEROUS! “Do you have any actual proof that he went to Luna’s room?” “...No.” "Once I got back from it, I noticed that the main computer malfunctioned and it shut off." HOLD IT! "What happened?" "I'm not sure, after all, this is new equipment." "Is there any kind of record of this malfunction?" "Yeah, about 30 minutes of missing footage." "How do we know that you didn't just turn it off?" "Do you have proof of such?" "No. So then, what did you do when you realized this?" "I instantly turned it back on." HOLD IT! "When exactly did you turn it back on?" I asked. "Around 11:20." Fast replied. "That's pretty accurate." "Well, I wouldn't want you to make a mistake in your logic now would I?" "Very well then, what did you after you did that?" "Well... Um... After that, I went back to doing my regular thing around here..." "However, a few minutes later, I realized that the clock was thirty minutes off. So I paused the footage to cover my mistake." HOLD IT! "Why did you pause the footage?" "Because even though the cameras are hooked up to the computers, the timers are not. It's a bit too technical to fully explain." "But then why did you pause exactly as Luna was entering her room?" "Simple coincidence. Unless you have proof to say otherwise." "No..." *** (Dam! I don't have any proof that can negate his alibi!) "Oh ho ho. I hope now you can now truly see the truth?" Blueblood boasts. "Come on!" Side says to me, "Sir! Are there no flaws in his testimony?" "...There isn’t any flaws with his alibi." I admit. "Sir! You have to be joking! We can't stop now! If we do, then that means evil wins!" "Oh ho ho. I'm not evil, I'm just doing what is right and what I'm destined for." (There really isn't any other leads left! Even if there were, we couldn't even investigate them thanks to Blueblood!) "Is there truly nothing left?" Luna questions. "I'm sorry but I just can't think of anything." "There's still unanswered questions. Isn't there?" "Like what?" "Well, we still haven't found the sleeping crystals." (That's right! We haven't! I can't investigate any farther, but maybe, we already know the answer.) “Yes, it shows Luna entering at a decisive time. However, this has been offset by thirty minutes. Thus, the time that she entered her room was: midnight!” “So, you see Blueblood, the guards went in through the window. And that means that the only pony to close the window was the killer. Why? To set Luna up.” (Hmm… These capsules. None of them seem to be used yet.) (Okay now. I have the pieces in my head. I just have to put them together. We know that the killer was the one who offset the footage. What the question here is, how did the killer know how long to offset it for. Wait! If the killer was the one to close the window, then that could mean that the killer waited until Luna tried to enter through the window before killing the guards and leaving! That way the killer could place the time of death in a way that would be convenient for them. Now, if the killer were to wait until the last possible second to leave, and didn’t want to be suspected by a passing guards pony, that means the killer took the all of the decisive evidence with them! Including the sleeping gems. However, where would you store something like sleeping gems… even if they're small enough, they still could be noticeable on the body without some type of container to store them in. And I can only think of one type of container that Fast Sight could have store them in!) "Oh ho ho. I guess you're all out of excuses.” Blueblood says motioning us to the exit, “Well, if you the would just come with m-” OBJECTION!!! "Before we do that, can I just make one last request?" "Oh ho ho. I'm sorry, but the time that you could have gotten mercy never actually existed." "No, I’m still not asking for any kind of mercy.” I retaliate with my arms outstretched, “In fact, I can now show Fast Sight’s guilt right here and now." "Very well then. I’ll humor you. How exactly can you prove that?" "I request that we examine Fast Sight's had containers!" "What!? Why would you want to do that?" "Because, if my logic is correct, we should find a piece of definitive evidence in there." "Oh ho ho. And what would that be?" TAKE THAT! "The sleeping gems. He would need a place to hide I mean after all, it such a foolish idea, that you could simply disprove in less than thirty seconds." I say “And what purpose would I have for following up with such a request?” “You could just lock all three of us up anytime you wanted before, and yet you haven’t.” Luna states, “After all, you don’t Celestia to know that this room exists, do you?” "No! I refuse!" Shouted Fast Sight. OBJECTION! “Oh, but if you’re innocent, you have nothing to worry about.” I remark. PREPOSTEROUS! “T-this is an invasion of his privacy!” OBJECTION! “How exactly is this an invasion of privacy? It’s not like he has anything in there that he should be storing.” PREPOSTEROUS! “You don’t have any actual proof that they’re in there!” “That’s why we’re about to find out. It shouldn’t be anything too hard. We just need to make a simple check, and then we’ll admit defeat. That is, if there’s nothing in there!” “No!” Fast Sight tries to yell out. “I-I refuse” “Are you going to make me repeat myself? I said that if there isn’t anything there, there’s nothing to worry about. You don’t need to lie any more. There isn’t anything left that you can lie about. There is only one truth. So come on Fast Sight," I said bringing my right hand past my left shoulder, "face the truth of your murder!" I proclaim unleashing my hand in an overhead arc stopping it in the direction of the culprit, index finger fully extended. "Truth..." Fast Sight mumbled out. "You think that's truth? That isn't any kind of truth. NONE OF YOU BELIEVE IN THE TRUTH! NONE! YOU ALL EXIST JUST PUSHING ME AROUND AND I'M TRULY TO BLAME! I'MNOTTHEONETOBLAME!" He starts shouting out loud pulling on his mask trying to get it off. "YOUALLARE! IT'SALWAYSSOMEONEELSESFAULT! WELL, I'LL SHOW YOU THE TRUTH!" He says finally pulling off the mask, stopping the flow of gas from the mask, and starts the flow from his mouth. "THIS, IS THE TRUTH! YOU LUNA, ARE GUILTY FOR CURSING ME LIKE THIS! THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED BECAUSE OF YOU! THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS! AND YOU BLUEBLOOD! WHAT DID YOU DO, YOU JUST USED IT TOWARDS YOUR OWN ADVANTAGE! LOCKING ME UP I'M HERE! BUT WHAT IS THE TRUTH IN THIS MATTER? ROYALTY! I NO LONGER ACCEPT YOUR TRUTH! I NO LONGER ACCEPT IT! I DON'T! IDON'T! IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!IDON'T!... I d-don't." He manages to push out before he fades into an unconscious of denial. *** "Well, that was interesting." Luna says. "Most certainly was." Side agrees. "I'm just glad it's finally over." I say. ~CLICK~ (Oh don't tell me-) "I must thank you," Blueblood says holding a gun with his magic, "after all, he might have dared to turn on me." "Blueblood! Put the gun down now!" Luna shouts. "Well, I'm afraid I can't do that. After all, I have a kingdom to overthrow." “Sir! I’ve got this!” He says as he tries to run forwards, but just gets hit with the end of the gun introducing him to unconsciousness. I can’t do anything. I’m too shocked by the sudden turn of events to even fully think. (I can’t do anything! There isn’t anything I can do! Why!? What’s going on!? I need to do something! I need to