Chapters When A Good Apple Turns Sour
Prologue: The Introduction
Three stallions burst into a decrepit garage, once they were all through, the last one slammed the door behind him. They moved together to one section. Two of the stallions tossed down two bags each, while the last stallion tossed down four. Each bag that hit the ground jingled, the sound seeming to echo in the once vacant garage. The larger one moved back to the door and pushed a metal cabinet over, letting it fall to the ground with a loud clatter blocking the door. They then each went their separate ways in the garage. One of them moved to an older looking Volkswagen Type 2 inside the garage, loosening his tie as he made his way there. It looked like it had been there for some time, but it would have to do. It did not need to get them far, just far enough. He opened the hood and began to work on the engine, sweat slowly beginning to form on his brow. The other stallion moved to the window, tripping clumsily over one of the bags and causing its contents to spill over onto the cold cement floor. Gold coins now scattered around the floor as the stallion cursed softly under his breath. He walked to the window slowly and more careful, not wanting to trip over anything else. Once at the window, he stood next to it, peeking out of it occasionally as he looked down at his modded AK-74u, smirking to himself at his beautiful creation.. He checked the clip and frowned to see it was only half full, with one bullet in the chamber. He checked his pocket, then cursed after checking to see the clip only half full. The final stallion made his way to the back and sat down, sighing heavily as he checked his own gun, an older style magnum revolver. He looked to see only one bullet remaining in his gun, as he began to slowly load the remaining chambers, leaning back once it was done. His ears twitched slightly as he heard the sirens in the distance, slowly getting closer.
The larger stallion then sighed again as he began to think about how it all came to this. From the robbery, to the hitch that they had encountered, to running from the law, and then finally getting stuck in a garage while the smartest of them worked on their getaway. The stallion stood up and slowly walked over to the window taking the other side as he began to think to himself.
"You know, a lot can happen to a pony in such a short amount of time. Some are small changes, while others are bigger ones. For me, Ah suppose mine was a bigger one, one most ponies don't tend to take. One I don't even think the past me would have ever guessed. I became a criminal. However it gave me a new family, ponies I could call my own once again. I know I won't ever be able to walk away from this path, but I hope it will at least take me to where I need to go."
The larger stallion was pulled away from his thoughts when the sirens were at their loudest and he could hear car brakes screeching to a stop as doors began to open and shut the footsteps of ponies coming from them, next he heard a screech as the sound of a mega phone was being turned on, and from that a gruff voice.
"Listen up, we have the place surrounded, come out with your hands up, or we will be forced to come in there and apprehend you by force. This can either happen one of two ways; If you come out now, I can assure you that nothing bad will happen, however if you don't, then I cant promise all of you coming out alive. I hope you will make the right call here."
The stallions inside looked at each other and all nodded, then two near the door nodded to each other again as the one with the assault rifle smashed the window and began to fire, causing the police outside to hunker down behind their squad cars. The larger one moved to the bags of Bits, collecting the ones that had fallen out and began to slowly load the bags into the van. After some tough work the engine started, softly humming now as their brains took the driver seat, hitting the side as the larger one took the passenger side. He then hollered to the other. He nodded and ran over, trying to check his gun as he ran. Bullets began to fly across the room as the police returned fire, causing their last member to dive into the back seat with the bits. Once all the stallions were in the car, the driver hit the gas pedal, causing the van to shoot forward and smash through the garage door and then a few of the police cars. The driver turned hard as they sped down the road. The police cars began following soon after. The three stallions were all breathing heavily now as adrenaline filled their veins. The driver smirked as he turned hard again, breaking through a fence as they began to drive through a ditch a few of the police cars chose to follow. The larger stallion then rolled down his window and began to fire shots at the cars, hitting each tire with accuracy as he smirked, knowing it came from when he would patrol the farm with his pa. The driver took them into one one of the larger storm drains, the van screeching as the side view mirrors were taken clean off. After some time the van stopped when they were in one of the larger filtration areas, smoke beginning to billow from the engine.
