My Little Pony Elder Scrolls: A Pop Star, A Princess, The Emperor, and a Prisoner

The Next Day...

"I don't believe it!" Rainbow Dash said.

The Main Six, Lawful Eye, Warden Rehab, Lock Down, Scootaloo, and Spike gathered around, looking at the latest addition of local newspaper at the Golden Oak Library. The paper had the image of Abacus with Sapphire Shores and Princess Luna on the front page, along with the words "Ponies Scheme Pop Star With Dangerous Criminal". The look of disgust appeared on everyone's faces at the front page cover as Twilight reads the news story. Flawless Glow, who had returned from alerting the Emperor was fed up.

Local ponies in Ponyville revealed the truth late yesterday. They organised for Sapphire Shores, the pony of pop who came to Ponyville to pay a personal visit to local filly and winner of the Pop Pony magazine's contest, Apple Bloom at Sugarcube Corner. Only for them to deceived the whole town so that she could get into a photograph with the night princess, Princess Luna, and convicted murderer and fugitive, Abacus Sum, who had reportedly escaped from Ponyville hospital after being arrested for assaulting six ponies, including two young fillies, and two police ponies from Cloudsdale. While Sapphire Shores in the image was real, closer examination of the photograph have proved that Princess Luna and Prince Shor in the picture was fake, and that it was a life-size cardboard image of the rulers themselves, for they were not sighted around the area.

No word yet on how Princess Luna and Prince Shor has taken it. Due to the denials of Sapphire Shores's manager, Ocean Blue, when interviewed at last night's concert in Canterlot, there are speculations that the letter from Sapphire Shores's manager to the Apple Family of Sweet Apple Acres, as well as the whole party event at the Sugarcube Corner bakery was all a set up created on the accord of the following ponies in question. Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Lawful Eye of Fillydelphia. An investigation is currently underway into the following ponies listed on this matter, and on the whereabouts of the wanted fugitive, Abacus Sum, which is left in charge of Cloadsdale Police to apprehend him.

Rarity growled. "This is an outrage!"

"It was not fake," Spike said. "How could they say all that?!"

Applejack scowled. "Yeah! We were all there! An' callin' Abacus a wanted criminal?!"

Lock Down growled. "Even the press in this town doesn't have mercy on him."

Flawless Glow glared. "I knew this would be like Jewelius all over again!"

Twilight looked at the front page of the newspaper with a worried frown, thinking of a part of the report that worried her. She turned to Lawful Eye, and could notice she had the very same feelings as her. "I know, Lawful Eye. If it's true Cloadsdale Police is going to be involved, then-"

"Yes, I know," Lawful Eye said. "It means Strike Law and Rogue Order will undoubtedly be involved in this. I guess this is what Princess Luna meant by they'd be back. And I think she was right."

"If only we knew what she was here plannin'." Applejack turned to Twilight. "What do ya think Princess Luna's plannin', Twilight?"

Twilight sighed. "I really don't know, Applejack. But I hope it comes soon."

"Hey, guys!" Everyone turned to Spike as he called out to them, looking out the window. "It better be coming sooner than the princess planned!" He pointed outside. "Look!"

Twilight, Lawful Eye, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Warden Rehab came over and peered through the same window Spike was looking out of. Their faces shifted to serious and concerned as they see something outside. Outside, there was a large crowd of angry ponies marching towards the Golden Oak Library, carrying anti-Abacus protest signs. Mayor Mare and Lady Justice were in the crowd too, with two familiar police ponies escorting them, Strike Law and Rogue Order. Seeing their looks, the others began to grow concerned.

"What is it?" Lock Down asked. "What's wrong?"

Spike turned to Lock Down. "There's a big crowd of angry ponies coming this way. It looks like it's virtually the whole town."

Applejack glared seriously with concern. "An' they sure don't look happy."

Lawful Eye growled. "And it looks like those two police ponies are back."

Twilight's eyes widened with shock as she saw the angry crowd outside gather round the library. Out of fear, Twilight lit her horn quickly, and conjured up a magical protective force field around the outside of the library. The crowd stopped some metres from the force field surrounding the library, and began shouting numerous things in anger.

"Phew!" Twilight wiped her brow. "That was too close."

"But it looks like they've got us surrounded." Spike said.

"Oh, no. They're probably looking for Abacus, and think he's here." Fluttershy fearfully moaned. "What are we going to do?"

Twilight turned to Fluttershy. "Don't worry. The magical barrier I just put up will keep anypony and anything from entering."

"But we still need ta face them," Applejack said. "We can't stay inside this magic barrier thingy forever."

"Applejack's right." Lawful Eye adjusted her glasses. "We should go out to face them. If they ask for Abacus, don't tell them where he is." She sighed. "I just hope Princess Luna and Prince Shor's plan comes soon."

"Do not worry. My sister, my brother and I will accommodate him, and try to talk with him. But tomorrow we are going to reveal the truth to the citizens of Ponyville."

"What do you mean? How are you going to do that?"

"What are ya planin' there, Princess? Care ta fill us in?"

"Worry not, my little ponies. Just release those pictures of Abacus Sum, Sapphire Shores, and myself for the town's newspaper to publish as you originally planned. And leave the rest to my sister, my brother, and I."

Lawful Eye closed her eyes with concern as she recalled what Luna had said the previous day. "Very soon."

"Come on, everypony," Twilight said. "Let's go out and face them."

Lawful Eye, Warden Rehab, Lock Down, Spike, Scootaloo, Flawless Glow, and the Main Six approached the front door with Twilight opening it with her magic. The angry crowd began shouting at them as they stepped outside while still remaining protected inside the force field.

"We caught on to your dirty trick!"

"You wasted our entire time at Sugarcube Corner just to have Sapphire Shores all to yourselves!"

"I took time off work because I promised my little girl we'd get her Sapphire Shores's autograph for her birthday, and now she's heartbroken!"

"And to have her with Abacus Scum! And with a fake cardboard image of Princess Luna and Prince Shor!"

Mayor Mare and Lady Justice stepped forward with Officers Strike Law and Rogue Order at their side.

"Where is Abacus?" Officer Strike Law glared. "And we know you know where he is. Now hoof him over!"

"He's not here," Lock Down said. "And if he was, we'd never turn him in over to you. So why don't you go and get lost?!"

Officer Rogue Order glared. "We have a warrant for his arrest. Now where is he?!"

"He ain't here," Applejack said. "He's somewhere where y'all will never get him!"

