//-------------------------------------------------------// Ace Attorney: Doctor wolf -by Fubako chrono- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// a crystal caper //-------------------------------------------------------// a crystal caper                   Ace attorney: Doctor wolf   Crystal turnabout by Fubako Chrono Chapter 1 It was 12:06 Am, midnight in ponyville, The sun already lowered and the moon shining in the sky.  Most of the shops were closed, the streets were silent and dark, and every pony was inside their own homes resting up for the next day, At least…., Almost every pony. Some businesses had tended to stay open overnight, offering business to those who aren't the sort to be tucked in at curfew. Inside a rustic like building labeled equestria’s historical museum, there was no pony around.  No guards patrolling the entrance, no librarians to make sure every book was in its proper place. Though the building had its own form of alarm that could be triggered, not having anyone to stand watch left the museum quite vulnerable. Though being a building only containing historical events and statues describing past eras, it was assumed that nothing in it was worth such attention.  Of course except for the exceptional crystal statue of celestia standing as the centerpiece for the museum. The crystal princess was captured in a pose showing her in her young days, raising the sun for the very first time. It had to be one of the oldest pieces of history in the museum next to the many tales and statues of star swirl the bearded. The statue was made out of a bright pink crystal that reflected the moonlight off it in many directions. The lights had pointed in the north, southwest, east, and northwest directions. But in the shadows, hiding from the revealing moonlight, was a hooded figure. There was not much that could be seen of the figure as they were wearing a camouflage type outfit that blended in with the surroundings, making it difficult to determine what creature was approaching the statue. The culprit was also donning some kind of footwear that made it impossible to determine the sounds of their movements.   The mysterious thief had made their way to the crystal statue of celestia and reached out to grab it, But the culprit had unintentionally set off a sensitive alarm. The sound of the alarm had alerted the equestrian guards stationed in a building about 2 blocks away from the museum.    Before anyone could react to the sound of the alarm; the culprit had made a mad dash for the exit,hoping to vanish before they were spotted. In mere seconds after the alarm went off, a few guards had made it to the museum and rushed to see what was stolen. As they continued to run towards the alarm, they could hear what seemed like the sounds of a dog barking as they came closer and closer to the crime scene. When they got there, they had saw that seemed to be a male diamond dog standing in the middle of the moonlight, with the statue of the princess gone.  The diamond dog seemed to be at least 6 years of age,  He was a dog with brown fur with his face having slightly darker patches of brown under his eyes and jaw.  He was a tall skinny dog with a yellow collar with blue and yellow gems placed inside with a red patched up zip up vest. The Diamond dog had looked at the guards in shock as he was caught by surprise. “FREEZE!, stop right there criminal!” Shouted one of the equestrian guards The dog had tried to make a run for it in the opposite direction of the museum, but the area was soon surrounded with guards as the alarm that was set off had continued to ring. It wasn’t long before the diamond dog was subdued.  “May celestia have mercy on your soul you scum...” A guard scowled as he had brought a hoof down, knocking out the supposed thief. The following day… Celestia had raised the sun and every pony was going about their daily duties. The streets were filled with many happy ponies and colts, a few more happy than others. It’s been a while ever since any danger had threatened pony Ville, Thanks to the many efforts of the mane six who helped keep the town at peace, with the power of the elements of harmony and their bonds of friendship, they've seen their home through many hardships, But of course there are more ways than one to help someone. In an office in a 3 story building was someone who helped ponies and other kinds of creatures alike in his own way. It was nothing special or flashy like the elements of harmony or a legendary power only given to those who are chosen, but a way of helping that in its own way useful. The office had a simple set up. It seemed like a natural therapist’s office, one chair made for sitting, and another wide chair that allowed patients to lay down if it helped them relax and possibly open up more. There