The three stallions each jumped out and sighed. Then the one who had the modded AK-74u began to laugh, causing the larger one to laugh as well, and then finally their driver. They had somehow managed to succeed, and actually get away. Even though it was their first job, they knew it wouldnt go off completely right, even with the minor hiccup. The larger one looked to the van and then to his friends. He then looked up and closed his eyes as he began to think again.
"We may have had a few problems, but we were able to make it in the end. With this first job we can begin work on building a name for ourselves. It may not have been much, but they could at least use this money to buy some base of operations, though they were still up for debate on its location. It was strange really thinking I'd go from apple farming to trying to build a crime family. Not something that happens often, but it does, after all, I was a prime example, though I can't help to think how I got here. How I met mah new family, and what drove me here, though if I had to think, really think, ah think it happened a little over a year ago, on a cool and crisp morning at Sweet Apple Acres."
When A Good Apple Turns Sour
A tall mare walked down a hallway, her heels echoing with each step. A few passing guards stopped and saluted, only choosing to move again when she was gone. The tall mare that walked by was wearing sharp heels. Her pale blue dress left little to the imagination, however this was normal as she wore this attire on her few days off. Her long and pointed horn seemed to clean in the sunlight, while she kept her wings close. The mare made her way along a few more hallways before entering her private study. Once inside she locked the door and sighed heavily, her eyes quickly turning to a glare. A few problems had arisen, and they needed to be dealt with as soon as possible. She walked over to her desk and took a seat, slipping off her heels as she let her bare feet relax on the pale yellow rug. She looked at the letter before her, deciding to read it again, wanting to once again make sure she had read it right the other sixteen times.
“Dear Princess Celestia
I asked the girls if they would be willing to move to Canterlot, in order to better respond to dangers since we are the Elements of Harmony. Rarity was more than happy to move to Canterlot as long as she could find some to watch over her shop in Ponyville. Fluttershy seemed happy to move there as well, since she could be closer to the Royal Animal Sanctuary. I could not really get a straight answer from Pinkie, but from what I gathered. She would be happy anywhere she could throw parties and be with her friends. Rainbow Dash didn't give me a straight answer either, but I know that she just didn't want to sound too giddy. After all, she loves the Wonderbolts and they tend to spend a lot of time in Canterlot. Applejack was the only one who refused to go to Canterlot. She explained to me that she couldn't do that to her family. That she needed to stay there with Apple Bloom, Granny Smith, and Big Mac. I hope I was able to serve you, and can't wait for your next task.
Your Faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle”
Celestia moved the letter away and began to think. This was troubling. She needed the Elements of Harmony as close as possible in case any more problems were to arise. Nightmare Moon, the Changeling Invasion, Discord, and many others on the horizon. However she could not do anything without all the Elements, and Applejack was proving to be the hitch in her plan. The Element of Honesty was truly proving to her moniker. She would have to find a way to force Apple Jack to move to Canterlot, the only question was how. There were three obstacles in her way, if she could remove one, then the rest would fall like dominoes. Apple Bloom was young and could be easily influenced, so she would be of no concern. Granny Smith was getting older by the day, it wouldn't be too hard to push her along. Then there was Big Mac, better known as McIntosh Apple. He was built like one of the statues in her garden, loyal and honest as they came, and was young enough that he had many years ahead of him. He would need to be the catalyst in order for her plan to succeed.
There was a knock at the door, followed by a soft voice, “Sister, It is I. May we enter? ” her voice while soft was easily still heard by Celestia as she looked to the door.
“You may enter, ” Celestia replied in a calm tone as she stood from her desk, and walked to the door, unlocking it. Once unlocked she made her way back to her desk.
The door opened as another mare slowly walked in, She was a head shorter than her sister. She wore a simple dark blue dress as well as white satin opera gloves. She moved into the room, shutting and locking the door behind her. Once done she turned towards her sister Celestia was sitting back behind her desk, her eyes closed as she thought of what to do, and which domino needed to fall. Her sister moved to the chair across from her and sat.