"You see?!" A voice came out of the crowd, and a familiar stallion, Coco-Nut revealed himself, with his wife, Honey Blossom, and daughter, Buttercup. "I told you that they're hiding him! They're hiding a dangerous criminal! He assaulted and bit Storm Dasher, putting him in hospital! He nearly ripped a piece off him! He assaulted me too! He was going to kill one of us!"

"GOOD!" Scootaloo shouted. "And that's the least you bastards deserve!"

Rainbow Dash placed a hoof on Scootaloo. "Chill, little buddy."

Coco-Nut pointed at his daughter, Buttercup, who had scrapes still healing, and was standing next to her mother, Honey Blossom. "And he hurt my little girl in the park!"

Honey Blossom came up next to Coco-Nut. "Is that not proof enough of him being dangerous?!"

"Not so fast!"

Everyone turned their heads to where the voice came from. Walking their way to from the crowd and standing in front of them was a group of Ponyville locals. They were Granny Smith, Big McIntosh, Derpy, Cheerilee, Dr Stallion, Cup Cake and Carrot Cake with their twin babies, and the donkey, Matilda.

"I saw the events of what happened to little Buttercup on that day," Cheerilee said. "Abacus didn't hurt her, she fell off her scooter by simply tripping on a stick and hurting herself. And Abacus tried to help her."

Cup Cake and Carrot Cake came up. "We believe Cheerilee. We don't believe Abacus would ever hurt a child."

Cup Cake stroked Pumpkin Cake's head, making Pumpkin Cake coo. "We trusted him with the twins when he got to meet them the last time he came down to the bakery."

Derpy stepped forward. "And Abacus was crying when seeing Mr and Mrs Cake's twin babies, because it reminded him of how he was going to be a father of a child that he lost along with Tiger Lily."

"He's a true blue bloke, with a heart of gold," Dr Stallion said. "Which is more I can say about any of you mongrels!"

"We all know Abacus better than any of y'all." Granny Smith scowled. "Y'all can bet yer crab apples on that!"

Big Mac nodded. "Eeyup."

Matilda came forward. "And though I didn't have the chance to see Abacus when I had recently, and even though it was quite deceptive of these ponies to do what they did, I for one am glad that they did it, and even suspected it. I always believed he was innocent. Abacus needs good friends like us." She glanced at Twilight and the others in the force field. "...Like them."

"Sentiments will get you nowhere," Officer Strike Law said. "He is a wanted pony under charges of six counts of assault and battery, one count of grievous bodily harm, resisting arrest, child molestation, and destruction of property!"

Rainbow Dash growled. "That's a lie! Those charges are false, and it was you who assaulted him, and you know it!"

"Abacus didn't do anything wrong," Fluttershy said. "He'd never hurt a fly!"

Officer Rogue Order glared. "We told you before: It's our word against yours!"

"Enough!" Mayor Mare stepped forward with Lady Justice. "You deceived us with that letter, and fooled the whole town. And have Sapphire Shores pose with Abacus in the picture with a fake cut out of Princess Luna and Prince Shor is-"

"It was NOT fake!" Rainbow Dash shouted. "Princess Luna did come to us yesterday!"

Twilight stepped forward. "It's true, Mayor. The princess did arrive to see us with Abacus."

Lady Justice scowled. "You lied to us before with that letter yesterday! How can we believe any word you say now?"

"Because they are good ponies," Lawful Eye said. "They went through all this, risked everything, and it was all for him!"

Lady Justice turned to Lawful Eye with that same scowl. "And you! Investigator detective Lawful Eye of Fillydelphia! I've always had a bad feeling about you, that same feeling the mayor and I had with Abacus Sum! Getting that dangerous, murderous pony out, and bringing him back here! And after all the work I put into bringing that stallion to justice for killing dear Tiger Lily, and her unborn child!"

Twilight looked at Lady Justice as she thought inside her head. "So it looks like what Abacus said about Mayor Mare and Lady Justice not liking him was true."

Lawful Eye glared darkly at Lady Justice with gritting teeth. "How dare you! The only thing you, and the mayor did was put an innocent pony in prison, and caused all his horrible suffering! I proved his innocence!"

Officer Strike Law growled. "Enough of this! Where is Abacus?! We have a federal court order for his arrest!"

Mayor Mare glared. "As the mayor of Ponyville, I demand you to tell us where he is and turn him over!"

"Now hoof him over, or else," Officer Rogue Order said. "This is your last warning!"

Lawful Eye, Spike, Warden Rehab, Lock Down, Scootaloo, Twilight, and the rest of the Main Six all looked at each other. They knew that they were safe as long as Twilight's magical force field was up, but they knew that they could not stay inside it forever, and the town would soon find out about Abacus not being here. They each hoped that they could hold out until Luna and Shor's part of the plan came into action soon. Flawless Glow was preparing to fight to the last minute.

They nodded at each other, and turned back with brave, and unintimidated looks on their faces as they said in unison, "Never!"

Lady Justice looked at the ground with silent anger. "Then you leave us no choice, but to-"

"HALT!!!" Yelled a voice. They then saw the armies of the three councils coming from the bases outside Ponyville. Flawless Glow was relieved that it was Kagrenac II. "The Emperor will not tolerate this act of defiance against the rulers of Equestria, the Three Councils, or the Elements of Harmony! We order you to stand down at once, or be arrested!"

The crowd was startled by the threat, but they were not gonna give in until Abacus Sum is brought to justice.

Suddenly, there was a loud sound that virtually echoed throughout the whole town behind the whole crowd. Everyone turned their attention to it, for it was the sound of royal trumpet fanfare. There, they saw a large group of royal guards, some blowing on horns, as they marched towards the crowd. The guards stopped in front of the crowd, as the fanfare stopped, and the lead royal guard stepped forward.

"Announcing her Royal Highness, Princess Celestia! Her Royal Highness, Princess Luna! His Royal Highness, Prince Shor! His Majesty, Emperor Tiber Septim! And Agnorith Septim!"

The lead guard moved away, and the rest moved away partly to make a path in the center for a pair of light fuchsiaish gray colored hooves wearing goldern shoes, followed by a pair of dark blue hooves with blueish-silver shoes walking down, the black shoes. And the grey boots. Everyone gasped when they saw that the hooves and the feet belong to the alicorn princesses, one human prince, the Emperor, and his brother. They bowed down in respect, with the rulers walking through the path of guards and came towards the force field protected library. Twilight smiled with delight, as she brought her force field down, and she and the rest of the main six came towards the rulers.