was a nice view of the town outside the window, you could even see twilight's home from a distance. There was a single bookshelf lined with psychiatric books along with a few fan made novels. Sitting at a nearby desk, someone was reading a hard cover book and seemed to be halfway through it, The person reading said book was a wolf. Though he wasn't as big and ferocious as most wolfs are, you could barely even see his fangs, He was a wolf with snow white fur,He wore a simple black vest with purple stripes with a white long sleeved dress shirt and purple tie underneath. On his door window was the name was Dr.wolf, he was a slowly upcoming therapist in ponyville. He’s been helping not only pony’s that roamed in this town alone, but also beings from faraway lands. It wasn't as big as saving equestria from impending doom, but he was helping people, Knowing he was doing this was enough to let him know he accomplished something, The nice sum of bits he got from his job wasn't too bad either. Though today it seemed like it was a slow day, it seemed like there wasn't many ponies today that needed help, But this didn't bother the doctor; this only meant that there was much less ponies having problems. The room was silent with the exception of the usual page turn and the ticking of the clock as time had slowly went by. The wolf had closed the book after bookmarking a page and took a sigh. “I believe that’s enough reading for one day…” the doctor had placed the book back on his shelf.  But as soon as he got the book placed, there was a knock at his door. “The door’s open.” Dr. Wolf said as he took a seat As the door opened, fluttershy had walked in carrying a satchel of muffins.  “H…hello doctor, a…are you busy right now?” Fluttershy asked as she walked in. ever since their first meeting in fluttershy’s therapy session, they've been good friends ever since. the Pegasus had already taken a shine to the doctor after seeing he was not a colt or a pony, but a small wolf, an animal she rarely had the chance to see. But ever since their session she's come to know him as one of her good friends. “Not at all, I was just catching up on some reading, is there something on your mind?” “W…well not really, i…I was just wondering if you’d like to come over to play with the animals.., Discord says he’d like to play chess with you.., And I could use another friend to have tea with… of course you don’t have to if it’s a bother….” The care taker Pegasus asked politely. “Well, while I might not call having a carrot stuck in my nose as a sign of friendship, I’d be happy to come over, it seems like there’s not that many ponies in need of help today.” said Dr.wolf “Oh that’s great...” Fluttershy smiled “Oh, I forgot, a package had come for you today.” she had reached in to the satchel of muffins and pulled out a small square box.“Derpy had dropped it while she was delivering the mail… I would have given it back, but I was already near the building so I thought I just deliver it instead...” Doctor wolf had taken the package and examined it. The package was wrapped in a simple brown paper bag tied with a simple string. It didn't seem to be anything big as the box was very light. “That’s odd, I wasn't expecting any packages  today…” as the doctor had looked at the tag on the package, it didn't say who it was from, it just said To: Doctor Wolf. “No sign of a sender either...” a bit hesitant, the doctor had proceeded to open the package. Inside was an odd looking stone, It was a green gem that looked like an upside down 6. It was made into a necklace, just large enough for the doctor to place around his neck.“Is this some form of necklace?” the doctor asked as he had looked the gift over. “..Maybe it’s a gift from one of the patients you helped…?” Flutter shy suggested as she got a closer look at the odd present. As they continued to look it over, the odd item began giving off a faint glow. “Hmm, what’s this…?”  As he was distracted by the radiating glow of the gem, he wasn’t prepared for the immediate sharp sting to the brain that came a few seconds afterwards. “AAH” Dr. Wolf winced as he clutched his head and dropped the stone. “D-Doctor wolf, what’s wrong?! Do you have a headache?” Fluttershy asked worried for her friend’s condition. “M-my head… my head is ringing…” He struggled to speak as he continued to grasp his skull in pain.  