“Sister, what troubles you? Is it the letter you received from your student Twilight Sparkle? ” Luna asked, wondering what could be troubling her sister this much.
Celestia didn't answer right away, she thought long and hard, before it hit her. She opened her eyes and looked at her sister, another problem that she wanted to keep close. The Lunar Uprising was something that she would not allow to happen again. Ever since her return, she had made sure that Luna understood her new place and role in the castle.
“Ask not the sparrow how the eagle soars, dear sister.” Celestia stood from her desk. “In time, the Elements of Harmony will be joining us in Canterlot Castle.” Celestia spoke in a cold and calculating tone as she walked to her window and looked out towards the horizon.
Luna Looked down, she knew what to expect. Ever since her return, Celestia has limited her roles to simply raising the moon, and night court. Other than that, she did nothing, she simply existed. Luna did not know what had made her sister like this, but she hoped that her old sister was somewhere deep down in this new Celestia. She looked down to the desk, and saw the letter, reading each line carefully.
“Tia, it says that Applejack would not make the move, so should I only have five rooms prepared?” Luna looked towards her sister, hoping she hadn't crossed a line in reading the letter.
Celstia smirked as she looked down towards the castle gate, and saw a large speck of red entering.
“Not at all sister, in fact prepare eight rooms.” As Celestia spoke, each word seemed to only grow darker and more cold as her plan game together. Luna stood and backed away slowly from her sister, growing nervous as she wondered what her sister was planning, but then again she wasn't told much of anything. Luna walked to the door and unlocked it, leaving her sister to her plans.
Celestia moved to her desk and began writing up a storm. Her horn glowing slightly as quills levitated over and began to write on their own. If she was gonna succeed, then her plan needed to go off without a hitch.
“Big McIntosh, you will be the perfect domino. It is a shame though, you could have proven quite useful, but your sister’s usefulness far exceeds your own” Celestia spoke to herself as she wrote document after document to make her will become true.
Luna was frozen. She had stayed by the door in order to calm her emotions, never expecting to hear this. She moved quickly to her quarters, only stopping shortly to inform the maid about preparing the eight rooms. After taking various turns she had made it to her quarters. It was out of the way, but at least she had quarters to call her own. Luna told her guards she did not want to be interrupted. Once inside she went to her desk, and began to write, hoping that her own letter would at least be of some use.
Author's Note
"Ask not the sparrow how the eagle soars!" not my quote and i do not take credit for it. I thought this would help the story along with motives as well as what roles are being played.
I am also looking for an editor since I am reworking my chapters, adding new things, as well as adding new chapters
Celestia's Dress: https://derpibooru.org/images/1818976
Luna's Dress: https://www.redbubble.com/i/greeting-card/Princess-Luna-Anthro-by-RarieDash/35354087.5MT14
When A Good Apple Turns Sour
Chapter 1: Just A Normal Day
Today was like any other day at Sweet Apple Acres, Big McIntosh Apple, or Big Mac to his friends and family, woke up just before sunrise, showered, brushed his teeth, then headed out to the field to get some plowing in before breakfast. AppleJack was the next of the Apple Family to wake up, she started her day off on the same start as her older brother Big Mac did, except she spent a little bit more time on her hair, though she would never admit it, especially to Rarity or Rainbow Dash. Instead of heading to the fields, AppleJack headed for the kitchen and began to distribute the chores for the day before she began working on breakfast. The next Apple to wake up was Apple Bloom, who would always get up to the smell of her sister Applejack's cooking. However she would always skip the morning routine and race down to the kitchen, only to be scolded by AppleJack and sent back up to go wash up. After she was washed up however she would be denied her breakfast again, as it was her job to wake up the eldest and matriarch of the Apple family, Granny Smith. Apple Bloom would always groan about this task, but she would always comply and wake her up. Now waking up Granny Smith was always a challenge, but out of all the Apples on Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom would always have the best luck at it. After Granny Smith would wake up, she would wash up and slowly make her way down the flight of stairs, usually with Apple Bloom's help, much to Granny Smith's dismay.