"Princess Celestia," Twilight said. "You're here."

Celestia smiled. "Twilight Sparkle. My most faithful student. And hello to your friends too."

"It looks like we arrived just in time." Luna turned to the others. "My apologies if we did not get here sooner."

"Are you kidding," Rainbow Dash said. "Your timing couldn't be better."

Mayor Mare rose up, and approached the two alicorn princesses. "Your highnesses. What a surprise. What brings you both here to Ponyville?"

The rulers smiles faded as they turned to the mayor, revealing a look on each of their faces of anger and disappointment. Mayor Mare was somewhat startled, for she had never seen any of the rulers with a look like that before. Soon their angry, disappointed faces gazed upon almost everyone in town, with the town looking confused and concerned at why the rulers were so angry and disappointed. Lawful Eye, Warden Rehab, Lock Down, Spike, Flawless Glow, and the Main Six however were not surprised. Granny Smith, Big McIntosh, Derpy, Cheerilee, Dr Stallion, Cup Cake and Carrot Cake, and Matilda shared the same feelings. Kagrenac II, and his armies also shared their feelings.

Celestia glared at Mayor Mare. "Bring everyone in town to the town hall within the hour."

"Every stallion, mare, and child," Luna said. "That is not a request."

Mayor Mare nodded nervously. "Y-yes, your highnesses. Of course." She turned around to the crowd. "Attention everypony! By royal command, everypony in Ponyville is to attend at the town hall within one hour! And anypony who is working is to stop what they are doing, and come as well! Spread the word!"

The whole crowd went away in different directions around town to spread the word at the mayor's instruction, and the mayor walked away towards the town hall. Twilight thought for a moment, wondering what rulers were planning. When everyone in the crowd left and were out of hearing range, the rulers turned to Twilight and the others.

"I believe you know why we're here, Twilight." Celestia said.

Lawful Eye came up towards Princess Luna. "Princess. How is Abacus? Is he alright?"

Luna raised a reassuring hoof at Lawful Eye. "He is alright, Lawful Eye. Abacus Sum is safe and sound in our care in Canterlot's palace."

"Princess Luna and Prince Shor has been keeping me informed of everything that has been happening," Celestia said. "And we are going to reveal the truth about Abacus Sum to the whole town."

Twilight tilted her head. "How are you going to do that, Princess? What are you, Prince Shor, and Princess Luna planning?"

"By showing everyone his memories." Luna said.

The rulers turned, and walked away in the same direction where the town hall was in town, leaving Twilight and the others alone wondering what they said. Kagrenac II went to Tiber Septim, and Agnorith Septim to explain what was happening. A few moments later, Twilight turned to the others. "Come on, guys. Lets get to the town hall."

"Well! Hello, Rarity!" A male voice shouted.

Everyone turned their heads to were the male voice called out. They see three unicorns in tropical holiday get-ups, and carrying luggage walking towards them as a close by taxi carriage leaves. The first was a very light gray stallion with dark grayish brown mane and tail. The second was a pale fuchsia mare with grayish indigo and grayish persian blue patterned mane and tail. And the third was a little very light gray filly with a grayish mulberry mane and tail with pale, light grayish rose colored streaks. Rarity gasped with good surprise for the three unicorn ponies were ponies she knew all too well. It was her parents, Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumbles, and her little sister, Sweetie Belle.

Rarity blinked for she had almost forgotten that her parents and little sister were due home today. "Mother, Father, you're home."

Sweetie Belle rushed towards Rarity. "Rarity!"

"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity smiled as she opened her front hooves up, and embraced Sweetie Belle in a hug. "Ooh, it's so good to see you." She released Sweetie Belle from the hug. "How was Hawhinny?"

"Oh, it was amazing! The sandy beaches, the shopping malls, and the resort!" Sweetie Belle's voice made an adorable squeak as she said, "It was so much fun!"

"And guess what?" Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumbles levitated numerous Hawhinny styled souvenirs with their magic. "We brought home gifts."

"So, did anything exciting happen while we were gone?" Cookie Crumbles asked.

"Oh, there were a lot of things alright." Rainbow Dash said.

Pinkie Pie bounced. "In fact, we're heading to the town hall right now. The princesses have called for everypony in the whole town to go there within an hour, and I mean everyone. They're going to reveal the truth about Abacus Sum."

Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumbles blinked. "Abacus Sum?"

"Isn't that the accountant in town who was convicted of murder a couple of years ago?" Hondo Flanks asked.

Rarity nodded. "The very same."

"You better come with us to the town hall," Twilight said. "We'll explain everything along the way."

The hour came, and the whole population of the town of Ponyville had gathered into the town hall at the rulers command. Twilight and the others stayed close to the front as they waited. Twilight and the others were amazed on how full the town hall was after the whole town was now inside.

"Well, it looks like everypony in town is here." Twilight said.

Applejack noticed Granny Smith and approached her. "Hey, Granny. Where's Big Mac?"

"Oh, he went ta go get Apple Bloom." Granny Smith noticed Big Mac and Apple Bloom coming inside. "There they are, over there."

Big Mac and Apple Bloom entered into the town hall, with Big Mac carrying Apple Bloom on his back due to her still being sick with chickenpox. Sweetie Belle noticed Apple Bloom, and came over just as Big Mac placed Apple Bloom gently on the ground.

"Apple Bloom!" Sweetie Belle said.

Apple Bloom turned her head to see, to her delight, Sweetie Belle running up to her. "Sweetie Belle! Ya're back." The two fillies hugged, happy to see each other again. "How was yer vacation?"

"Oh, it was amazing. I wish you could've been there to see..." Sweetie Belle suddenly noticed Apple Bloom's chickenpox. "Hey. Why are you covered in red spots, Apple Bloom?"

"Oh, that," Apple Bloom said. "Ah've got chickenpox."

Sweetie Belle's eyes widened with shock. "Wait. Did you just say "chickenpox"? Uh-oh."

"Ya mean..." Apple Bloom put a hoof over her mouth as she realized what she had accidentally just done. "Whoops. Ah'm so sorry, Sweetie Belle. Ah didn't mean ta spread it ta ya."

Sweetie Belle placed a forgiving hoof on Apple Bloom. "It's okay, Apple Bloom. It can't be helped. I'm just glad that I got it after my vacation, and not during it."

"Hey, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom." Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom saw Scootaloo coming over to them. "It's good to have the three of us back together."

Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, Scootaloo caught sight of someone entering the town hall. She glared angrily for it was Coco-Nut, and, to her even greater anger, her father, Storm Dasher. Her father had a bandage on his right neck-shoulder area where Abacus had bit him, and had surgery on. He noticed Scootaloo, and began to approach her, relieved to see her.

"Scootaloo..." Storm Dasher said.

Scootaloo backed away from her father giving him a glare full of anger and hatred. "Don't you come near me!"

"Sweet heart, please here me-"

Before Storm Dasher could finish his sentence, Big Mac stood in front of him, to protect Scootaloo. "That's far enough, Storm Dasher."

Storm Dasher spoke to Big Mac. "But I'm not trying to-"

Big Mac leaned in uncomfortably close to Storm Dasher, giving him an angry glare while looking down on him. "Ah heard what ya did ta Scootaloo, an' Abacus the other day. Ya should be ashamed of yerself, hittin' an' hurtin' yer own daughter like that. Scootaloo don't wanna talk ta ya right now so take yer drunken rage and yer Abacus-hating vigilantism and back off!

Storm Dasher backed away at the angry tone in Big Mac's voice. Normally, Big Mac was not an aggressive stallion, and it was not common to see him angry. Many ponies in town would know better than to ague or pick a fight with a stallion as large as Big Mac if he was angry. The Main Six heard Big Mac's angry shout, and came over. Rainbow Dash came over to Scootaloo, while Applejack came over to Big Mac.

"You okay, little buddy?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yeah." Scootaloo turned to Big Mac. "Thanks, Big Mac."

Big Mac smiled, and nodded at Scootaloo. Though he had said nothing, that simple body language said everything.

Just then, fanfare began to briefly play from a royal guard standing on the stage of the town hall playing on a horn, silencing everyone and getting their attention. The other royal guards closed the doors to the town hall and stood guard.

"Her Royal Highness, Princess Celestia! Her Royal Highness, Princess Luna! His Royal Highness, Prince Shor! His Majesty, Emperor Tiber Septim! And Agnorith Septim!"

The rulers came out, and appeared on the town hall stage. But there was no applause or cheer, for there was still that same look of anger and disappointment on their faces. Almost everyone in the crowd was scared and confused to the rulers looks as they looked around at everyone in the town hall.

"Fillies and gentlecolts," Celestia said. "I assume that many of you have wondered why my sister and I have summoned you here. It has come to my attention that Ponyville is having great trouble because of a return of a certain citizen of your town. One that goes by the name of Abacus Sum."

Almost the whole town began to relax, and began to speak out angrily about Abacus, thinking the princesses were here the help bring Abacus to justice.

"Abacus assaulted and tried to kidnap my daughter! And he assaulted me! He assaulted and molested Storm Dasher's daughter too! And he assaulted him, and he bit him as well!"

"And he assaulted us as well, and resisted arrest!"

"And he destroyed the tombstone the whole town pitched in to place on Tiger Lily's grave! That tombstone was worth a fortune!"

"He faked a picture with Princess Luna in it!"

"That scum is dangerous!"

"He murdered his wife and unborn child!"

"He needs to be put back behind bars where he belongs!"

"Bring Abacus Scum to justice!"

The crowd began to boo and shout in agreement. Twilight and the others watched as they noticed Luna's face began to rise with anger at how the town was being towards one pony.

Luna growled, and in her booming, deafening, royal Canterlot voice, she yells to the crowd, "SILENCE!!!"

The deafening, booming sound of Luna's royal Canterlot voice made the town hall windows shake. The crowd covered their ears, and stopped in fear, for Luna held nothing back in that angry yell. Her voice was a shout of thunder.

Outside, the armies who were watching on the hologram was startled by it.

"ABACUS SUM IS INNOCENT! YOU CITIZENS OF PONYVILLE KNOW NOTHING!"

Celestia placed a hoof on Luna's shoulder. "Calm down, Luna." She turned to the crowd. "Abacus did not commit any of these crimes you say he did."

Luna glared at the crowd. "And that picture was not fake! I secretly came to Ponyville to aid Twilight Sparkle and her friends with Abacus. And after the picture with him and Sapphire Shores, I left with her back to Canterlot, taking Abacus with me."

"As for the murder of his wife and unborn child," Celestia said. "Abacus never killed them. He was innocent. As investigator detective Lawful Eye of Fillydelphia had proved: It was a tragic accident."

The crowd began to blink in both shock and confusion at what the two princesses had said, but were unsure and disbelieving at it.

Luna scowled. "Do not believe us? Well then, we will just have to show you!"

Luna's horn began to glow, and from behind her, she revealed and levitated five sealed glass jars. Inside was a glowing mist like object floating around inside each of them.

"Princess Luna has been keeping me informed of everything that has been happening. And we are going to reveal the truth about Abacus Sum to the whole town."

"How are you going to do that, Princess? What are you and Princess Luna planning?"

"By showing everypony his memories."

Twilight's eyes widen as she recalled Celestia and Luna's words. She looked at the jars with a look of realization, for she now knew what it was that was floating inside each of those five jars.

"Ooh, what's in those jars?" Pinkie Pie said. "Is it candy?"

Twilight turned to Pinkie Pie. "No, Pinkie. Those are memories."

Rainbow Dash tilted her head. "Memories?"

Twilight nodded. "That's right. It makes sense what they meant now. The princesses have magically extracted Abacus's memories, and they're going to show his memory to everypony in town. I've read about memory extraction magic in one of my books. Apparently it's magic so powerful and advanced that only an alicorn can perform it. If performed correctly, they can show any memory of anypony in every detail, and can even show events of things in the past they didn't see." She looked puzzledly at the other two jars. "But I don't know who the memories in the other two jars belong to."

Celestia glanced at the jar while talking to the crowd. "What you are looking at are jars. Inside these jars are extracted memories involving Abacus Sum." She levitated one of the five jars and presented it to the crowd. "This one contains the memories extracted from Abacus himself."

"And with these memories, the truth shall be revealed." Luna said.

Luna aimed her horn at the levitating jar, and fired a lightning bolt like magic stream at it. The jar began to glow around the town hall, with the crowd watching in awe. Then, before anyone expected it, there was a bright flash of light that engulfed the whole room.