Luckily the moment was short lived as the pain that struck had faded as fast as it appeared. But as the pain that struck him faded, one word had somehow escaped his lips. “Magatama….” Doctor wolf mumbled as he looked at the green charm on the carpet floor. “A…are you ok doctor….? You had me scared…” flutterhsy asked as she made sure that her friend was alright. “Yes I’m alright…, I’m not exactly sure why, but I think this stone is called a magatama.” “Magatama, what is that?” fluttershy asked as the doctor had picked up the stone. It had seemed to have stopped glowing for now. “I’m not really sure myself, perhaps twilight will be able to shed light on this, but for now let’s, I’m sure angel is getting upset waiting for you.” Doctor wolf smiled as he headed towards the door,But when he turned back to fluttershy, he saw that she still had a worried look on her face. “Is something wrong?” “Are you sure OK? If you’re not you shouldn't put it off like it’s nothing, it’ll only make your friends worry more.” Fluttershy stated she was somewhat of a timid pony, but she could tell when her friends were suffering, and suffering wasn't something she appreciated very much. “Well, perhaps I have been ignoring my checkups lately, I’ll be sure to schedule an appointment later on today.” “That’s better.” Flutter shy smiled, relieved. But as they walked out, Dr. Wolf had taken another look at the stone classified as magmata. “It’s obvious that this is no ordinary stone, though what exactly did it do just now? And who would send it to me... its best I investigate this matter later, no reason to cause worry. ” Doctor Wolf thought as he had put the stone in his pocket They were all but ready to make their way to fluttershy’s home in the forest, But before they could even take a few steps away from the building, one of the equestrian guards had called out the doctor’s name.  It was a simple greyish pony wearing gold armor with a blue star on the chest plate and a Trojan like helmet. “You there, are you doctor wolf?” the equestrian guard asked. “Um yes I am, is there a problem?”  Dr. Wolf asked. “Mayor Mare has sent for you, she wants to see you in her office right away.”  The guard stated. “What do you think the mayor could want?” Fluttershy asked. “I’m not sure, but hopefully it isn't anything to serious…” A few moments later, the doctor had arrived at Mayor mare’s building, it seemed like the mayor was busy going over some common complaints from the townsfolk, most of them were silly complaints like there’s never enough rain to grow crops or there’s not enough apple cider distributed per day. Most of these problems already had a solution planned out for them, but some citizens have refused to let some of these otherwise silly problems go, Mainly because there more concerned about how the problem affects them and not others. As she continued to flip through her pages of complaints on her desk, the equestrian guard from earlier along with Dr. Wolf had entered the room. “Mayor Mare, Dr. Wolf is here to see you.” “Ah Mr. Wolf, yes send him in and return to your duties.” Mayor mare said as she shooed off the guard and put the current page she was looking at down. The guard had bowed before exiting the room and allowing doctor wolf to enter. “You wanted to see me Ms. Mare?” Doctor wolf asked. “Yes, there’s something I’d like to go over with you, please have a seat.” Mayor mare said as she set aside her papers to one side of her desk and took out what seemed to be a newspaper labeled equestria daily. “You see Mr. Wolf; it appears that there was a robbery inside ponyville’s natural history museum last night.” “The natural history museum, what would they have to steal? I admit that some of the statues and old fossils are very interesting, but I don’t think anyone can really steal a fossil or statue without getting caught.” The doctor added as he looked over the newspaper. “Well apparently someone has stolen a statue, a very ancient and priceless statue, A statue that was made to commemorate the day princess celestia had raised the sun for the very first time." Mayor mare stated as she took out photos of the crystal statue  " The statue was made even before the crystal empire came to be, it’s more than just a statue, it’s a very ancient treasure, but it seems like someone had the audacity to make off with it.” “Did you ever find the culprit responsible for the robbery?” “Well, we did find someone at the crime scene.” Mayor mare had taken out a folder with a picture of a diamond dog’s paper clipped to the front. “His name is Kenard, he’s a diamond dog from a place called barker’s grove, and we found him at the scene of the crime when the statue had gone missing, we have him in custody right now, but he claims that he wasn't the one that stole the statue. But we can’t really take his word for it, especially since the evidence currently stacks against him.” Mayor mare explained as doctor wolf had took a look at the file. “I see but… you still haven’t explained why you need my help.” Doctor wolf stated as he folded his arms. “Well…. We were planning to give this Diamond dog a fair trial before we prove him guilty, but it doesn't seem like any pony in pony ville is willing to take the role as the defendant. “…No one in ponyville? What about twilight or her friends?” Doctor wolf suggested. But this only seemed to make the mayor scowl a bit. “Well, maybe I was exaggerating when I said no one, but I don’t think asking twilight or her friends is really the best option…” “What do you mean?” Mayor mare had took a deep sigh and took out another stack of papers, some of them showing the mane six, spike, the cutie mark crusaders and etc.