protect them somehow!) “Why?” Luna tries reasoning, “Why are you doing this?” “Oh ho ho. I think you know why. It’s because I want power. And I want all of it. Granted this wasn’t my master plan coming to fruition, but it makes a decent substitute.” “You don’t need to do any of this!” “Oh ho ho. I’m sorry. Every time you open your dumb ass mouth I can’t help but laugh at the stupid things that you say. I mean, I am the pony that deserves the most simply because I’m me. It would have been so nice if you could have just accepted being a murderer and get bashed again like a good little girl, but, something had to get involved. Didn’t you?” He says focusing on me. “You just haaad to appear out of thin air didn’t you. You just haaad be the bigger pony. You had to be all innocent and smart with your logic. Well, unfortunately for you, no pony that knows about this is going to live long enough to talk about this. "I have to say, it hasn't been a pleasure knowing that you existed.” He says aiming the gun at me. “But now, I'm going to remedy that." Finally lining up his shot and pulling the trigger. The room becomes silent. (What? What happened? Did he fire? Am I now dead? Who’s that? What is Luna saying? Is she hugging the new pony? What’s going on? What’s going on?) I think to myself as I once again have a separation from consciousness. Time: ??? Date: ??? Location: Luna's Room (Uhg. Is this what death is like. Did I already think that before? My head is killing me. Am I on a bed?) I slowly open my eyes to get a good look at the world around me. I see a familiar being looking at me with a some sort of smile on his face. “Sir? Sir! You’re awake!” “Am I?” “Sir! How could you do that to us?” “What?” “Fall unconscious like that! You had me worried!” “What happened?” “I came in.” A white pony said coming into my field of vision. “And who are you?” “I am Princess Celestia. The main ruler of this fine land. I must thank you for all that you have done.” “Your welcome? I’m sorry but what exactly happened to me?” “She came in right as Blueblood was about to fire.” Side says, “She saved your life.” “No, no, no.” Celestia interrupts, “I did nothing. Sir, or at least what Side Guard over here says your name is, what you did, you saved a nation.” “How?” “I was only woken up by the screaming going about between you and Blueblood. I doubt that if you didn’t spend all that time trying to defend my sister, I would have made it into the room in time.” “Speaking of which, where’s Luna?” And, as if spoken of the devil, “Sister! Why didn’t you tell me he was awake!?” Luna says running into the room and hugging me. “Thank you. Thank you so much for what you did.” “What do you mean?” I ask. “There is no pony out there that would be so bold to go against Blueblood believes so strongly as to go physically argue against him. Especially after the way I treated you.” “I was just trying to make sure an innocent being wasn’t improperly convicted. I could tell right away that you were just scared.” “H-how?” “Just everything about you. You never seemed like the type of being that’s just committed murder and trying to get away with it.” “You’re an idiot.” Luna replied. “I guess I am. So, were you able to find out why Fast Sight hated you?” “Yes. It turns out that apparently, on the night of my return, he was part of a squad that went into the Everfree Forest in search of some way to get rid of m- Nightmare Moon. Instead, all of his friends died and he got cursed by having anything he breathed turn into a noxious gas. He, blamed me since if I never came back, his friends will still be alive.” She says with her eyes starting to water. “Don’t blame yourself, if anypony, blame Blueblood.” “Why would that be?” “From what I’ve seen and heard, Blueblood was the first pony that Fast Sight went to after being cursed like that. Blueblood repaid that by locking him up, forcing him to endlessly watch monitors, and squeezing as much of his gas out as possible for his own benefit.” “I guess, but-” “You may have been the one to start the flame, but you did it unknowingly. Blueblood saw that and tried to spread it. Besides, I’ve done worse than just killing a mass amount of beings.” "And what would that be?" "I killed my parents." "What?" Both Side Guard and Luna exclaim. "Those clothes that you saw on me were prison clothes. In fact, I was just about to be executed. I don't remember the event well, but, I now admit it." "You now admit it?" Luna asks. "When I was in prison, every second I never thought that I did it. In fact, most of that time I spent leaning law and how to investigate. It’s where I learned the techniques used the night before last. But I'm willing to accept the fact that I was the only one who could have done it." "Why are you so willing to accept that you committed murder if you previously denied it?" Side questions. “The trial for my case, had me guilty before it even started. I was unlucky and got this prosecutor that never lost. At least a twenty year record of guilties. Man like that, the kind that never loses, cheats. And I thought that he cheated on mine. However, during the time I was being sent to this world, it’s like all the facts of the case were in front of me. I tried arranging them in any possible way to find something wrong, but I couldn’t. Tried claiming a piece of evidence was fake. Tried claiming that a testimony was wrong. Tried claiming that I couldn’t have done it. But, there were no holes. Even if I did find a contradiction, who would have listened? I was already dead. Even then, who would listen to a parent-murdering psychopath? I just can’t see any other way that I couldn’t have done it. "I-I don't remember why I did it. I don’t even remember how!" I say as my eyes start brimming, "But now, all I can say to you is, Thank You." And I hug the two of them. "Thank You, for being my first friend." "Wha?” Luna reacts, calms down and replies, “I don't get you. I mean it. After the way I treated you? Anypony wouldn’t want to be around me after that." "I guess that means I’m not a pony. And I already told you, I could see that you were just scared. "But, what are you trying to tell me?" "I'm telling you what kind of person I am. So that you may make the proper decision about what to do with me. I don’t know what you want to happen to me. I don’t know if you want to send me back or keep me here. I just want you to know all there is about me so that you may make the proper decision. I’m treated as the worst kind of scum where I’m from. So, I honestly don’t know what you plan to do with me. I just know that I can let the innocent be punished over the guilty.” “I don’t think I’ve ever heard something like that before.” “It must be because this world is starting to become dark. From what I’ve seen, Blueblood’s murder attempt on us hasn’t made any major news. Also, murder is a new thing here. Murder isn’t exactly the most gracious thing. And if Blueblood was in charge of criminal justice here, I can only imagine what the police must be like. However, that doesn’t mean that Equestria will become violent and crime ridden. I believe, that with the proper care, that this fall into darkness, will only be as far as the floor.” “I’ve already made up my mind about what’s going to happen. I want you to become an investigator.” “You mean you want me to become a detective?” “No. It’s like being a detective, but instead of trying being the one