Everyone in the crowd that was inside the town hall soon uncovered their eyes. To everyone's surprise, they found themselves inside of another building instead of the town hall. Everyone quickly realized that they were inside Sugarcube Corner. One mare in the crowd turned to see a little filly rushing towards her laughing happily. She got a jump when the filly went right through her, instead of colliding with her. Everyone turned their heads to the direction where the little filly ran off to, only to see a large group of ponies having a party. Kagrenac II and Flawless Glow were also there. Many of them gasped, for it was themselves they were seeing. Then, standing next to a table of treats and a bowl of punch, they all see a familiar dark brown earth pony stallion with a grey mane and tail. Abacus turned around, revealing his unscarred, handsome face. He smiled, as he was looking at Pinkie Pie in the crowd.

"Hey, Pinkie Pie." Abacus said.

Pinkie Pie waved. "Hi, Abacus."

Suddenly, another Pinkie Pie went right through the real Pinkie Pie, and bounced right over to Abacus while carrying a tray of freshly baked treats on top of her head. "Hi, Abacus. Care for a custard tart?"

Abacus nodded. "Oh yes, thank you, Pinkie."

Pinkie Pie tilted her head in both confusion and amazement at seeing a copy of herself interacting with Abacus. She moved closer over to her copy for a closer look. "Hey, what am I doing over there?" She tried to touch herself with her hoof, only to have her hoof go right through herself. "And I just went right through myself." She then reached out to try and grab the treats on the tray, with the same result of her hoof going right through it. "Hey, what gives?"

"These are shadows of memories of the past," Luna said. "Things that have already happened."

Pinkie Pie blinked. "Really?"

Past Abacus eats a custard tart. "Mmm. These are the best custard tarts you've made so far, Pinkie."

Past Pinkie Pie smiled. "Thanks." She turned her head. "Oh! Hi, Tiger Lily."

Everyone turned to the direction Past Pinkie Pie was looking, to see a beautiful, light brilliant tangelo colored unicorn mare, with a light brilliant vermilion and green striped mane and tail. Some were beginning to tear up, for it was Tiger Lily herself. They watched as Tiger Lily came over to Past Abacus and Past Pinkie.

"Hello, Pinkie," Tiger Lily said. "Is the special cake ready?"

Past Pinkie Pie nodded. "Yes, indeedy! Shall I bring it out now?"

Tiger Lily nodded. "Yes, please. I think it's time to reveal the surprise."

"Surprise?" Abacus asked. "I wasn't told about any surprise."

Tiger Lily turned to Abacus. "Well, funny enough, the surprise is actually for you, Abi."

Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack's eyes widened, for they all now recognized what memory they were looking at.

"Oh, my goodness," Rarity said. "I remember this."

Pinkie Pie bounced. "Ooh, ooh, I remember too! This is when Tiger Lily organised that party to surprise Abacus."

Applejack took her hat off in respect. "The surprise was ta tell him that she was pregnant."

"And he was going to be a father." Fluttershy said.

"Everypony! May I have your attention please?!" Everyone at the party turned to Tiger Lily as she called out for their attention and stayed quiet. "Thank you. I have a big announcement to make, and it's also a surprise for all of you." She looked at Abacus. "But more so for you, Abi." She turned back to everyone else. "And it pleases me to know that the efforts to keep this surprise a secret was not wasted."

Tiger Lily turned everyone's attention at the party to a direction. They turned to see Pinkie Pie bring out a cake on a trolley. The cake was big and white, with a white bassinet made of hard cake icing decorated on the top. Abacus was confused looking at the cake, until his face shifted to surprise, and turned to Tiger Lily.

"Lily...are you..."

Tiger Lily placed a hoof on Abacus. "I got the results from Dr Stallion last week." She smiled. "We're going to have a baby."

Abacus's face lit up with joy, as a couple of tears of joy escaped his eye. "I'm going to be a father! This is the best surprise ever!"

Abacus laughed with joy, and he and Tiger Lily embraced each other. Everyone at the party cheered with delight, as Abacus and Tiger Lily shared a kiss. The crowd watching the events of the party of the past looked on with mix feelings. Then the area around them suddenly began to evaporate like smoke as it began to change to another time and location.

The location soon changed to a kitchen inside of a house during the day time. There, they see Abacus and Tiger Lily were standing in the kitchen. They were watching a pale, light grayish brown earth stallion with a dark tangeloish gray mane and tail, and wearing workers overalls working on a power socket at the back of the refrigerator. The stallion wrapped electrical tap around the wires connected to the power socket, and pushed the power socket back into the wall, before screwing it in. After he plugged the refrigerator into the wall, he got up from the floor, and wiped his forehead with a handkerchief.

"Well, that's it, Abacus, Tiger Lily," The stallion said. "Could you turn the power back on?"

Abacus nodded. "Sure."

Abacus walked to the main power switch inside a lower cupboard on the other side of the kitchen. He then flicked the main switch to turn on the power, and the refrigerator began to quietly hum.

The stallion smiled. "Well, the power socket has been replaced, and the wires have been fixed, so they shouldn't give you anymore trouble. I'll send you the bill tomorrow."

"Thank you very much, Mr Socket." Tiger Lily said.

Light Socket smiled. "No trouble at all."

Abacus came over to the refrigerator with Light Socket. "Let me help you with the refrigerator."

Abacus and Light Socket got on both sides of the refrigerator, and pushed it back into its space in the kitchen. Light Socket went to pack up his electrician tools and parts from the kitchen floor, and put them into his toolbox. Many in the crowd looked in confusion as to why they were being shown that part of Abacus's memory. Then like the previous memory, the area around them began to evaporate like smoke, and began to change to another time and location.

The next memory takes them to the same house of Abacus and Tiger Lily, but to night time a few days later.

"That time you're looking at is the very night Tiger Lily died." Celestia said.

The crowd watched as they see Abacus and Tiger Lily enter the bedroom, and went towards the bed. After closing the bedroom door, they each got into their bed, and got comfortable. Tiger Lily sighed happily, getting Abacus's attention.

"Lily," Abacus said. "You alright?"

Tiger Lily smiled. "Of course I am, Abi. Nothing to worry about."

Abacus sighed. "I'm sorry, Lily."

"I know," Tiger Lily said. "You're just concerned for my well being, as well as the baby." She put a hoof on Abacus's hoof. "It shows how much you care. I know you'll be a really caring father to our child."

"And I'm really excited about it." Abacus sighed. "It's just... Well, the thing is Lily... I... I'm sort of scared too. You see, I never had a father, so being one is going to be a challenge and unknown thing for me. I even recently borrowed some books on fatherhood that I've been reading to help me get prepared, and-"

Tiger Lily placed a hoof on Abacus's mouth to silence him, and smiled and chuckled sweetly. "Oh, Abi. You're so silly. Fatherhood isn't something you read in books, it's something that comes from within, just like motherhood." She took her hoof off of Abacus's mouth and shared a kiss with him. "Abi. I'm glad you told me. I was a bit worried at first too, because of the fact I didn't grow up with real parents. But it passed when I realized that I have you with me, and you have me. We'll work through all this together."