Once all the Apples at Sweet Apple Acres were woken up, AppleJack would always call her brother in for breakfast, by now he would have at least a quarter of the field done as he heads back into the Apple Family House, making sure to stop by the barn house and wipe off what sweat he had before coming into the kitchen to sit and enjoy some of Apple Jacks Famous, Apple Spiced Pancakes. The Apple Family would always eat breakfast together like this, and once they were all done, The three siblings would help do the dishes. AppleJack would always wash the dishes, Big Mac would dry them, while Apple Bloom would put them away. After the dishes were all done, AppleJack would hand out the chore list for Big Mac and Apple Bloom. Granny Smith however never received a list and would stay in the house, doing light cleaning and making her World Famous Apple style treats for her grandchildren to sell in the market later, though at times she would take on much more tedious tasks like making one of her many hand made quilts. Apple Bloom's list was split, half for her to do before school, and half to do after. Big Mac would usually always get the longest list, or more importantly, the hardest of the tasks, like plowing all the fields, or helping his sister buck the apple trees. Today however, Big Mac had an addition to his list, Take Apple Bloom to School , now usually, Apple Jack would take her to school, however, recently AppleJack has been trying to lighten the load on her older brother, it was either that, or his sister was once again trying to find him a marefriend.
Doing the chores before school didn't take Apple Bloom long as she was accustomed to it, Feeding the Chickens, Pouring the slop for the Piggies, and helping Granny Smith with whatever she needed to be done, which mostly consisted of gathering materials for her or setting out ingredients. After which Apple Bloom would grab her bag, and run out to the field Big Mac was currently plowing. He would always stop no matter what, even when he had only a few rows left to go, and take Apple Bloom to School.
The walk into Ponyville was always pleasant for Big Mac. The fresh dew on the Grass, the smell of sweets as they were prepared for the morning. It all felt so natural to Big Mac. On their walk to school, Big Mac took notice of other young fillies and colts. He saw Dinky with her mother Ditzy, most ponies called her Derpy, but he made a habit to never call her that. Not only was she a single mom, but she worked hard to care for her daughter. Along with her, came the other single mom in Ponyville Berry Punch, with her daughter Berry Pinch, now Berry Punch, may be called the town drunk by some, but she does an amazing job at raising her daughter as well. Mac then took notice of other ponies as they took their children to school. He made it there in record time to see his old childhood friend and Apple Bloom's teacher Ms.Cheerilee. After he had dropped off Apple Bloom, he decided to talk with Ms.Cheerilee for a moment, much to Apple Bloom's embarrassment.
After his discussion with Ms.Cheerilee, Big Mac made his way back to Sweet Apple Acres; as he made his way back however he did notice a few royal guards in town. It wasn't unusual to see some of the royal guards in Ponyville since it was so close to Canterlot and most guards chose to take their leave here. There was also the fact that all the Elements of Harmony were living here. Once back at Sweet Apple Acres Big Mac would always go straight back to work plowing the fields once he was there. AppleJack would occasionally be able to convince him to take a break and enjoy the shade, but after about five minutes, he would be right back to plowing the field, after the North field was completely done, Mac would move to the East and once that was done he would move onto the next field and so on until they were all plowed. Big Mac had managed to complete the North, East, and half of the South Field before Granny Smith rang the lunch bell, signaling the two Apple children to head back to the house and enjoy lunch before they headed to the market to open the Apple Family Stand. Big Mac and AppleJack entered the house around the same time, both heading to the bathroom sink, having a little sibling fun as they battled it out on who would wash their face first. Big Mac would never admit this, but during those little battles he would normally let his sister win. Afterwards they both headed into the kitchen for their lunch, which consisted of some bright green apples, a slice of apple pie, and some sandwiches. They both finished their meal quickly and left to go load the cart with all the merchandise they were hoping to sell that day.