of the first parties at the scene that are there to try and figure out who did it, an investigator tries to find the truth behind the situation. A party that’s more searching into the how and why instead of the who. While a detective searches for the culprit, you’ll be searching for everything else.” “What’s the point of that? Why can’t a detective do that already?” “Right now, most detectives are ones that have been created from Bluebloods teachings. He actually had control over criminal justice before hand, but now I’m in charge of that. Anyways, most detectives either don’t fully know how to investigate, are corrupt, or something in between. I can’t just take them away, so I’m adding something new. Something that can help immediately with solving crimes, and helping the other parties in criminal justice become the best in their fields. I want you to be at the forefront of all of this.” "Won't ponies be scared because I'm human?" "Ponies know that humans exist. It's just that there's rarity of them." "Very well, I accept. If I'm going to stay in this world, I'm going to need to do something after all." After I said that, I could hear the sound of Side Guard starting to leave. “Where do you think you’re going.” “...Nowhere.” He meekly replies. "Is there something wrong?" Luna asks. "No. Sorry for bothering you." He says as he starts to turn around and leave. "Thank you for your help before." I mention. "What? No. I didn't do anything." "Actually, you did something very important." "No I didn't. I'm sorry for-" "Actually, I have proof of you helping us." "And what would that proof be?" TAKE THAT! "I never asked for the autopsy report. You're the one who got it for me." "Oh. That's nothing." "It made sure that I became a part of the investigation. After all, I was only there under the pretense of my own appearance here." "Really?... SIR! Thank you for your kindness." He says as he hugs both me and Luna. “I never thought that anypony could be so kind to me! I’m sorry, it’s just that you two were talking about yourselves, and-” “What do you mean our selves? After all, I’m going to need a pony to help me properly adjust to this world.” “Sir! I-I can’t believe that-” “David. Call me David.” I say. “Why?” “That’s my name. David Nicholas.” “Pfft. What kind of name is David Nicholas?” He remarks. “Hey! What kinda name is Side Guard!?” I reply. “You know what. David. Call me Sides. It sounds much cooler.” “Okay then. Sides, I think I’m going to need a suit. Do you think that cyan would look nice on me?” “Actually, I don’t know where to get a suit around here. Luna what about you?” “Um… I don’t know.” She hastily says. “What, a princess doesn't know where to find a place to get clothes? Why that is just deadly!” I say inciting laughter out of all of us. (I can't believe I never had a moment like this before. I wonder if there has ever been a moment like this. A disgraced princess trying to amend historic sins, a patriotic yet naive guard who wants purpose, and finally a murder who hasn't been friends with anyone before. These kinds of moments are going to be what I should try to achieve. This is going to be what my purpose is. To find the truth that brings happiness into this world. I am David Nicholas, and I am an investigator.) End.
A Summoning Turnabout: ExtrasPart: 2 (Okay then, lets see what else is in this room.) I think to myself as I head over to a table holding all sorts of novelty items. (Huh. I didn’t think that a princess would have time to collect trinkets. Wait a second… Some of these look like they came from my world. And, is that the Super-Limited Edition Steel Samurai Action Figure with Kung-Fu Grip!? What’s she doing with that? She couldn’t possibly be… Nah. It’s probably just a collection of nick-knacks that somehow got teleported to this world by some freak occurrence… I hope.) *** (I wonder what else I should talk to Luna about. Maybe I should see how she reacts to some of my findings.) “So Luna, what do you think about this piece of evidence?” “Honestly, I don’t know what to think. Is it another nail in the coffin? Is it something to prove my innocence?" She replies with her voice trailing off. "You know what, let's not think about that." I quickly say. (Okay. Not any evidence of importance.) *** “Yes, but then how did our victims fall asleep if the murderer was a pegasus? After all, pegasi can’t use magic, only unicorns can.” “Hmph. I guess that means that one other possibility exists.” “And what would that be?” “If a pegasus came in here and a unicorn put our victims to sleep then that would mean, the killer, was an alicorn!” I shout out loud leaving everypony in the room speechless. “Oh ho ho.” Blueblood mocks, “So you are admitting that the only pony that could have done it was Luna?” “No, I’m stating that the killer-” “Out of the entire empire, only four known alicorns exist.” Blueblood states, “Only one of them doesn’t have an alibi for the murders. I’ll let you guess which one that is.” “Well… How do you know that there wasn’t some type of alicorn that wasn’t ever heard about?” I embarrassingly suggest. “Oh ho ho. An alicorn isn’t exactly an easy pony to hide. How would you suggest we never heard of one?” “Then maybe it wasn’t an alicorn. Have you thought about that?” “That is an idea, however, it’s also an idea that you don’t know what you’re talking about!” Blueblood exclaims with vigour enough to damage my reputation. (Maybe I should have thought that one through. After all, if it wasn’t an alicorn that did it, and there were two different ponies involved in the murder, that can only mean one thing…) *** “If you’re going to pose a counter theory, then you should at least be able to explain it all the way through!” “Very well, just give me a second to think. Okay, let’s confirm what we know to be true. A: The victims must have entered at 10:30. B: The must have fallen asleep after 10:45 in order to line up with the autopsy. C: The killer must have been outside when the timer went off.” “But that impossible!” Blueblood shouted out. “Unless, we consider one of these facts to be somewhat wrong.” “But these are facts! They are by it’s definition not wrong!” “I never said that the facts were wrong, I’m saying our way of interpreting them must have been wrong.” “And what could that possibly be?” “...Maybe, the killer was inside when the guards went to sleep.” PREPOSTEROUS! “Wouldn’t that also cause the killer to fall asleep as well?” Blueblood states. "Well, maybe the killer was able to resist the effects of the sleeping gems.” “And do you have any proof of this?” “...No.” “Furthermore, what purpose would the killer staying in Luna’s room serve.” “Well maybe-” “And lastly, what would that change about the situation? The time is still going to be off.” “That would just mean-” “You’re wrong.” Blueblood states with enough force to damage my reputation. (I really need to think logically about this. I mean, this could actually make Luna innocent. Okay then let think about this again…) Part: 3 (I wonder what this is.) I think to myself as I examine the back wall filled with all sorts of monitors and buttons. (It appears to be a computer, but… I wonder what this button does.) As I push a button at random causing a bunch of alarms to go off. “Hey! Watch what you’re pressing you fool!” Fast Sight shouts and pushes some other buttons on the console, “You could have sent the entire nation into a