Abacus smiled. "I guess you're right. I guess talking about it really does help."

Tiger Lily yawned. "It does. But we'll talk about it more in the morning. Let's get some sleep."

"Sure, honey." Abacus turned the bedside lamp off, and lay down in bed under the covers next to Tiger Lily. "Good night, Lily."

"Good night, Abi." Tiger Lily said cuddling up to Abacus. "See you in the morning."

The crowd watched as Abacus and Tiger Lily went to sleep in their bed together. They were just going to sleep when there was a sudden noise that sounded like a window smashing that woke them both up.

"What was that?" Tiger Lily asked.

"I don't know." Abacus got up out of bed, and walked quietly over to the bedroom door. "But I'll go check."

Abacus slowly and cautiously opened the door, and peered through it. His eyes widened with shock when he saw and smelled smoke, as well as fire light glowing off the walls.

"Fire!" Abacus turned to Tiger Lily. "Our house is on fire!"

"Oh, no!" Tiger Lily jumped out of bed quickly. "Let's get out!"

Abacus pointed to the bedroom window and ran to it. "Quick, the window!"

Just before they reached the bedroom window to escape, a burning wooden beam fell through the ceiling from the roof, and obstructed the window, preventing Abacus and Tiger Lily's chance of escape.

"We'll have to escape through the front door," Tiger Lily said. "Keep low and move!"

Abacus and Tiger Lily went down low to the floor, and began to crawl. They exited the bedroom, and moved down the halls that lead to the living room. The fire had spread to the roof, and the whole house was full of smoke. They soon reached the living room and soon approached the small hallway that lead to the front door.

“Come on, honey!" Abacus coughed. "There’s the door!”

They reached the door, and Tiger Lily opened it widely with her magic. Suddenly, another burning wooden beam fell through the ceiling from the roof. It landed on top of Tiger Lily, pinning her down just before they were safely out.

Tiger Lily reached out to Abacus. “Abi! Help!”

“Hang on, Lily!" Abacus said.

Abacus got up and tried to lift the beam up off of Tiger Lily to free her, but the beam was too heavy, and was hot. He looked up at the smoking, burning roof, for there was a creaking noise coming from there. "Oh no!” He gasped for he realized that the roof was going to collapse at any moment.

"Hold on, Abacus!" Yelled a voice. Abacus looked and saw that it was Flawless Glow coming to help.

Tiger Lily looked at the ceiling, and then at Abacus and Flawless Glow. She then knew that there was no way Abacus and Flawless could get her out by himself, and that the roof was going to crash on top of them, killing three of them. She looked into Abacus's eyes, then Flawless Glows eyes as they struggled to free her. Abacus and Flawless looked back at her, and Tiger Lily smiled lovingly at them.

“I love you, Abi, and Flawless Glow.” Tiger Lily said.

Before any of them realized anything, Tiger Lily shoved Abacus and Flawless Glow out the door with her hooves with all her might, making them fall backwards on to the ground outside the house. Then there was a loud crack, and the whole burning ceiling collapsed on top of her. Abacus and Flawless Glow got up to just see the burning roof collapse completely into the inferno.

“NO!!!!!!!!!”

The crowd gasped with shock at the memory they saw, as the memory showing Abacus and Flawless Glow crying and screaming evaporated like smoke, and the area began to stay neutral. There was a brief silence, with those few in the crowd who believed Abacus was innocent beginning to cry at witnessing Tiger Lily's brave, selfless sacrifice for themselves.

"That's not how it happened," Lady Justice said. "This is a lie!"

"THE PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT NEVER LIES!!"

Lady Justice cringed before Luna's booming royal Canterlot voice. Luna conjured the part of the memory back to the time before the fire started. The crowd found themselves in the same house, at the same time, but found themselves in the kitchen.

Luna pointed at the refrigerator. "Behold, where the trouble started!"

The crowd watched the refrigerator as they could hear Abacus and Tiger Lily's conversation in bed. They suddenly saw white sparks flash behind the refrigerator right when Tiger Lily said "Oh, Abi. You're so silly." It then followed by smoke rising with a soft zapping pop, and fire light glowing from behind the refrigerator. The fire crept up the wall, and spread round the kitchen burning everything and reached through the ceiling, lighting the roof on fire. The fire continued to burn as it reached the kitchen window, causing the glass on the window to burst, which is what woke up Abacus and Tiger Lily. They soon heard Abacus shout "Fire! Our house is on fire!" just as the area evaporated like smoke, and stayed neutral.

"Now do you see? This is what truly happened." Luna turned to Lawful Eye. "Lawful Eye, may you explain?"

Lawful Eye nodded and turned to the crowd. "The fire was a result of an electrical fire caused by a faulty wire in the kitchen wall near the refrigerator. Most likely from a power socket."

Luna looked among the crowd until her eyes gazed at one certain pony. "Can you explain that, Mr Light Socket?"

Everyone turned to Light Socket, the local Ponyville electrician pony, causing him to stammer confusedly and nervously. "I don't understand. I checked the switch, the wires and everything. How could have that power socket I replaced started the fire?"

"The wires that were connected to the power socket in the wall were exposed, which caused them to overload, and catch fire." Lawful Eye said.

Light Socket blinked in confusion. "But I checked the wires correctly. And it was working perfectly. How could it have not overload and caught fire when I turn it on straight away?"

"There is a logical explanation." Lawful Eye adjusted her glasses. "When you inserted the replaced power socket back into the wall, the wires rested against the inside of the wall. Inside the wall, they must've been held in place because there was an exposed nail, and had unknowingly pierced through the electrical tape. That nail would've been the only thing preventing the wires from touching each other, until the tape eventually gave in, making the wires come loose, causing the wires to touch each other with other wires when hitting the inside of the wall. Therefore causing an overload, and to catch fire."

One pony spoke out. "So are you saying that Light Socket killed Tiger Lily?"

"Not exactly," Lawful Eye said. "It was an unforeseen event that occasionally happens to any professional in any field. I am not accusing Light Socket of killing her. It was an unlucky, unfortunate occurrence that very rarely happens. He was very thorough with his work, but sometimes these things can happen, and it wasn't his fault."