“You see, while the mane six have solved most of equestria’s problems, they've caused some of the problems as well…, and not only them, but their friends the cutie mark crusaders caused a nasty bit of damage from time to time when there searching for their special talent. I know they mean well and every pony makes mistakes, but damage is damage whether intentional or not, and the town still hasn't completely recovered after spike’s little rampage…. I simply cannot afford any more damage to come to the town, otherwise I’ll be seen as incompetent and be removed from my position.” Mayor mare explained as she showed multiple papers of problems caused by the group of ‘heroes’. “And besides, we've already relied on these individuals for so much already, I think it would be a nice change of pace if we could solve this issue ourselves instead of turning to them at the first sight of trouble.” Doctor wolf had folded his arms and sighed “Ok... but I still fail to see what use I could be in this situation, I’m a therapist mayor mare not a lawyer, even if I did accept this position, I doubt that I’d be of much help to this fellow.” “ I know this is a bit last minute, but if we don’t find a defendant soon, then they’ll deem the accused guilty on the spot, and as someone who’s helped many ponies for the past year, I couldn't think of anyone more suited for the job.” Mayor mare stated Dr. Wolf had sighed as he began to think the request over. As he said, he was a therapist, There weren't that many similarities between that and an attorney. If he did accept, he’d be dealing with something well out of his usual comfort zone, and trying to do the job might only make matters worse and still have the accused pay for the crime anyway. But if he didn't, the one accused of the crime is going to pay for something he might not even have done, and the doctor wasn't the type of person to just turn his back to someone in need of help.After giving it a bit more thought, he had decided on what he would do. “I suppose if there’s really no other option, I’ll accept the position as the defendant.” Mayor mare had smiled and sighed with relief. “Thank you for your assistance doctor, I’m sure you’ll do just fine, but you may need this in case you need permission to investigate a residence.” Mayor mare had taken out an orange badge that had a shield and a pair of Pegasus wings etched into it. “This is the badge of a defense attorney, just present it to someone if you need clearance to get into certain areas.” Mayor mare explained as she handed him the badge. “I see, well I guess I should be off.” Doctor wolf said as he began heading for the door. “Oh before you go, there’s something else I should tell you...” said mayor mare, stopping the new defendant. “What is it?” “When the trial for Kennard the diamond dog begins, the longest the trial can last is up to three days, I trust you’ll do your best to prove this dog’s innocence in the time given.” Mayor mare explained “Three days? Why only three?” doctor wolf exclaimed in shock. “Well, as luck would have it, the last day of the trial is on the same day princess celestia plans her next visit to ponyville. Usually our princess needn't bother herself with trivial tasks like hunting down crooks, but someone has stolen an ancient piece of equestrian history, and this crime cannot go unpunished.  When celestia arrives on the 3rd day, she will decide the punishment for the act, I just hope whoever is proven guilty really IS guilty, but I’m sure you’ll have no problem with that will you Dr. Wolf?” Mayor mare asked with a smile. But the good doctor was hesitating to answer. As if there wasn't enough pressure to take on a job he was unfamiliar with, but there was a heavy deadline to face as well. It was obvious he was going to need help, but he didn't know where to start. It didn't seem like he had much time to think about it at the moment as Mayor Mare was still waiting for his answer.