January 25th, 11:30 AM
Canterlot Courthouse
Defendant's Lobby No. 1

We got back to the lobby not long after the recess was called. Fast Track seemed distracted, and I had a few pieces of evidence to look over.

"M-Malum. . . do you really think someone killed her because of her status?" Fast asked as he fiddled with his hat. "I mean, her and I have never been to Canterlot before. . ."

"You mean, she became Luna's student, but never actually came here?" I wondered, "How?"

"I promised not to tell. . ." Fast mumbled.

"If you won't talk, I'll just guess until I'm right. I'm told I'm good at that." I suggested, watching him sweat a little more in response.

"A-alright. . .I. . .she's. . .a Dreamwalker." Fast said, suddenly growing fiercely serious. "You can't tell anyone about this. It was Luna's announcment. For the event. ."

"Event? You mean the Changeling Merge?" I asked, seemingly remembering reading something like that.

"Yes. The Merge. It's why I came with Scribble. . . why we rented the hotel. . .why I was looking forwards to being with her. . . " Fast mumbled on until he fell quiet.

"Was. . .was Scribbler a. . " I went to ask, before a hoof slapped on my mouth.

"No. Don't even say that. She wasn't one." Fast whispered harshly. I could feel him trembling though, and new he was still hiding something.

I moved his hoof away, "So she was only a half changeling then?"

". . . " Fast didn't speak this time. In fact, he remained quiet for the rest of the recess.

January 25th, 12:00 PM
Canterlot Courthouse
Courtroom No. 1

A thick silence hung on the courtroom. Justicine was hunched over her desk, sweat pouring from her face. The Judge sat in silent surprise, his eyes wide, and staring at the witness stand. For standing there was Detective Silver Wings, looking a little embarrassed.

"Can uh. . .can somepony tell me why the nice Detective is here?" The Judge finally asked, killing the silence.

"I'm here because a certain Prosecutor didn't ask for the trial to be held for an extra half hour." Silver Wings huffed.

"Can you tell us why we needed to wait?" The Judge asked.

"Sure. The Autopsy wasn't finished, apparently they were looking further into it and found out that a couple other things was. . .off about the body. ." Silver mumbled the last bit.

"Mind showing us the autopsy report?" The Judge asked Silver, his eyebrow now arched.

Silver handed the autopsy report over to the bailiff, who ran it to the Judge. A few moments passed before his face turned red. "Oh. . .oh wow. . ."

"Should I ask the problem your honor?" Malum hesitantly asked.

"Well, according to this report, the death wasn't caused from suffocation. It was a broken neck." The Judge coughed.

"There's something else. . .isn't there?" Malum grimaced, a good guess as to what was on his mind.

"Yes well um. . .it seems she. . .that is to say. . . they found a stallion's. . . .semen in her. . . ." The Judge tried to explain, before his face turned redder and his tongue stopped working.

"She was killed while . . .having sex?" Malum murmured.

The whole court sat in silence for a few more minutes before Silver chuckled. "What a way to go though."

"Detective, please. . ." Malum groaned.

"*ahem* So, Detective. . ." The Judge recovered, "Did you have somepony analyze the. . . . semen?"

"We did, but no matches to any stallion on record." Silver replied.

"Thank you Detective, you are excused now." The Judge explained, much to Silver's joy. "Now, Ms. Justicine."

"Urk!" Justicine gulped, "Yes, your honor?"

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to penalize you. One more mistake and I'll hold you in contempt." The Judge explained, a slightly scary look crossing his face.

"I. . I understand. . ." Justicine gasped through gritted teeth.

"Now, let's continue with the case of Fast Track." The Judge paused, "Did you really. .?"

Fast blushed, "Trust me your Honor. . .I would've loved to, but I was waiting."

"For what?" The Judge wondered.

"I was going to ask her to wed me." Fast replied.

"Wait. . .so you two were. . .dating?" The Judge exclaimed.

Fast nodded, "Yes sir."

"So now we have a new motive." Justicine smiled. "He walked in on Scribble during her session, and was about to attack her 'mate', but he teleported away and so Fast killed the next closest pony."

"I WOULD NEVER!" Fast shouted.

"ORDER!" The Judge hollered. "While I find the prosecution's statement hard to believe, I would ask the defense to keep its client under control."

Malum nodded, "Of course, your honor."

"Now can the prosecution bring up the witness the defense called for?" The Judge asked.