state of alarm!” “Sorry! Sorry!” I quickly apologize, “I was just trying to investigate!” “Well, next time, ask me to do it!” (I guess I’m as qualified to use electronics here than I was back in my world. I should have probably tried to find that out in a… less hazardous method.) *** “I would like to check the footage.” I exclaim. “Oh ho ho. Honestly, I’m getting quite tired of having to look at monitors. So, unless you can show me proof of a direct time to look at, I’m not going to aide to your request.” “Very well, I’ll show you proof at which time I would like to look at.” TAKE THAT! “There! That should show exactly what time I want to pull up!” I say with vigor. “Oh ho ho. I seem to have some trouble seeing what time that piece of evidence relates to. Could you please tell me?” Realizing my mistake I say, “Oh... j-just pull up Mph O’clock.” “What time was that again?” Blueblood sarcastically asks. “Mph O’Clock.” I hastily say. “Say it louder for me.” “...Mph O'clock?” I say with such instability in my voice to ruin part of my reputation. “I thought so.” Blueblood replies. (Okay, that was beyond humiliating for me. I just have to think about proof that shows when the guards went into Luna’s room. Let’s try this again.)
An Acted Turnabout: Prologe“Hello Ladies and Gentlecolts! I am all glad you could make it here for this wonderful night of culture!” Life is a performance. “After all, it is always important to look on to the finer things in life and reflect. We are civilised after all.” It has a beginning, middle, and end. “But now, is now the time to talk. Now, is the time to absorb, reflect, and look, just a little deeper into yourself than you usually do.” Even though it can seem to go on forever. “So to start you off, I give you, the world renowned Cellist, Octavia!” Eventually, it must come to an end. ~BANG~ And at the end, the curtain falls back down. Covering the beings watching from the events at hand. ~BOOM~ Covering them, from the future.
An Acted Turnabout: Part 1Time: 7:47 PM Day: May, 30th Location: The High Hoof Theater Lobby “Well, here we are.” I said walking into the lobby with Side right behind me. “I can’t believe that we’re actually doing this.” Side says, “I mean, who cares about some music?” “Some music!?” I almost gasp in shock, “Why, I’ll have you know that performers from all across Equestria are playing here tonight.” “Yeah. And?” “And I never got to go to a performance before. Besides, it will be fun. After all, such a cheery world like this has to have colorful music.” “David, if you just wanted to listen to music, then you could have just used a radio.” “Tell me, have you spent your entire life in pris-” “Oh come on. It’s just going to be the same classical musicians played everywhere else in Canterlot. Let me see who’s playing,” Side says grabbing a brochure of a wall. “Octavia… Lyra… Some other performers… eh… nopony important.” “Really?” “Yeah. No Vinyl Scratch.” “Who’s Vinyl Scratch?” “Only like the best DJ ever!” “Really? A DJ? We are going to a concert featuring some of the most exquisite music Equestria has to offer, and you can’t get past the fact that there isn’t a DJ!?” I ask embarrassed for myself. “Well, yeah! Classical music is boring.” “I’m sorry for not wanting to lose my hearing.” “Please. We have magic to fix ear problems.” (So!?! That doesn’t change the fact that that kind of loud music will make any being lose their ability to hear!) “Joy. Anyways, can I see that?” “Sure, here you go,” Side says handing me the brochure, “There’s a map of the theater on the other side.” High Hoof Brochure has been accepted into Journal High Hoof Brochure: A Brochure stating some basic facts about the performance and a map of the theater. (What the hell? What is this? What kind of map only gives a basic idea of the seating arrangements? Who even designed this in the first place? Some amature who’s using an open-source program? I guess I’ll keep it for now.) “I guess we should have come here a little later though. We still have about 30 minutes before the performance actually begins.” “HHHHHHHHHHHHHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU” “I told you beforehoof David. It’s easy to get around in Canterlot.” “MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA” “I’m just learning new facts about this world. Also is it me or do you hear somethi-” “AN!” I hear before I’m tackled in the back. “GAH!” I scream falling down trying to use my hands as a cushioning device. I instantly flip myself over to get a look at my attacker and I see a mint colored unicorn standing above me. “You’re a human! Aren’t you!?” She says. “Wha?” “Hi! I’m Lyra!” She continues while picking me up with her magic and starts examining my hands. “I’m sorry for acting all improper and everything but this is the first time I’ve ever actually been able to see one of you up close. I mean, yes there was that one time during the whole Indy Cup incident, but I was too shy to actually examine him. So, I’m taking a look at you!” “I’m sorry miss,” Side tries to say, “But could you please get off him? You’re disturbing him right now.” “HE DOESN’T SEEM TO BE UPSET!” She snarled, turning her anger-filled gaze right into Side’s eyes. “Sorry. Sorry.” He cowers. (No! Don’t be sorry! Be helpful!) “Anyways,” Lyra says turning her attention back to me, “what’s your name?” “...David Nicholas?” I meekly say. “Cool!” She replies with a way too enthusiastic glee. (She’s going to kidnap me. She’s going to kidnap me and I’ll spend the rest of my life trapped with her examining my body... I need to tread with caution.) “...So Lyra,” I slowly say, “I hear you’re one of the performers playing tonight.” “Yeah. I mean, this may be my first performance in such a large theater but, I can’t just let opportunities pass by like this.” “Really? Your first big performance?” “Well, I come from Ponyville and even though there may be a lot of stuff that happens there, there isn’t that many opportunites to get a big crowd like here.” “Then why stay there? Couldn’t you stay somewhere else?” “First big performance. Rember?” “Yeah, but surely you’ve done other performances. Why didn’t you use the money from that to move to a more profitable place.” “I was born and raised there. I just don’t feel comfortable leaving.” “Oh.” “Actually, that’s where I saw the last human.” (Changing subject! Changing subject!) “So Lyra, are you affiliated with any of the other ponies playing tonight?” “Not really. I mean, I’ve talked with Octavia once or twice, but we don’t hang out or anything.” “But you’ve talked with her before. What is she like?” “Octavia plays the Cello and cares even more about etiquette than Rarity.” “Rarity?” “...Yeah. Rarity. One of the ay. “That probably doesn’t lead to anything..” Lyra points out. “There must be a reason for that and I think we’ll find it out before the day is done.” “Oh well. Hey! Who’s that?” Lyra points out motioning to the Beverly Hills pony from before. “I don’t know.” “I think she may be the owner of the theater.” “Really? Huh.” (The owner? Maybe she might know a thing or two about what went down.) “Hello there,” I say as I walk over to her, “who are yo-” “Hush!” She whispered out with volume making me silent for a moment. “I’m sorry bu-” “I do not need to speak with you.” “Actu-” “There is nothing of importance that we could talk about.” “I don’t know, what about the murder that just happened.” “...Hmph. Very