“I-I’ll do the best I can mayor mare.” He quickly responded. Mayor mare had smiled pleased with his answer. “That’s all I ask of you, after visiting the court house, try asking some of the businesses that tend to stay open late at night, perhaps they have some information you can use, good luck Mr. wolf.” the dignitary waved  as Doctor wolf left the room. “Right…” Doctor wolf hesitantly smiled as he walked out of the office and back into town. “I have to prove someone’s innocence in just three days? I've only heard about some attorney’s being skillful enough to pull off such a feat, but it doesn't seem logically possible, and I don’t really enjoy the idea of bringing a metaphorical hammer down on someone, but who else would steal the statue?, a better question is how is he supposed to act as a defendant when he knows almost next to nothing about being one? Thoughts had continued to race through the doctor’s mind as he walked through the town. But as he was walking through a maze of his own thoughts, he didn't see the pony coming that seemed to have her face inside what seemed to be a spell book.  It wasn't long before the two bumped into each other. “Ugh… ouch, excuse me; I wasn't watching where I was going” Doctor Wolf apologized as he adjusted his glasses. “Ugh, who dares bar’s the path of the great and powerful Trixie?!” An up suck like voice questioned. It was Trixe, twilight's supposed rival and the only pony to match her in terms of magical abilities…, at least until twilight became an alicorn and everything. At one point Dr. Wolf had suggested Trixie make an appointment with him so he could try to help her, but she refused as she believed there was absolutely nothing wrong with her. Trixie was still wearing her purple sparkling cape with her matching wizard hat from before. After brushing herself and her new book off, Trixie had recognized just who she bumped into. “Oh, it’s only you Mr. Wolf; shouldn't someone who wears glasses have a better clue of where there going?” Trixie questioned. “I suppose I should…., I guess I was just distracted by my thoughts and I forgot to look in front of me." Dr.wolf apologized While Trixie was trying to find the page she was on before she dropped her book, she had noticed the doctor’s new accessory. “What is that trinket you have around your neck? Trixie hasn't seen anything like this during her travels.” She asked as she took a closer look at magmata. “This? This was given to me by someone, though I have no idea who it was from or even how it works…” doctor wolf explained as he took another look at the odd item. “If you have no idea how your gift works then it isn't a very good gift at all, you should really be careful that your ‘positive messages’ do more harm than good.” Trixie pointed out. But the doctor didn't bother to make a comment on the statement. “Trixie remembers when I had twilight and her pesky friends on the ropes with the beautiful alicorn amulet, though as luck would have it she stumbled her way to yet another victory, making Trixie look like a fool, but rest assured, the great and powerful Trixie will assume her rightful place as the greatest pony in equestria, it’ll just take a little time is all.” “About that Ms. Trixie, you feel that you should be the one to shine and not twilight, is that correct?” Doctor wolf asked with one paw under his chin. “Trixie sees no reason why you wish to point out the obvious, the great and powerful Trixie has the potential to surpass twilight and her pesky little friends, she’s just lucky there are constant roadblocks preventing Trixie from ascending.” “I see, but why exactly do you think you should surpass twilight?” Trixie had scowled as she had started to become slightly annoyed. “You’re asking Trixie why? I've already explained this to you once, but the Trixie will repeat herself only once for your sake, the great and powerful Trixie IS superior to twilight, she’s only in her position because of the luck that carried her and her friends to this day, Trixie will prove she is best so she can show her and her friends the humiliation she put me through, nothing more than that.” Trixie stated. But as she finished her little tantrum, Dr. Wolf noticed that the world had begun to go dark for a brief moment. “Huh? What’s….” before he could mentally prepare himself, he was caught by surprise when 16 chains and locks had appeared around Trixie. One lock seemed to be extra padded and it was bigger than the rest of the others. The lock being placed at Trixie’s heart and made of a stronger material then the previous locks the doctor spotted. Both the chains and the lock were a dark pitch black color. “Um, Ms. Trixie, you’re not seeing these locks are you?” He asked, hoping he wasn’t the only one seeing this. “Locks? I fear that bump to your head may have caused some head trauma, Trixie sees no locks.” Trixie stated. “Hmm, So I am the only one who can see them, but what are these locks? And why does Ms. Trixie have so many of them?” doctor wolf had begun to ponder why the locks have appeared, but as he continued to think, he noticed that the locks only appeared after he touched upon a very sensitive subject, but that still didn't explain exactly why the locks had appeared like they did.  