"O-of course your Honor. . " Justicine spoke quickly.

A light brown pony with a blonde mane and blue eyes took the stand.

"Wintess, please state your name and occupation." Justicine asked.

"I'm Hopper Bell. I work the front desk at the High Hoof Hotel." Hopper stated.

"Mr. Bell. Is it true you were working in the hotel on the day of the murder?" The Judge clarified.

"It is." Bell replied.

"The please testify to what you did that day." The Judge asked.

WITNESS TESTIMONY

I got to the desk about 5 in the morning.

Nothing much happened until about 8.

That's when the renters came down to the lobby for breakfast.

Then at 12 I clocked out for lunch and somepony else replaced me for the afternoon shift.

I was gone the rest of the day.

"So. . . you had been at your desk your entire shift?" The Judge asked.

"Yes. That is right." Hopper nodded.

"I see. The defense my begin the cross examination." The Judge stated.

CROSS EXMINATION

I got to the desk about 5 in the morning.

"Why so early?" Malum asked.

"Because, some renters don't show up until that early, and others are leaving at that point." Bell explained.

"I wish I could rise that early. . ." The Judge sighed.

Malum coughed, "Alright, so what did you do next Mr. Bell?"

Nothing much happened until about 8.

"So it wasn't a very busy day?" Malum clarified.

"Nope, not very busy at all. . ." Bell replied.

"The more pressing question is what started at eight." Justicine stated. "Witness?"

"Right, what started at eight. ."

That's when the renters came down to the lobby for breakfast.

"So, the victim would have been alive then, right?" Malum asked.

"I wouldn't know. Didn't even know I was connected to this case. Don't even know how I am yet." Bell rambled.

"The witness does have a point. . .he doesn't seem to be connected to the current case." The Judge hummed.

I better hurry and find a connection fast, or my client is doomed. Malum fretted.

"Witness, is there anything else you did that day?" Justicine asked.

Then at 12 I clocked out for lunch and somepony else replaced me for the afternoon shift.

"Why were you replaced?" Malum wondered.

"I got food sickness and called in sick." Bell replied.

"That's awfully convenient." Malum pressed.

"I hope you aren't suggesting that the witness here is lying about his whereabouts." Justicine scowled.

"Well, are you Malum?" The Judge wondered.

"Er no, just saying that it was pretty convenient is all." Malum gulped.

"Either way, you have to have evidence to show where the witness was. Otherwise his testimony stands." Justicine smirked.

"I'm aware." Malum sighed.

"Anyways, witness, anything else you'd like to say?" Justicine asked with a giggle in her voice.

I was gone the rest of the day.

"Because you were sick?" Malum clarified.

"That is correct." Bell replied.

"Well, that is the end of the cross examination." The Judge announced, "I don't really remember why we had this witness testify in the first place. . ."

"Isn't it obvious your honor? The Defense here was stalling for time." Justicine smirked.

"It seems that your inexperience is showing Justicine. If you remember, we called in this witness to learn if he knew anything about the key we found in the hotel room!" Malum exclaimed.

"Heh, alright. . ." Justicine continued smirking, "Then let's ask. Witness, do you know anything about this key?"

"Hmm, looks like a hotel key. What is it's importance?" Bell asked.

"Mr. Bell, this key is the spare for the room that the victim and defendant are sharing." Malum explained, "And the only time it could have gotten there was during your shift!"

Bell gasped and flinched back. "But. .but that. ."

"Mr. Bell." The Judge spoke, "Can you tell us how the key got there?"

". . ." Bell grit his teeth in silence.

"I guess we have our killer." Malum stated, "The Defense rests."

"Hmm, while we still don't know his motive, it seems clear he's guilty. And in that case, I'm prepared to hand down a verdict." The Judge stated.

"Y-Your Honor!" Justicine stammered, "You can't honestly believe that the front desk clerk could have done this."

"Can you explain why he won't tell us how the key got up to the crime scene?" Malum asked.

"It must have been planted, by the defendant!" Justicine fretted.

"You're forgetting two things: The Defendant already had his key, and he had no way to plant the fake key, leave and return to the crime scene without the maid catching him first." Malum countered.

"U. .URK!" Justicine choked, her eyes filled with rage.

The Judge cleared his throat."If there are no more objections, then it's time for me to hand down a verdict. I find the defendant. . ."