well, we shall talk about that. But only that.” “Could you at least tell me your name?” “...It is, Fleur de Lis.” (Welp, somepony’s reserved. I have a bad feeling about communicating with her.) “So,” I start off, “could you tell me a little about yourself? “...I could, but I will not” “Why not?” “I do not see the need to.” “But you are the owner of this theater, right?” “That is correct.” “So, if it turns out to be faulty equipment that caused the death of Octavia, wouldn’t you be held responsible?” “I doubt that it was faulty equipment that killed her.” “And why would that be?” “You said that she had been murdered. If it were faulty equipment, then you would be calling it an accident.” “Very well, can you tell me about the performance itself?” “What about it?” “Well… Do you think any of the other ponies would be the one to commit murder.” “I am not the type to single out others for personal gain.” “Then-” “Are you going to say that I must have killed her if I will not place the blame on another? If I were truly the killer, why would I not pin it on some other pony?” “I never said anything of that sort.” “Could you at least tell me why you set this performance up?” “Because, this is a theater. Theaters need shows or else they will not make any money.” “So, you set this whole thing up just so you could make money?” “You know, when you put it like that, it makes me sound like a scammer. Do you have a problem with a pony trying to make a living?” “No.” “Then stop pushing the subject.” (Ugh! It feels impossible to get anywhere with her! Let me try being as specific as possible.) “So, did you know Octavia at all?” “Yes. I had to contact her for the performance after all.” “What was your opinion of her?” “She was a very fine pony and the world just seems… a little more sloppier without her. In fact, I just used the word sloppy as an adjective.” (How terrible.) “Do you have an idea why anypony would want to kill her?” “I do not have the faintest clue as to why somepony would do that.” (I think that’s all I’m going to get out of her… Say, I don’t think I hear any noise going on in the theater.) I think to myself as I put my ear on the door. “You aren’t going to hear anything.” Lyra tells me. “Really? I ain’t?” “Nope. Those doors are soundproofed so that if a performance gets too loud, nopony outside the theater who didn’t pay doesn’t hear it.” “Interesting.” I comment. Theater Doors have been accepted into Journal Theater Doors: Theater Doors are specially made as to not let any sound escape when closed. (That may be all there is to this lobby. I wish I didn’t have to scrounge for clues, but at least I’ve searched everything in here.) INVESTIGATION COMPLETE At that moment, Noir came out of the theater half done with a cigarette saying, “Okay, everything’s done here. We can go home.” “What do you mean?” I reply, “I still have to do my investigation.” “No you don’t. After all, I’m the one in charge, and I’m the one who says it’s over. Lyra, you’re going to have to come with me. “What!? Why?” She asks. “Because, you obviously killed Octavia.” “What do you mean?” I asked. “I don’t have to bow down before you. I so all I have to say to you, is to get out of my way.” “I still have the ability to challenge any theory you may have Noir.” “Alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” ===Argument=== --How Lyra Committed The Murder-- “As you figured out for me, the reason that poor Octavia died, was murder.” “The way that it was done was by making a sandbag fall on top of her head.” “Now, what out mint friend over here must have done is set up the bag beforehand.” “Then, she set the end of the rope that wasn’t tied to the bag next to where she was standing.” “That way, she could easily cut the rope with a knife and in the end, killed Octavia.” *** “There, that logic good enough for you?” Noir said tossing the used cigarette onto the ground and stepped on it. “Not yet, I have to give a rebuttal after all.” I replied. “Oh, you have to? No, you want to. You want to believe that you’re the superior here.” The detective said as he lit a new cigarette and started smoking it, “After all, if you don’t feel superior, you don’t feel happy.” “No, I want to find the tru-” NONSENSE! “You want to find squat. You want to gain respect. I know how you types are. Don’t you ever think that I’ll be able to trust a being like you.” “I guess we’ll have to see how well you theory holds up against the truth then.” ===Rebuttal=== --How Lyra Committed The Murder-- “As you figured out for me, the reason that poor Octavia died, was murder.” “The way that it was done was by making a sandbag fall on top of her head.” “Now, what out mint friend over here must have done is set up the bag beforehand.” HOLD IT! “Why would you say that she’s the one to do it?” I asked. “Because, she was the one to kill her.” “Where’s your proof that she did such a thing?” “Where’s your proof that she didn’t?” He replied. “I think that the more likely possibility is that she didn’t do it.” “And that’s because you’re new to this field. You’re going to need to find a serious problem with my theory to prove that it’s wrong.” “I’m sorry, but why? After all, your theory is just made fro- NONSENSE! “You’re not at all legally part of this investigation. If you want to prove me wrong, you’re going to have to convince me. Myself. Not any kind of court.” “Very well, what did she supposedly do next?” “Then, she set the end of the rope that wasn’t tied to the bag next to where she was standing.” HOLD IT! “How do you know that she was standing on the other end of the rope?” I questioned. “Because, I asked around, and was told that her waiting position was right next to where the other end of the rope was.” “Do you have the other end in question?” “Yes, I have it right here.” Noir says as he pulls the rope out of his saddlebag. (Hmm. Getting a good look at the rope in question, I can’t tell how this broke. It appears that something just tore through the top, and the rest of the rope just snapped. Furthermore, there also appears to be quite a number of feet the length of the rope is.) Rope has been accepted into Journal Rope: A rope that was used to hold up a sandbag. Snapped after half of it was torn off somehow. Is multiple feet in length. This end was tied to the wall. “That way, she could easily cut the rope with a knife and in the end, killed Octavia.” OBJECTION! “You know,” I said, “I didn’t think a job such as yours would take kindly to sloppiness.” “What are you talking about?” Noir responded. “After all, there is no way that somepony could just cut the rope next to the wall and leave behind a few feet.” “Oh and why would that be?” “Because, to stand next to where it’s tied and cut it there, would leave barely an inch, much less a foot.” NONSENSE! “You don’t know that. After all, she’s a unicorn, she could have used telekinesis to cut the rope!” OBJECTION! “That would be possible, if it weren’t that she would need to be behind the curtain to do that. And if what I’ve been told is correct, unicorns horns start to shine when they’re performing magic, and somepony would have seen that. Wouldn’t that pony then tell her to stop shining a light backstage!” NONSENSE! “She could have hid her aura!” “Oh, that’s possible? Could you tell me how then?” “ARUGH!” Noir screams retracting by his wings fully spreading out and him taking a few steps back. “Fine! I guess that the murderer couldn’t have cut the rope right at the wall.” “You see, that’s why Lyra couldn’t do i-” “But, that only digs Lyra further into her grave.” Noir interrupts lighting a new cigarette. “How, she would be waiting right at the backstage for-” “She wasn’t seen at the location that she was supposed to be at.” Noir says grabbing a cigarette and lighting it. “I’ve talked to the ponies that were making sure that everything was right during the performance, and they all agreed at one point, ‘Lyra was supposed to go right after Octavia, but wasn’t able to be found once the lights dimmed.’ If that’s true, where do you think she was? There then is only one place that she could have been. And that would have to be at the catwalk, cutting the rope.” “Catwalk, what’s that?” Lyra asks. “It’s a bridge above a stage that’s used to hang such equipment as lights or props.” I answer. “Pfft, I can’t believe that you’ve been a performer for so long and you don’t even know what a catwalk is.” Noir jests. “Hey! I’ve manly only done small shows. I haven’t had the time to ask every single aspect of a theater.” “But wouldn’t she then be seen by one of the other ponies up there?” I question. “Nope, after all, unless it’s necessary for a show, nopony is allowed to go up onto the catwalk.” “Could you please show me where this catwalk is?” I ask. “Alright, I’ll even show you the rope.” Theater Map has been updated. Theater Map: Dotted line represents rope path. “And can I assume that the statements that the stagehands made were official?” I ask. “They most certainly are.” Stagehand Statements have been accepted into Journal Stagehand Statements: Even though Lyra was supposed to be right after Octavia, she was nowhere to be found at the start of the performance. “But that doesn’t prove anything.” I try to point out. “Except, that she was the only pony whose whereabouts were unknown, and the only place that a pony wasn’t watching was the catwalk. Where the murderer had to be. Put those two facts together, and you can see the obvious outcome. If you really have that much confidence in her, then you know what you need to ask.” “Alright then, Lyra, where were you during the murder?” “I was in my room?” She unconvincingly says. “Really? Lyra, this isn’t the time for lies. If you lie now, you will be convicted of murder. I can only help you if you tell the truth.” “But I was! I was!” “Can you even back that up?” “Yeah! I can tell you everything that happened!” ===Witness Testimony=== --Where I Was During The Murder-- “I was in my room the entire time.” “I didn’t know that it was my time to get ready.” “I hadn’t even heard that the performance started.” “Not a single pony came to my room either.” “I wasn’t the one who killed Octavia!” *** “Nothing suspicious about that at all! Got that?” Lyra said. “You know that you can’t just let her statements fly right?” Noir asks. “I know,” I reply, “After all, the logic of it all just doesn’t add up.” “What do you mean the logic does add up! It’s flawless!” (I guess I’ll just have to logic up a retort then. Although I should be cautious when using logic here. After all, even though I should consider all facts, not all facts will have use to them. So, even though I may gain a piece of logic, that doesn’t mean that I can use it with anything. In a sense, you could call it Dud Logic. However, once I finish with my rebuttal, any pieces of logic leftover that was gained during my examination can be properly deemed as unworthy and will be tossed aside. I just need to see what pieces of logic I’m using and I should be okay. But, without further adue, I should get started.) ===Rebuttal=== --Where I Was During The Murder-- “I was in my room the entire time.” HOLD IT! “Can you prove that you were in there?” I ask her. “...No.” She meekly replied. “Then how do we know that you stayed in your room for the entire time then?” “You don’t trust me?” She asks with a tear in her eye. “No, we don’t.” Answers Noir, “After all, there were ponies that were looking for you, and yet you weren’t able to be found.” “So! That would just mean that I was never in the hallway backstage! It’s not like they entered my room or anything!” “Hold on,” I but in, “why didn’t you know that it was time for you to go onstage?” “Well, that’s because…” “I didn’t know that it was my time to get ready.” HOLD IT! “You didn’t know that it was your time to get ready?” “Yeah! After all, there wasn’t a clock or anything in there.” “So nopony came to get you even though you were supposed to be on stage soon?” “Exactly! Not a knock or a shout!” “Nopony?" "Nopony. Thurthermore,... “I hadn’t even heard that the performance started.” HOLD IT! “How come you didn’t hear anything?” I question “I was taking a nap at the time.” She replies with a straight face. “Really? But what about the sound of the performance? Wouldn’t that have woken you up? “I honestly didn’t know that it started! I didn’t I tell you something to that effect before?” (Did she? I think she may have said something…) “Investigate?” “Yeah, somepony’s been killed.” “What! Who?” “Octavia. It was right as she was about to preform.” “Oh! The performance started? I didn’t know.” “Ah well, I need to start investigating though.” “...I guess you did say something like that.” I admit. “You idiot,” Noir replies, “the performance had only just started when the murder happened. Even if she was out of range of the sound, she would have fitted nicely into the time slot. Think next time you object!” (You think nothing was gained there? Well, I think I may need to think about that idea.) “Not a single pony came to my room either.” HOLD IT! "How can you be so sure if that?" "Because, I didn't hear any kind of knock!" "Why wouldn't they try to enter your room?" "What do you mean?" "Well, if they thought that you may not have heard the knocking, then they might think that they should go inside your room to get your attention?" "Actually, dressing rooms here are locked and only the pony using it has the key to the locked and only the pony using it has the key to the locked and only the pony using it has the key to the room.” “Really now?” “Yeah, so nopony could enter or leave my dressing room except for me.” “Is this true Noir?” “According to what I’ve asked, yes, this is fact.” “And besides,” Lyra says... “I wasn’t the one who killed Octavia!” (Okay David, be careful. Even though she may state some facts that may go into logic, not all of them will have use to me. I do need to press her to get those facts though so I think I should start there. After that though, I should try and confront the facts with her. Let’s just start again from the beginning and see what I can do.) “I was in my room the entire time.” OF COURSE! “No you weren’t.” I flat out state. “Hey! How could you say such a thing?” “Easy, you would have heard the sound of Fier de Luis’s voice if you were.” “EEP!” She shrieks jumping up a little in surprise. “True, she wouldn’t be as loud as music would be, but, it would still be hearable from backstage.” “You don’t know that I would be able to hear the sound of her voice from backstage!” She says. OBJECTION! “Lyra, then how did you know that the theater went into a state of panic?” “What do you mean?” “When you meet up with me the second time, you said something to the effect of, ‘Everything was fine, until everypony panicking happened.’ Why is it, that you were able to hear the sound of panicking ponies if you couldn’t hear the sound of an amplified voice?” “EEP!” She shrieks jumping. “Honestly, there only one place where you could be that would give reason to why you never hear the voice of Luis.” “And where would that be?” Asked Noir. “The lobby. It’s the only location available.” “Hmph, why would she be there?” Noir asks annoyed. “I don’t know. Lyra, would you like to answer his question?” “I wasn’t in the lobby, I was in my dressing room!” She says defensively. “Unfortunately for you, I have proof that you were in the lobby during the murder.” “And what would that be?” TAKE THAT! “The doors to the lobby from the theater are soundproof, right?” I confirm. “Yes…” Lyra nervously replies. “Thus, if you were in here when they were closed, you wouldn’t be able to hear the performance!” NONSENSE! “Then how would she be able to hear the sound of ponies panicking!? Since the doors were closed, she wouldn’t be able to hear the screams!” OBJECTION! “What way do you think the audience left the theater!? Those ponies didn’t leave in an orderly manner!” “Fine!” Noir growled scrunching up his cigarette. “So, Lyra, tell me, what were you doing in the lobby?” “Nothing! Nothing at all.” Lyra nervously claimed. “Hmph, seems like this little pony won’t confess. I’ll let you have one free guess as to why.” Noir stated. “Because she did something in here that she doesn’t want to admit?” I offer. “Nope. It’s because she wasn’t in here.” Noir says pulling out a new cigarette and lighting it. “Yes she was. There’s evidence to prove it.” “Ah ha ha ha!” Noir laughs, “Evidence? You’ve got evidence to prove that Lyra was in the lobby during the murder? What is it? Did somepony see her in here? Do you have some footage? Tell me.” “Process of elimination should be good enough.” “What elimination? Elimination based of what a killer said? That isn’t proof of anything. She can’t even give a reason as to why she might have been in here.” “Lyra, I need you to tell me the truth. What were you doing in here?” “I was… nothing… I can’t say.” “Come on Lyra. It’s that, or you get falsely arrested for murder.” “Please, don’t make me say it. Find something else… Please.” She whimpers out. (I guess she won’t tell me what she did here. I guess the only thing now is to calm down and think about this logically. What I need to do is try and think about what may have changed in the lobby. Wait a second! There is something that changed in here during the murder!) “Lyra, if I make some assumptions, will you tell me if I’m right or wrong?” “...I’ll tell you if you're wrong.” Lyra agrees. “Good enough for me.” “Pha!” Noir cries out. “It’s not like she’ll tell the truth. There isn’t anything in here that could show what she may have did!” “Really? Because I think there is something that she may have done.” TAKE THAT! “I think that Lyra over here took out the trash… and replaced it with yesterday’s bags.” “Why!? What purpose would she have for doing such a thing?” (Reason… Reason… Why would Lyra do such a thing… Well, what would switching the bags accomplish?) “I guess it would have to be that Lyra wanted something in today’s garbage bag.” “Ha! Now that’s just ridiculous.” Noir scoffs. “Well, Lyra? Am I wrong?” “...No.” Lyra affirms. “What! This is ridiculous!” Noir shouts. “Ridiculous maybe, but true.” “Yeah! Where’s your proof? Huh!? I don’t see any proof that Lyra took something from today’s garbage bag! What did she even take!?” (Alright, let me think about this for a second… What would possibly compel a pony like Lyra to do such a thing… What could she want that was in there… What would be put in there? Something that was thrown away…) “I think she wanted something thrown away by someone.” I state out loud. “Oh!? And who would that be?” (I just got to think of who would throw away an item that she would want. And that item would be from…) TAKE THAT! “Lyra, you have a deep obsession. Don’t you.” I state. “Yes…” “A deep obsession, one that you place as your number one priority.” “Where are you going with this?” Noir asks. “So tell me Lyra, if you could get a sample of human blood, would you try and get it?” “Eep!” Lyra shrieks, jumping into the air a little. “What nonsense are you talking about?” Noir furiously asks. “Before the performance began, me and Lyra met each other. Admittedly, she introduced herself by slamming me onto the ground which caused a nosebleed, but she had a tissue on her to clean it up. Now, let me ask you Noir, what do you think a pony who has a deep rooted obsession would do when faced with the chance to act upon that obsession?” NONSENSE! “Then why wouldn’t she grab it before the performance began?” Noir suggested. OBJECTION! “Oh yes, just reach into the garbage when there are more than a dozen ponies watching. That seems like the best course of action.” I sarcastically retaliated. NONSENSE! “Then why did she bother switching the bags around when she could have just pulled it out later!?” “The trash had already piled up some and I couldn’t immediately find it.” Lyra told us, “Not wanting to be seen digging through trash, I switched the bags so that I wouldn’t be seen picking up David’s blood.” “And there you have it.” I said, “Lyra was in the lobby the entire time.” “Then where’s the tissue! I would like to see this so called bloodied tissue!” “I have it right here.” Lyra says pulling out the tissue. Bloodied Tissue has been accepted into Journal Bloodied Tissue: A tissue that was used to wipe my blood and placed in the trash. Lyra took the tissue during the murder. “Arg!” Noir screams. “That should be sufficient for you now.” I say. “So, does this mean I can go?” Lyra asks. “I believe that there isn’t any reason for you to stay any longer.” I tell her. NONSENSE! “You’re making me feel a slight feeling of shame right now.” Noir says lighting a new cigarette. “Well, you did accuse an innocent pony of murder.” “I don’t think that issue has been settled yet.” Noir says taking a puff of his newly lit cigarette. “I feel like the issue has been settled quite well.” “We still haven’t found out when she got the tissue.” “When would she have the opportunity to switch the bags if not during the murder?” “Before and after. We don’t have any proof that she did it during the murder. In fact, there isn’t a piece of decisive evidence that you have to say otherwise.” (But after all we’ve just gone through! Ugh! It’s like talking to a smoky wall!) “What? But I have the tissue! Doesn’t that count as proof?” Lyra questions. Noir takes a puff of his cigarette before replying, “It’s proof that you’re a crazed psycho, nothing more. It doesn’t prove when you were outside of the theater.” OBJECTION! “Do you have any evidence to counter her alibi?” “Do I need to counter a half-baked theory?” “So if that’s true, then when exactly did Lyra steal the tissue? According to your opinion?” “I don’t care when she stole it, I just know that she did.” “Fine! Then what about a motive for Lyra? What purpose would she have for committing murder?” “What reason would anypony have for committing a murder? The only matter is that she is the only pony that could possibly do this.” “You’re avoiding the question Noir.” “No I’m not. I’m saying that I don’t know, and I don’t care.” “Really then? Can you at least explain in full how Lyra’s alibi is not valid?” “Very well.” ===Argument=== --Why Lyra’s Alibi Doesn’t Work-- “Just because a pony is able to make a