Another pony spoke out. "But how did the fire spread to the roof so quickly?"

"Again, there is an explanation for that." Lawful Eye cleared her throat. "As the fire was burning from inside the walls, super-heated air, along with sparks, and embers from the fire spread and flowed to the inside of the roof. This caused the wood and insulation in the roof to ignite in different places."

The crowd was stunned, speechless at the evidence Lawful Eye presented to them. Twilight, Flawless Glow and the rest of the Main Six were amazed. They had never thought to see Lawful Eye's detective and lawyer skills in action, for it felt like she was giving evidence in court. The newspaper did specifically say that Lawful Eye was known for her observant and analytical mind, and now seeing it first hand, they knew that it was all definitely true.

Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity came forward. "Now do y'all see?! Abacus was innocent as we all been tellin' ya!"

"Abacus wouldn't hurt a fly." Fluttershy said.

Rarity nodded. "He was a real gentlecolt."

Lady Justice scowled. "Not so fast!" She turned to Lawful Eye. "How can you possibly prove this?! The investigation team from Canterlot already proved that Abacus lit the fire himself with kerosene! It was premeditated murder!"

"THAT WAS A LIE!" Luna's eyes glowed as she spoke in her booming royal Canterlot voice, with the area beginning to glow and change once again. "BEHOLD!"

The area began to stop glowing, and the crowd found themselves in another location. The area had changed to the inside of the Ponyville district court house. The crowd saw themselves and knew straight away that this was Abacus's trial, at the time his verdict was handed.

"All rise," A bailiff pony said. "District court now back in session! Judge Lady Justice presiding to deliver the verdict."

Lady Justice came out and sat down on the judges bench. She sorted the court papers, and cleared her throat, as she glared at Abacus.

"Abacus Sum. Please stand." Lady Justice watched as Abacus stood up at her order. "Do you have anything to say before I deliver my verdict?"

Abacus nodded as he sadly pleaded for mercy. "Yes. I didn't kill Lily. The investigation team are wrong, it's all a mistake. I loved her, and I always wanted to be a father. I'd never do anything to hurt her. Please believe me. You and Mayor Mare are my friends. You know I wouldn't kill anypony. Please. You have to believe me."

Lady Justice sighed and thought for a moment. "Abacus Sum. Your pleas for mercy sound and seem very innocent, and genuine." She looked up at Abacus with an angry glare. "But I and the rest of this court see it as nothing more than an act from a very greedy, deceptive, cold-blooded murderer!"

Abacus shook his head defiantly. "No! It's not true!"

Lady Justice smacked the gavel. "Silence in the court!" She put the gavel down. "Off the record, both the mayor and I have never liked you from the start, and we were suspicious of you from the very beginning! A married couple who seemed perfect to others, but the evidence the investigation team from Canterlot have uncovered and presented before the court have confirmed about your true character to really be behind closed doors. A monster who killed his wife and unborn child in cold blood for his own greed!"

"No-No!!" Abacus said.

Lady Justice smacked the gavel. "Silence!! Tiger Lily was a good, gentle, innocent soul, who was loved by everypony in town. A dear friend to all, including Mayor Mare and myself. And you took her away from us!" She scowled at Abacus as she spoke to everyone in court. "Therefore, in the case of Abacus Sum, it gives me great pleasure to hereby find the defendant...Guilty!"

The crowd in court began to clap and cheer at Lady Justice's given verdict, with Abacus crying at the desk. Abacus's mother, Arithma was sitting close by behind him in the row of seats at the front row, and began crying too. Lady Justice stayed silent for a few moments as she permitted the cheering and applause from the whole town, for she was aware of the public feeling.

Lady Justice smacked the gavel. "Order! Order!!" She turned to Abacus with the same angry scowl. "Of all my years serving on the bench, I have never came across a murder so planned out, and so cowardly. The first ever murder recorded in Ponyvilles' history that will haunt our town forever. You Abacus Sum are scum! The worst of the worst! Therefore, it sees fitting that you should be sentenced to spend the rest of your natural life behind bars at Hoofstrong Prison Center, the place where scum like you belong! Never to be released!"

Two certain unicorn stallions in black and white suits sat at a second desk in the courtroom. One had a dark phthalo blue coat, with a dark gray mane, the other had a grayish amber colored coat, with a dark amber colored mane. They both smiled with triumph as Lady Justice delivered Abacus's sentence, with the crowd cheering in agreement. Twilight's eyes widened as she looked at the two stallions, for she recognized them both.

It's them. Blue Ward and Cover-Up. Twilight thought.

"All those in favor?" Lady Justice asked.

Almost everyone in the crowd raised their hooves, and cheered "Aye!" angrily in agreement. Lady Justice nodded. "The ayes have it!" She smacked the gavel to end the court. "Case is adjourned!"

"No!" Two royal guards grabbed Abacus. "I'm innocent! I'm innocent!!"

Lady Justice pointed towards the court room door. "Take that scum, and lock him away!!!"

Almost the whole crowd began to angrily cheer, as the royal guards began to drag him away. Arithma tried reaching out to Abacus with tears in her eyes while watching her one and only child being taken away.

"Abi!" Arithma said.

Abacus reached out to Arithma. "Mother!"

The angry cheers drowned out Abacus's innocent pleas, as the royal guards dragged him out of the court house. They reached outside, where the crowd from outside began to angrily cheer, and throw numerous fruit and vegetables at Abacus.

"Abacus Scum!! Abacus Scum!! Abacus Scum!! Abacus Scum!!"

They approached a prison transport wagon stationed outside, where the royal guards shoved Abacus into the wagon, and closed the doors, before the wagon started to move away. Luna stepped forward to the crowd as they watched the memory evaporated like smoke, and the area began to change. She then pointed the crowd towards a direction while still talking in her royal Canterlot voice.

"NOW WATCH AND SEE THE RESULTS OF YOUR ACTIONS!"

The crowd watched as the memory changed to an empty, smooth concrete floored room. It was mostly dark and lit up by a few lights. The sound of a heavy door opening caught the crowd's attention. There they watched to see Abacus being shoved into it by royal guards, with the suited ponies following behind. Just before Abacus got up from the floor, something shot at him from the darkness. A metal collar attached to his neck, and soon followed by the sound of sinister, sadistic laughter. Abacus put his hooves on the collar as he struggled in an effort to get it off.