"W-wait. . " Bell sighed, "There's more I have to say."

"W-what?" The Judge stammered.

"I was told to hold my tongue, but I'd rather be fired then found as a murderer." Bell explained.

"Who told you not to speak?" Malum wondered.

"The. . .the Hotel Owner/Manager. . ." Bell grimaced.

"W-what?!" The Judge exclaimed, "Why would he ask you not to speak?"

". . ." Bell paused, "Because I would have been fired. . "

"Please, please tell us everything." Malum asked.

"And if it helps ease your mind," The Judge spoke, "We will have someone collect the manager from the hotel and hold him here in the court."

". . .all right. . .the truth is that just before I could check out, the hotel manager asked for the room key. It wasn't anything new." Bell sighed.

"So, why have you remain silent?" Malum wondered.

"Because. . .I was just asked. I don't know why, honestly!" Bell pleaded.

"Hmm, Malum, what does this mean? What do we do?" The Judge asked.

"Isn't it obvious?" Malum smiled, "The Defense requests to examine the Hotel Manager, and find the truth."

"Hmm, I believe that would be the best course of action." The Judge agreed, "Justicine, find the manager, bring him in."

"O-of course your honor. ." Justicine grumbled.

The time it took to collect this new witness was about half an hour, but finally a larger unicorn stallion with a dingy tan coat and a greasy black mane took the stand.

"So, can somepony explain why I was brought here?" The pony asked.

"Witness, you are here because another witness said you took the spare key to the room the murder happened in." Justicine explained.

"And? Last time I checked, the Hotel Manager can mess with whatever key he wants. It's his hotel, after all." The pony gave a smug grin.

"Will you still state your name and occupation for the record?" Justicine asked.

"Hosteller Season. Proud owner and manager of the High Hoof Hotel." Hosteller answered in his smug voice.

"Mr. Hosteller. . ." The Judge hummed, "Regardless of your status, we still need an explanation as to why you took that key."

"If it pleases you. . .I suppose I can chat." Hosteller chuckled.

"Then will the witness please testify as to what he was doing on the day of the murder." The Judge asked.

"Of course." Hosteller replied.

WITNESS TESTIMONY

--That Key. . .--

"Alright, so about 10 o clock that day I was called to the front desk."

"There I saw the mare, the victim, struggling with the front desk operator."

"I questioned them about what was going on, and found out that she lost her key."

"So I asked for it and escorted her back to her room."

"I guess she must have dropped it inside after I left."

--End--

"Hmm. . .so that's how it wound up there." The Judge hummed.

"You see, Your Honor? Nothing wrong had happened." Hosteller smiled.

"I suppose not. This all seems like a waste of time. . ." The Judge agreed.

"I still have a right to Cross Examine him Your Honor." Malum stated.

"Alright. . .I'll allow it." The Judge sighed.

CROSS EXAMINATION

"Alright, so about 10 o clock that day I was called to the front desk."

"What were you doing before that?" Malum wondered.

"Paperwork." Hosteller stated simply.

". . ." Malum paused.

". . ." Hosteller gazed off in the distance.

"So, Mr. Hosteller. Please tell us what happened afterwords." Justicine sighed.

"There I saw the mare, the victim, struggling with the front desk operator."

"Odd you should say that. Mr. Bell didn't mention that at all!" Malum stated.

"Hmm, he didn't? I don't know about you, but either I'm thinking of a different day or Mr. Bell just didn't want his problem being aired." Hosteller replied, not seeming threatened in the slightest.

"Those both seem the more logical, especially the latter scenario. Objection overruled!" The Judge exclaimed.

"Hey! I didn't get a say in that!" Justicine pouted.

"Oh. . ." The Judge paused. "What were you going to say. . ?"

"Er. . .what the witness just said." Justicine answered.

"Then the objection is double overruled." The Judge stated, smacking his gavel to punctuate his statement.

He refuted my objection like it was nothing. . Malum sighed. "Go on."

"I questioned them about what was going on, and found out that she lost her key."

"You might've gotten out of the last contradiction, but this one is a little more difficult." Malum smiled. "You say she lost her key. But we already know her stallion friend had it. Why would she ask for a second key? Why not just borrow his?!"

Hosteller grimaced and smacked a hoof against the witness stand.

"Perhaps she couldn't find him." Justicine guessed.

"Are you sure you want to propose that? You do know that if he was nowhere to be found that means he'd have a solid alibi." Malum grinned.