But before he could study the situation more, Trixie had gotten bored of just standing there and decided to take her leave. “If you are quite done with your question’s Mr. Wolf, I will be taking my leave now, Trixie must study for her next grand performance, and Trixie can’t be bothered to waste time by simply chewing the fat.” Trixie had levitated the book she was reading earlier and had taken her leave. “Farewell to you to Ms. Trixie...” Dr. Wolf had folded his arms, still wondering about the locks that had appeared around Trixie; maybe she was keeping something hidden from everyone else? And could the locks be somehow connected to his new accessory..?” though as he continued to think, he had noticed that the day was already half over. He didn't have that much time left before it was time for the moon to rise. Once again, he decided to think over about the subject more as he headed for the ponyville courthouse. Ponyville courthouse, 12:06am… There didn't seem to be that many ponies at the courthouse with the exception of a few equestrian guards guarding the way into the courtroom and the way towards the holding cell. The guards stationed outside of the courtroom were two earth ponies, and the guards stationed near a staircase leading down were two Pegasus. It seemed to be a decent building, brown polished floor, plain colored walls with a few potted plants decorating the room. Above the door to the courtroom was an etching of a blindfolded unicorn mare. “So this is the ponyville courthouse… the air in here is almost stifling…” The doctor had felt a bit nervous standing in the courthouse. Of course even ponies with amazing mental prowess would become nervous in a room of judgment, having to play the role in deciding who the gavel will fall on.  Many times have pony, griffins, and other rare species of creatures on occasion enter the halls of law with the determination to prove their version of the truth is correct, aiming to prove whether the accused is Guilty or innocent. The tension that flowed throughout the court battlefield could overwhelm someone who was not prepared. Unfortunately doctor wolf was one of those many unfortunate souls to walk into a battle with little to no knowledge of how to handle such a situation. When Dr. Wolf approached the staircase leading to the holding cell, the pegasi had unfolded their wings as if they were drawing swords, barring His path. “Halt! What business do you have here?” the First Pegasus guard questioned. “I am the acting defendant for the accused, may I go through?” He asked. The two Pegasus looked at each other and couldn't help but crack a smile. “You’re acting as a defendant for that guy? How’d you get tricked into getting stuck with him?” the equestrian guard asked with a grin. “I assure you I was not tricked, I am here of my own accord because mayor mare believed I could help in some way.” “Yeah whatever, good luck, your gonna need it.” The pegasi guard snickered as they folded their wings and allowed Dr. Wolf to pass. As he had begun to walk down the staircase, there was no sound except the sound of his feet walking down the stairs. But as he got closer and closer to the bottom of the staircase, the eerie silence was replaced with what sounded like grumbling and heavy pacing. Getting closer to the bottom, he could see another hallway,On the right side of the hall was a room with a door that locked from the outside and a two way window. “Stupid…. Unbelievable…. Never have…” the incomplete grumbles had turned into complete complaints as Dr. Wolf had finally gotten to the bottom of the staircase. “Just because I just happen to match up with some of the evidence they think I’m the criminal, it’s so easy to blame the first person they suspect. I mean just because Diamond dogs are known for being poachers doesn't mean all of them are going to be poachers.” The voice had continued to rant. Dr. Wolf had taken a peek through the two way window and saw who was complaining. Sure enough, it was the diamond dog that was caught at the crime scene last night, Except it seemed like his diamond studded collar he had that night was confiscated from him. Inside was one chair, one toilet and one bed with a half empty can of air freshener.The mattress of the bed seemed to be well worn out and the once white bed sheets were covered in dirt stains.