After the cart was loaded Big Mac would begin to pull it, with a little help from AJ who wouldn't let him do it alone while she just watched, she was kinda stubborn like that. After the long trek into town, they wound up at the main square and could already see other vendors already setting up. Big Mac wasted no time in assembling their stand, after which he would unload the cart, while Apple Jack would arrange them on the stand. Once they were all set up they would wait there, ready for the lunch rush, and at around noon, it hit. The street became bustled with many ponies of all shape and size as they each visited the vendor of their choice, however since Big Mac was here, most of their business would come from the mares of the crowd, all wanting a chance to talk with him, as well as casually flirt with him, though some were more abrasive than others. After the lunch rush was over, Applejack decided to spark up some conversation in order to help pass the time.
“So Big Mac, ah noticed that we once again seemed to have more mares visiting today,” Applejack smirked as she looked over to her brother, “any of them happen to catch your eye.”
Mac looked over at his sister. “You know, ah have noticed that.” He then smirked as well. “Ah also noticed a few stallions asking you about your next day off.”
Applejack’s face quickly changed color to that of the color of some of their shiniest red apples. She gave Mac a playful glare before lightly punching his arm. “All right Mr.Wise Guy. Then might I ask when you plan on finding a mare for yourself?”
Mac looked up as he thought about the question. It wasn't like he hadn't thought about it. He had on occasion thought about finding a mare to marry, however he knew that finding a mare and going through the dating process would eat up alot of his time. Time he needed so that Apple Bloom and Applejack could better enjoy their lives. “Don't worry, I'll find one when the time is right, but until then. You can't get rid of me that easily. ” With that Big Mac wrapped his arm around Applejack's neck, and pulled her close, ruffling her hair lightly with his free hand.
Applejack groaned playfully and pulled away from Mac’s loose grip, putting her hair back as best she could. “I would never try to get rid of ya Mac, but I'm just curious what your future plans are, they just happen to also ask if there is a mare in your future. ”
Mac looked over to Applejack, thinking about what the future may hold. He was only twenty, so he still had quite a few years ahead of him. Though with his family he never really thought much of it. He never truly got that high school experience. He had to leave and help on the farm when his parents died. He never regretted leaving, and although he didn't graduate, he was able to get his GED. In fact he couldn't remember the last time he thought about his future. He knew as a young colt he wanted to join The Royal Guard and serve Celestia. He would never admit it, but he was a little jealous of Applejack being able to meet their Divine Ruler. “Well, ah suppose I do want to keep up our family farm, and one day, maybe i'll find someone who would help me run it.” Mac then smirked, “What about you, what are your plans, baby sis?”
Applejack turned slightly red at the use of that nickname. “I'm only a year younger than you Mac, hardly your baby sis.” She looked up, smiling slightly. The nickname was something she both enjoyed and found embarrassing. “As for my future, ah haven't really thought about it. With farm work and being the Element of Honesty, I'm kept pretty busy.” She then looked over to Mac “Although Twilight recently asked me that, even asked if I would be willing to move to Canterlot with her and the girls.”
Mac thought about what Applejack said. He knew being one of the Elements kept her busy, but she always made sure to have time for her family and friends. “Well, whatever you decide, I'll support you no matter what.”
Applejack smiled and hugged her brother, “Thanks Big Mac.”
Mac smiled as he returned the gesture, “Don't mention it Sis.”
Applejack pulled away from her brother as she decided to change the subject, “By the way Big Bro, how was your meeting with Prince Blueblood? Were you able to strike a good deal with him ?”
Big Mac shook his head slowly as he thought back to his meeting with the Prince. Mac could tolerate all styles of individuals, but Blueblood really pushed his limits. “It was different, though I don't think he will be writing back anytime soon.” Mac knew that Blueblood was gonna wait as long as possible, hoping he would change his mind. Mac knew that this would be a game of chicken, and he didn't intend to lose.
The Apple Family stand eventually sold out. Mac and Applejack would spend the remaining time with idol conversation. They would then put up their stall and head back to finish up what chores they had left. Big Mac would take the cart home, while AppleJack would go and wait for Apple Bloom as she did some light shopping, because the Apple Family does actually eat other food items, and not exclusively Apples, although most ponies assume that's all they ate.