"Urk! Why you. . ." Justicine growled.

"So that leaves us with our original question, how did that key get up to the room?" Malum asked.

Hosteller recovered then, and began to chuckle. "Oh, my mistake fair ponies of the court."

"Huh?" Malum gulped.

"The witness will tell us of his mistake." The Judge demanded.

"You see, it wasn't the mare who asked for the key. It was the defendant. He locked the room key inside the room and needed the spare." Hosteller explained.

"Oh. I see." The Judge gave a relieved sigh, "So it was the Defendant who left the spare key in the room."

"He probably forgot about the spare after finding the original copy." Justicine surmised, "And that also fits perfectly with the maid's testimony as well."

"Ack!" Malum grimaced. "No!"

"Well, I think that's the end of that." The Judge stated, "It seems everything has been explained, and this spare key is just a red herring."

"Wait, Your Honor!" Malum hurriedly shouted, "I'd like to call Mr. Bell in here to verify what happened."

"Hmm, I don't think that's really necessary. . ." The Judge hummed in thought. "I'll allow it if the Prosecution agrees to it."

Justicine smiled. "Sure, why not? I have nothing to lose."

"W-wait." Hosteller panted, "You can't call him in. He'll just lie."

"And how do you know?" Malum wondered.

"He lied about me asking for the key didn't he?" Hosteller panicked.

"Come to think of it, he did." Malum agreed, "He lied under your say so."

"Uh. ." Hosteller gasped.

"Mr. Hosteller, you have some explaining to do. Why did you ask the front desk pony to lie?" The Judge reprimanded him.

"I. . .uh. . ." Hosteller continued to panic.

"I can answer that, Your Honor." Malum stated, "But first a question to the prosecution."

"What could I possibly say?" Justicine scoffed.

"Did you ever find out what the victim did that day?" Malum wondered.

"We have witnesses saying she and Fast Track appeared at breakfast. Then Fast Track went off to preform his routine while the victim. . .!" Justicine paused and gasped. "N-no!"

"What is it Prosecution?" The Judge wondered.

"The victim. . .returned to her room. Nopony saw her leave. . ." Justicine sighed.

"Your Honor, with this information, what Hosteller said earlier was a lie." Malum said with a sigh of relief.

"It is? How?" The Judge wondered.

"Think about it. The victim is in her room. The defendant is out doing his routine. Niether needed to ask for the key because somepony was inside of the room the whole time." Malum explained.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Hosteller hollered.

"Order in the court!" The Judge barked. "Now, witness. I want you to tell me the truth this time. Why did you take the key?"

". . . ." Hosteller grumbled a little, but nodded anyways.

That was a close one. I'll have to make sure not to back track now. Malum thought to himself as te

WITNESS TESTIMONY

--That Key part 2--

"Alright, so. . .I asked for the spare key."

"I was told by a resident that something was the matter."

"Upon investigating I found the victim and defendant engaging in. . .questionable activities. . ."

"I was in shock, and must of lost grip on the key."

"That is all, your honor."

--End--

"So. . . you were made aware of the activities of the victim and defendant?" The Judge clarified.

"That is correct." Hosteller answered.

"Well that seems to fit things." The Judge decided.

"Your Honor! Don't forget that I still get to Cross Examine him." Malum pressed.

"How can anyone forget when you won't stop reminding us?" Justicine snorted.

CROSS EXAMINATION

"Alright, so. . .I asked for the spare key."

"Why did you hide this from the court?!" Malum exclaimed.

"Because. . .oh I dunno. . .maybe I was afraid of being accused for murder?!" Hosteller snapped.

"I don't blame the witness for fearing that. Not with Malum's track record." Justicine smirked.

"Alright Hollester, tell us why you took the key." Malum asked.

"I was told by a resident that something was the matter."

"About when were you told?" Malum asked.

"Just before twelve. Like Mr. Bell said. That's when I took the key." Hollester explained.

Alright, now for the coup de gras! Malum thought to himself.

"Well, what were they doing when you got there?" Justicine asked Hollester.

"Upon investigating I found the victim and defendant engaging in. . .questionable activities. . ."

"I was going to say there was a contradiction here." Malum smiled, "But that's wrong, there's actually two!"

"W-what?!" Hollester panicked.