possible alibi doesn’t mean that it’s true if nopony else saw it.” “After all, my theory still very much intact.” “She is the one who went up onto the catwalk and cut the rope.” “While I will admit that Lyra switched the garbage bags, we still don’t know when she switched them.” “It’s not like you have any definitive proof of when she switched them.” *** “So that’s why Lyra will be having a nice talk about what she’s just done in prison.” Noir says. “But why can’t-” “I CAN!” Side says bursting into the lobby. “What the!” I say retracting with surprise. “Sorry.” Side apologies, “I thought you guys were going over something dramatic so I decided I wanted to join into the drama.” (Please tell me nopony important heard that.) “So, Side, what did you find out?” I ask him. “Just that nopony is needed to supervise the catwalk. We can go up there any time we want.” “Really now?” Noir smugly says. “What? Did I say something that I wasn’t supposed to?” Side asks. “No.” I reluctantly say. “Did you happen to find anything else?” “Not really. I spent most of my time chatting with Vinyl. So, what’s going on?” “Lyra’s the suspect and I’m trying to find another possibility.” “Ah. And we are at?” “The final part.” Noir says. “I want to be able to leave before sunrise after all.” “Are you debating theories?” Side asks. “Essentially.” “Got it. I think I’m caught up now.” (Remember David, this isn’t going to be about finding something wrong with his theory, this is going to be showing how my theory is more plausible. Nothing definitive, just striking.) ===Argument=== --How Lyra Committed The Murder Pt. 2-- “Just because a pony is able to make a possible alibi doesn’t mean that it’s true if nopony else saw it.” HOLD IT! “Yes, but it’s certainly a possibility.” I point out, “If there’s another possibility available, then we should be searching on either view to see which one is-” NONSENSE! “Ha!” Noir shouts, “Actually, since nopony saw Lyra, it actually gives quite a good deal of doubt on her testimony. After all, nopony saw her? That seems mighty suspicious to me.” OBJECTION! “We don’t know that nopony saw her. We haven’t asked after all.” “Actually, nopony did see me.” Lyra says. “What!” I yell retracting, “How come nopony saw you?” “That’s actually because the ponies that work here like to watch the performances.” Side tells me. “Huh? You mean that they allow the ponies that make sure everypony has a ticket before they get in, get distracted by a performance the second it starts?” I question sweating. “Yep!” Side answers. (I need to get back on track. After all, is there any questions that I could ask to validate my theory?) “Noir,” I start to ask, “why is it that just because nopony saw Lyra, that it casts doubt on my theory?” “Hmph, it’s because there’s nopony that can show us she’s telling the truth. After all, you need proof to show innocence.” “In that case, could you please change your initial statement to reflect that view?” “Alright.” Noir says with caution. “Since nopony saw Lyra, it casts doubt that your theory is correct in any way.” OBJECTION! “Noir, I must give you some credence to what you are doing.” I say with confidence. “And what would you mean by that?” He asks me. “Pointing out the flaw in your theory just to show the same problem in mine.” “How so?” “I didn’t hear you mention any witness saying that they saw Lyra up at the catwalk.” I point out. “Ack!” He screams retracting again with his wings up. “If you’re going to complain that just because Lyra wasn’t seen in the Lobby that makes my theory incorrect, then why wasn’t Lyra seen on the Catwalk!” NONSENSE! “It’s still plausible that the ponies just missed her! There are ponies that would go through the lobby even when the performance starts!” OBJECTION! “And ponies were looking everywhere backstage during that time as well! Was Lyra not seen by anypony who made a curious glance upwards at one point? Are you saying that Lyra managed to sneak out of everypony’s peripheral vision when she was up there?” NONSENSE! “It’s still possible that she was missed by the ponies that were onstage!” OBJECTION! “I seem to recall both of us having doubts on Lyra’s first alibi based on that same reasoning she gave.” NONSENSE! “Yes, but the catwalk is high above the stage. It’s much more likely that they would have missed Lyra if she was up there than in her room!” OBJECTION! “And it’s even more likely that they wouldn’t find her in a place that we have affirmed that nopony was in!” I shouted slamming my foot onto the ground, “In fact, the truth that nopony saw Lyra is in itself the alibi!” NONSENSE! “So!? There wasn’t anypony that saw another pony up on the catwalk! That still makes it possible for her to be up there by your reasoning!” OBJECTION! “You’re making me feel a slight bit of shame.” I said mocking Noir. “How so?” He asked. “This is a world of magic, isn’t it? So, wouldn’t that mean that any unicorn could cut the rope using the proper spell!?” I shouted making a full lunge of my finger at Noir. “Damn! Damn you!” Noir shouts. “...So,” Side starts to ask, “what does this mean now?” “Well, it means that we have to do a proper investigation of the stage now. And there isn’t a single pony that can stop us.” I reply. “What about me?” Lyra asks. “I think that right now, you’re free to go. However, if any questions may arise, it would be much easier for me if you were here.” “Ooh! Goody!” Lyra pirks up with a gleam in her eye. (What does all of this mean though? Who committed the murder, furthermore how? Sure I may have pulled of a suitable explanation of a unicorn doing this, but is that all? Also, why did this murder happen? I suspect that there’s more to this case than I’ve just uncovered. I hope though I’m able to arrive at the truth before Noir denies it from me.) To be continued…
A Summoning Turnabout: Prologue Truth. Truth is a very sad thing. Sometimes, to get the truth, you have to do bad things. To make sure the truth is shown to others, you will have to do even worse. But, it’s not as bad as the truth being lost forever. When that happens, we become ignorant. Become stupid. Believe whatever we want to and let innocents get hurt. And I’m not going to let that happen. “I never killed anyone!” I wish I could say I was sorry. But I’m not. “Too bad for you then. Sucks that all of that evidence exists or else we might believe it to.” After all, you’ve all become ignorant to the truth. “Why doesn't anyone ever re-look at the evidence!?” Or maybe, you’ve all done something worse. Maybe, you’ve known the truth all along and are keeping it a secret. “Besides, it’s too late for that now. It’s time for you to go to sleep.” You’re with her, aren’t all of you. But don’t worry. For I’ll make sure that you all go down with her. Just so the truth can rise up to the top. “I never killed anyone! I didn’t do it! It wasn’t me… It... wasn’t…" Time: ??? Date: ??? Location: ??? (Uhg. My head is killing me) I think to myself, (So, is this what death is? Is somebody shouting something?)I slowly open my eyes and what appears to be a blue female horse. (What the hell? What’s going on?) “THERE’S BEEN A MURDER! COME QUICK!” The horse yells.(Murder? What is she talking about?) I think as my head lowers and I see blood, (Blood? Why is there blood here if- oh no. No no no no no no!) I start panting but manage to speak out, “Wha-what happened?” Before I once again fall into unconsciousness.