Big Mac would always be finishing up his plowing as his sisters would come into view over the horizon. He would always greet them with a wave as he headed to start bucking trees. Apple Bloom and AJ would meet up with him to help with bucking the trees, except for Apple Bloom who would simply help by sorting the good and bad apples out of the basket. They were a team together like that, instead of the three musketeers, they were the three Apples. As the day grew on, most of the trees were bucked and the apples sorted, until they heard the dinner bell. The three siblings would all head over to the call at their own pace. Apple Bloom was the fastest, followed by AppleJack who would jog there, while Big Mac picked up the rear, choosing to walk to the house and enjoy the evening air. After cleaning up, they all sat together to marvel before their dinner,however before they could eat, they all joined hands to thank Celestia for a bountiful harvest, however in the middle of their prayer, there was a sudden and loud knock at the door.
Big Mac, being closest to the door, stood up and went to answer it, however instead of anypony they knew, there stood two of Celestia's royal guards in full military uniform.
"Yes, is this Sweet Apple Acres, home of the Apple Family," one of the guards asked, while the other gripped his gun. Big Mac looked back at his family then back to the two guards.
"Eeyup," was all Big Mac could say as the other guard stepped forward.
"And does a Mister Mcintosh Apple live here," the same guard asked. Big Mac, now confused more than ever, simply nodded.
"And may we assume that you are Mcintosh Apple," the other guard spoke up as he eyed Big Mac now.
The other guard unfastened his gun as he took hold of the grip.
"Mister Mcintosh Apple, You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand your rights Mister Macintosh" the guard spoke calmly as he stepped into the house and fastened large handcuffs onto Big Mac. Big Mac could only freeze as the world seemed to stop as he was led out of the house. All he could hear now were the cries of his sisters as the other guard held them back, keeping them away from him.
When A Good Apple Turns Sour
Chapter 2: The Interrogation
Big Mac stared down at his hands which had been cuffed together. He then looked back up to see the guards, driving him off to who knows where as he tried to think of what he could have done to be arrested. He had always lived an honest life, never breaking any law, however now that he was in the back of a police car, he was sure it was a mistake. Big Mac looked back up now as he looked out the window, watching the apple trees move by as he watched his orchard pass by him. He smiled only slightly as he remembered his past and growing up on the orchard. Once the squad car was out of the apple family orchard it began to make its way to the Ponyville Police Station. He watched as the Station came into view. Once there the car came to a complete stop. The Guards got out and then grabbed him, taking him inside.
The Ponyville Police Station wasn't the biggest, and was rather small. It only had a few holding cells and one interrogation room. Mac was led to the interrogation room and sat down in a seat, while his hands were uncuffed for the briefest of seconds before being cuffed to the table. The guards then left, leaving Mac alone in the room.
Mac sat there as he tried to wrap his head around all that happened. Everything had started out like a normal day, but those guards. They had to have him confused with someone else. He knew that he was rather large for a normal earth pony, and he also knew that some Canterlot Guards tended to look down on all earth ponies. Mac shook his head. No, there had to be another reason besides that. He spent his whole life doing what was right. He followed all the rules, never broke the law, and would always put others before himself. He was like most Apples, Honest and hard working. Mac knew that this had to be a mistake, and when the detectives came in, he would explain it to them.
A few hours passed before the door to his interrogation room opened. Two individuals walked in, one Unicorn, and the other a Pegasus. They both had detective badges on as they took a seat across from him. The Pegasus seemed to be eyeing Mac up and down, as if reading him. The Unicorn began to take out a small stack of papers, setting them down, and organizing them. From his position he could see that the top document was simply words, and a few numbers. After a few minutes the Unicorn looked up at him. He placed what looked like a recorder on the table, and then was the first to speak.