"First, if you really got there at about 12, you would have witnessed the moment of the murder." Malum pointed out, "And second, the maid. She was almost to the room at that time. She would have seen you leave the room."

"I. . .uh. . ." Hollester paused.

Justicine glared at the witness but said nothing.

"Hmm. . .what are the defenses thoughts about this contradiction?" The Judge asked.

"Simple. I think Hollester was telling the truth. He was there at the time of the murder. But I doubt he was there because a guest was complaining." Malum explained.

"Then tell me Attorney. . .why was I there?" Hollester asked.

"I don't know." Malum answered.

"Then why accuse me?!" Hollester huffed.

"I don't know because I never asked Fast." Malum looked over at his client. "Fast Track. Who was in charge of paying the hotel. You or the victim?"

"It. . .it was the vitcim. . " Fast answered.

Malum grinned, "So Hollester, to answer your question. You were there to demand payment."

"Wait, but then the maid should have seen him!" Justicine objected.

"Not if he teleported out after the victim died!" Malum repled.

"Ack!" Justicine gasped.

". . ." Hosteller grit his teeth.

"Hmm," The Judge hummed, "That. . .seems to make sense."

"Your Honor, don't let the Defense fool you. I went there to collect pay? Then why was the victim found dead with a broken neck and covered in semen?" Hosteller asked.

". . ." Justicine's jaw dropped.

". . ." Malum smirked silently.

The Judge blinked a couple of times. "Mr. Hosteller. . .you do realize what you just said. . .don't you?"

Hosteller blinked. "What?"

"Mr. Hosteller." Malum continued to smirk. "We haven't actually said how the victim died since you were brought here. And I know you weren't here when we did."

"Ack!" Hosteller gasped.

"And to answer your question. I bet the victim begged you to let her stay in the hotel. And you used her predicament to get free sexual favors from her." Malum guessed. "Unless you'd like to explain why that maid didn't see you there."

Hosteller gave one final shout before falling over to the ground. The whole court was still in silent awe.

"Well. I do believe we have everything we need." The Judge cleared his throat. "If there's no more objections, I will now hand down my verdict."

"The Defense rests, Your Honor." Malum stated.

"The Prosecution. . .rests. . ." Justicine sighed.

"Then the Court finds the defendant, Fast Track. . ."

N O T G U I L T Y

"Court is now Adjourned." The Judge announced with a smack of his gavel.

January 25th, 2:00 PM
Canterlot Courthouse
Defendant's Lobby No. 1

"Thank you Malum." Fast Track almost cried, giving me a big hug.

"Hey, it's no big deal. I've had harder cases then this." I assured him. "I am sorry about what happened to your marefriend though. . ."

Fast grew silent for a moment before speaking. "Actually. . .I have a confession. She wasn't the only one who was guilty of being a changeling." With that, Fast transformed before my eyes, revealing a changeling standing before me.

"You. . .you're one of them?" I shook my head, "Did not see that coming. . ."

"Well, it was kind of obvious. Neither of us came from near Canterlot, remember?" Fast chuckled. "Anyways, I guess I'll just head out. Thanks again Malum."

With that, Fast Track left, and I was alone. I spent the next few minutes sorting through evidence and getting rid of everything I no longer needed. I was so absorbed in my work that I didn't notice another pony bounce up to me.

"HeymisterlawyerponymynameisPinkiePieandIwastherewhenyoudefendedTwilightSparkle. Do you remember? Do ya do ya do ya?" An excited pink pony asked me.

"W-what?" I asked, "Wait. . .Twilight. . .I do remember that case. . .you're. . .Pinkie Pie, right?"

Pinkie let out a loud gasp, "You do remember me! YAY!"

"Um. . .can you tell me why you're here Pinkie?" I asked her.

"Oh yeah, that!" Pinkie giggled, "You see Malum, there's this merge thingy, and I was asked to organize a party so big that it would make the Gala seem small! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! I'M SO NERVOUSCITED!"

"Whoa, calm down Pinkie. And sure, I'd love to go to the party." I replied, unable to keep a straight face for much longer.

"Alright then Mr. Lawyer, follow meeeee!" Pinkie cheered as she took off down the hall.

And little did I know, that as I struggled to keep up with her, this week had only just begun, and with it, a whole ton of cases. Including one that would ruin the biggest party ever. . .

END OF CASE 1

Author's Note

Welp, that case happened, and now we have Pinkie Pie. Who knows what'll happen next.