“I knew it was a mistake coming to this town, I should have just stayed home…, but kenard! You need to expand your horizons, get out of that funk and get a little color in your life." kennard said with a fake sweet voice and cartoonish long eye lashes. " Well look where I am now ma, in the slammer!” The diamond dog continued to whine as he began to claw at his head in anger. “Excuse me, would you happen to be kenard the diamond dog?” doctor wolf asked catching the aggravated pup’s attention. “Huh? Yeah that’s me. Why you come here to get a good laugh too?” Kenard growled as he narrowed his gaze on the therapist. “Excuse me?” Dr. Wolf asked, not quite understanding what he meant. “Go ahead and get a good chuckle, a diamond dog may be innocent!” Kenard shouted. “Apparently that’s the funniest joke around town right now…” “I assure you I’m not here to do anything of the sort; I was told by mayor mare that you needed an attorney to help prove your innocence, and apparently I’m the best wolf for the job, my name is Dr. Wolf.” “Huh, so someone’s going to defend me? And here I thought no one in this town gave two bits about diamond dogs, go figure.” Kenard shrugged surprised. “First question… is there any particular reason why not many ponies trust Diamond dogs to begin with..?” Dr. Wolf asked. “Well, I suppose it has something to do with many of our kind being poachers, some Diamond dogs actually make an honest living of finding diamonds and carving them into art for a generous profit…, of course there are only a few of us who pursue the honest life, and it makes it really hard to make an honest living in most towns, especially towns populated by pony’s for some reason…” Kennard had gritted his teeth as he began pacing around the small holding cell again. “It’s pretty much the same old story I guess, good pups get punished caused bad pups couldn't behave…” “I see.., getting to the main topic, what were you doing at the museum that night, you claim you didn't steal the statue, but you were still there last night, do you have an explanation for that?” “I most certainly do, I was returning a guidebook I rented from the museum.” Kennard spoke confidently. The room had fallen silent almost instantly. Dr. Wolf wasn't sure what to make of the diamond dog’s answer. He couldn't have been lying; if he was that would be a really Bad lie. “What don’t believe me? Go ahead and ask anyone that works at the museum, they’ll tell you can check out a guide to borrow, but you’ll have to pay a 10 bit fine if you don’t return it before it’s overdue.” “Very well… moving on, how did you end up getting framed for the theft of the statue?” “Well, it happened last night around 12…” (Ponyville natural history museum yesterday night…) “It just so happened that the guide I had checked out would have been overdue, but it didn't technically count as late until the sun rose again, so while most ponies were in their beds fast asleep, I decided to try to slip the guide in to avoid paying the fine.” Kennard began “You do realize the museum is usually closed at night correct?” Asked Dr. wolf “Of course I do... but I really didn't feel like paying the 10 bits, so I thought I’d just ‘return it’ while no one was looking, but while I was returning said guide, I noticed someone else walking inside the museum.” “Were you able to tell who or what was trying to steal the statue?” Dr. wolf asked. “Nope, the dude was wearing some kind of freaky cloak that blended in with the floors and walls of the library, I was only able to see someone when they reached out for the statue and even then I couldn't tell who or what is, I also heard something barking like a dog, but I don’t know any other diamond dogs that live in this town.” “When the stranger started to reach for the statue, I called out to them; I guess I caught them by surprise because the very next minute, some alarm had gone off.” “I had tried to chase down the thief by following the same barking noises I heard before. But following that sound only lead me back to the center of the museum where the statue was stolen, and before I knew it, there were guards swarming the place, the thief or thieves were gone and I was left taking the fall…” Dr. wolf had begun to ponder for a minute as to who would want to steal an ancient crystal statue, but so far he was drawing a blank, most of the people he’s come to know during his time in equestrian were very friendly and seemed incapable of doing something with ill intent. “Hmm, is there anything else you can tell me that might help?” “Well… before I was knocked out, I saw something near the Minotaur exhibit, I’m not sure what it was, but it had the same color as the stuff the jerk was wearing, maybe you can find some more clues there.” Kennard suggested. “Near the Minotaur exhibit, I’ll be sure to give it a look, is there anything else you can tell me that might be helpful?” Asked Dr. Wolf But before Kennard could say anymore, one of the equestrian guards had appeared. “Your time is up, it’s time for you to leave.” The guard stated “Well, I suppose I have what I need for now; we can continue this discussion tomorrow.” Said Dr. Wolf as he followed the colt back up the stairs. “If I even last that long...” Kennard sighed, leaning back on the mattress.