“My name is Detective Gumshoe, and this is my partner Detective Hawkshaw. We are currently at the Ponyville Police Station interrogation room.” He then looked down at his papers. “Now then, Mr. Apple, do you have any reason on why you were brought down here?” Big Mac shook his head, causing Gumshoe to continue. “You were brought here as the primary suspect in a muder investigation. Now then, we will be asking you a few questions, and I want you to answer them honestly. Do you Understand?” Mac could only nod as the information sunk in. Mac hoped that he could prove his innocence here and now, so he would be able to return home to his family. Gumshoe nodded as he began. “Please state your full name, species, and age.”
Mac cleared his throat before speaking, “Mah name is McIntosh Apple, Im twenty years old, and an earth pony.”
Gumshoe nodded as he made some notes on one of the pieces of paper he brought out. “Were you in Canterlot a few days ago?” Mac nodded “How long were you in Canterlot and what were you doing in Canterlot?”
Mac took a breath before speaking, “I spent about five days in Canterlot. I was there to speak with a Mr. Blueblood. Ah had a meeting with him about selling mah farms produce to be used in the Castle’s kitchens, as well as a few events that they have.” Gumshoe made a few more notes on his paper.
“Tell me more about your meetings with Prince Blueblood?” Gumshoe spoke in a cold tone. Emphasizing the word Prince as he made some more notes.
“Well mah meetings with Prince Blueblood took us bout two days. We would start after breakfast an go til supper time. We spent most of the time talking bout logistics and numbers. Ah would let him know what set us apart from our competitors, and why we should be used stead of them. We would always take bout an hour break for lunch. Ah always had to leave then on account that Mr, ah mean Prince Blueblood preferred tah eat alone.”
Gumshoe took notes during Mac’s confession, curling a few words and underlining others. “You said you were in Canterlot for five days.” Mac nodded. “Two days for the travel time, two more for your meeting with Prince Blueblood and one day that is unaccounted for. What were you doing on that day?”
Mac cleared his throat before speaking. “Ah spent that day visiting a few stores in Canterlot. I was picking up a gift for my little sister Apple Bloom. Ah know Applejack said not to, but ah cant really help it when she gave me those eyes and asked for me to bring her back a gift. I also spent some time looking around the castle and talking with some of the staff there. Ah also made sure to visit the royal garden.”
Gumshoe nodded before looking over to his partner, and then back to Mac. “What did you talk about with the staff?”
Mac looked up in thought as he remembered all that he had talked about with the staff members of Canterlot’s Castle. “Well, ah talked with the head chef a little about different spices he could use as well as swapping a few recipes between each other. The butler and ah chatted about different ponies we have met and what they were like. I chatted with one of the maids as I helped her with a few of her tasks. Finally I talked with the gardener. She told me about the various plants and how she liked the idea of planting a few food producing trees like apple trees. She told me about how her grandson had joined a martial arts class and was worried he might use it for simply beating others up. That is until ah mentioned that mah pappy taught me boxing, and how its a good way to build strength and discipline.” Mac finished his speech and looked at Gumshoe, who proceeded to pull out what looked like two photos and slid them towards Mac.
“Would you care to tell me what you see in these two pictures?”
Mac looked at the photos. They were each of him, one showing him entering what looked like Blueblood’s door, while the other looked like him leaving it in a hurry. Both with different times on them. The first picture was of him wearing the same clothes he wore the day before leaving. A simple slim fitting white undershirt meant to show off his muscles with a red and black flannel shirt being worn over it. A pair of older form fitting bluejeans with leather belt holding it up along with a Sweet Apple Acres belt buckle. He also wore his work boots, but then again, he didnt own many other pairs of shoes afterall. The Second photo was similar but his clothes looked more ragged, there were also some red spots all over his white shirt, though if he looked closer it was also on his flannel shirt and face. Something also appeared to be on his hands, dripping from them. “Um ah see me entering and leaving Blueblood’s room?”
“You're a boxer, care to explain what you see in this picture?” Gumshoe took a third photo and slid it over to Mac.
Mac raised an eyebrow. He didn't know what being a boxer had to do with anything, but he looked down to the photo before him and froze. It took every once in him not to throw up what little he had on his stomach. The photo he was being shown was beyond anything he could imagine. At first he simply couldn't tell what he was looking at. After looking closer he could tell what appeared to be someone's head. He of course had seen stallions get beat before, but this was beyond that. He could finally tell it was a pony because their brain was at the very edge of the photo. The head looked like mince meat, it didn't even look like a head anymore, just tissue and bone. Whoever had done this, had beaten this had beaten this ponies face in until they had made it through to the other side. Some tile making its way through the blood and bone. Mac gulped, “I see what's left of a pony, their, uh, head beaten in.” Mac pushed the photo back. He couldn't look at it anymore. Looking at it made him sick to his stomach.
“That is a photo of what's left of Prince Blueblood, he was murdered. He was beaten to death as you can see. His time of death fits perfectly when you were present with him. As you can tell from the first two photos, you entered his room. You then proceeded to beat him to death, before leaving with all the evidence on your clothes and fists.” Gumshoe stated matter of factly. He finished his writings and put away some of his papers.
Mac couldn't believe what he was hearing. They thought he killed Blueblood. He knew the guy was a condescending, egotistical, and pompous douche, but he would never harm him. Mac knew he could take any kind of insult, and tended to never resort to violence. The world seemed to slow again as he tried to find his words with mouth feeling like the San Palomino Desert. Gumshoe shook his head, nodded to his partner and stood up. He then gave Mac one final look before leaving the interrogation room.
For the first time since the interrogation started Detective Hawkshaw leaned forward. He pulled out a bottle of water and moved it towards Mac. Mac took the bottle and downed its entirety, before breathing a sigh of relief. Hawkshaw looked towards the door and then moved to the recorder, pressing a button on it.
“Listen we don't have much time until Detective bonehead comes back in. You seem like a good kid who was just in the wrong place, at the wrong time.” He then pulled out a small packet of papers and slid them over to Mac. “If you sign this confession, I guarantee that you would only have to spend about five years in a minimum security prison.”
Mac thought it over, the water was a welcome relief. He then looked at the recorder. He guessed that Detective Hawkshaw wanted this deal to not be recorded. He slowly began to read through the papers. It didn't take him long, but it was as Hawkshaw had said. If he confessed to the crime, he would spend five years in a minimum security prison along with community service. He didn't know what to do. He knew in the bottom of his heart that he was innocent. There must have been some kind of mistake. He needed to make a decision, and it didn't take him long.
“So if ah confess, yall can guarantee that I'll only do five years and some community service,” Hawkshaw nodded at this. Mac breathed in slowly then out, before sliding the papers back to him. “Thank ya for the offer Detective Hawkshaw, but ah trust in Celestia, Ah know her court will find me innocent.”
Hawkshaw nodded as he took the papers back, putting them away. “They are there if you change your mind. You will have until the trial ends Mr.Apple.” He then pressed the same button on the recorder just as Gumshoe came back in. This time he was accompanied by two guards. Gumshoe shot a glare at his partner who sighted and stood up, taking the empty bottle of water from Mac.
“McIntosh Apple, you will spend the night in a holding cell here. After which you will board a train to Canterlot where your trial will be held.” Gumshoe explained as the two guards moved to Mac and un-cuffed him, only to cuff him again once his hands were free of the table. They led him away as the two detectives began to have a hushed argument. Over what, Mac could not tell.
Mac was taken to one of the holding cells and placed inside. Once there they un-cuffed him and locked him in the cell. Mac looked down at his wrists, rubbing them softly as he replayed everything that happened that day. He slowly walked over and took a seat on the worn mattress. The day started out so perfect for him, but now here he was. A suspect in Prince Blueblood’s murder. Mac layed down, letting his body stretch out, heis legs over extending the bed, and simply hanging out. He closed his eyes, trying to relax. He trusted his Great Princess Celestia. He had utter faith in Celestia and her court, and knew that they would find him innocent. Then he could go back to his normal life, especially back to his loving family to whom he cared for deeply. With those thoughts in his head, he drifted to a dreamless sleep.