"You're wasting your time," A voice from the darkness said after laughing. "That's a steelectric collar. It's made of solid hydro-chromatised steel. Nothing's gonna break it under 20,000 degrees of heat, and only a high member of prison security can ever remove it. And best part of all..."

The steelectric collar began to glow with yellow sparks of electricity surging around it. Abacus screamed in great pain for the collar was shocking him, with the voice in the darkness laughing sadistically at his pain.

"...It shocks ponies wearing it with up to 10,000 volts of electricity, causing them great pain at anytime we wish."

The steelectric collar stopped glowing with Abacus crying from the pain that collar caused him. The crowd watched as Abacus looked up to see someone step out of the darkness and into the light. His eyes widen for it was a large minotaur towering before him. The minotaur wore a dark green prison warden uniform, with the sleeves rolled up to his shoulders, exposing his large muscles. Abacus then looked passed the minotaur to see a group of large stallions and griffons appear behind him from the darkness afterwards. Some of the stallions wore armor, indicating that they were royal guards. The minotaur grinned evilly at Abacus.

"Well now, what do we have here?" The minotaur said. "A new addition to our happy home."

"The very one I told you about, Armstrong!" A random male voice from the darkness confirmed.

Abacus turned his head to where the male voice came from. There, one of the large ponies came more into the light. The pony was a large moderate olive colored Earth pony stallion, with a pale, light grayish olive and light yellow patterned mane and tail.

"Remember me, Abacus?" The stallion grinned sinisterly at Abacus. "It's been a long time. Hasn't it...smarty pants?"

Abacus's eyes widen at the stallion for using that name, "Smarty Pants" on him. It was a stallion from his past that he remembered all to well. He was the stallion that used to bully him in his childhood.

"...Rotten Eggs." Abacus said.

"So you remember me, huh?" Rotten Eggs pounded his fist and grinned. "Good. That means this will be all the more enjoyable."

Armstrong raised an arm to block Rotten Eggs's path. "Not yet!" He turned to the suited ponies standing close behind Abacus. "So, Blue Ward and Cover-Up, what did you bring me?"

One of the suited ponies, known as Blue Ward, handed over a case file to Armstrong with his magic. Armstrong takes it, and opened it up to read what was inside it. He quietly read it for a few moments, before looking at Abacus, then back at the suited ponies.

"Premeditated first-degree murder and arson, huh?" Armstrong said. "Tisk-tisk-tisk! That's a bad thing!"

The other suited pony, known as Cover-Up, smiled. "Oh, I'm sorry." He levitated a second file, and presented it to Armstrong. "Here's the real one."

The crowd watching the memory tilted their heads with a look of confusion at what was just said. Abacus in the memory shared that same expression as Armstrong opened the other file that Cover-Up handed to him.

Armstrong smiled pleasingly. "Ah, much better. So this is an innocent pony? A really good profit too." He turned to Rotten Eggs. "Looks like you were right about this one."

Abacus blinked. "What?"

Rotten Eggs turned to Abacus. "Well, I guess since the cat's out of the bag now, there's a secret we'll share with you."

"All the charges that these ponies had laid on you were false." Armstrong said.

Abacus's eyes widened with shock. "What?!"

Blue Ward smiled evilly. "That's right. The fire was caused by an electrical overload with wires of the power socket in the kitchen. After finding your high bank account of 530,000 bits, combined with the 1,200,000 bit life insurance payout, we framed, and falsely charged you with murder and arson. We used some of the three gallon container of kerosene in your garden shed as false evidence, while pouring most of it down the drain. And with the mayor and judge's secret suspicions of you, it was almost too easy. We even monitored and intercepted you and your mother's mail. Especially mail to your friend, Lawful Eye, to get her out of the way."

"Now your money is ours," Cover-Up said. "And it doesn't matter now finding this out, because you'll never leave here or live to tell it. Guess you should've taken the plea bargain, huh? Then again, it wouldn't matter if you did take it or not. You're still screwed either way."

Armstrong laughed, as he handed the real evidence file to a dark red unicorn stallion with a black mane and tail standing next to him, who takes it with his magic. "That's right. Nopony who comes here, ever leaves here alive."

Abacus glared at the suited ponies. "You monsters!"

Abacus charged at Blue Ward and Cover-Up, only to be shocked by the collar round his neck by one of Armstrong's guards, causing him to collapse on the floor, crying and screaming in pain.

Rainbow Dash growled. "You asked for it, jerks!"

Rainbow Dash rushed at the guard shocking Abacus, only to find herself go right through him, and falling on the ground. She got up confused at this, until she remembered that these were shadows of what have already happened. Abacus glared at Blue Ward and Cover-Up with tears in his eyes from the pain of the recent shocks.

"You'll never get away with this!" Abacus said.

Blue Ward chuckled. "We already have. And we always will. We've been getting away with it for the last eight years. You're not the first victim, and you won't be the last. Even Princess Celestia herself doesn't know anything about all this, and she never will. She's too trusting, and they say you shouldn't trust anypony. And when you die in here, ponies will always remember you as a dangerous criminal, just as the name the pathetic town of Ponyville gave you, Abacus Scum."

"Like I said," Armstrong said. "Ponies who get sent here die."

Armstrong looked to a direction where there was a fear-inducing sound of a dog growling. And stepping out of the darkness was a very large rottweiler that sat down next to Armstrong growling at Abacus.

Armstrong patted the dog's head. "After all, pony is Reaper's favorite. Isn't it, boy?"

Armstrong's dog, Reaper barked and growled at Abacus with a look of sadistic pleasure just as Armstrong had, like he was smiling evilly. The crowd watching the memory were completely stunned at what they were hearing and seeing.

Armstrong stopped patting Reaper. "But that's enough of that! I think it's time to give Abacus the traditional Hoofstrong welcome." He turned to Rotten Eggs and the rest of his guards while smiling sadistically. "What do you say, boys? Care to do the honor?"

Rotten Eggs pounded his fist as he and the rest of the pony and griffon guards advanced on Abacus. "With pleasure. And this time, Lawful Eye isn't here to save you. You're all mine!"

A unicorn guard used his magic to make the steelectric collar shock Abacus, making Abacus once again scream in pain. Rotten Eggs then shoved Abacus to the ground, while he was being shocked. The pony and griffon guards advanced with Rotten Eggs, and started to beat Abacus. The crowd gasped with shock as they watched Abacus getting beaten up, with the sounds of him crying and screaming in pain, and begging for mercy. After a whole minute of numerous punches and kicks from the guards, they stepped back to reveal Abacus all bruised, battered, and injured on the floor crying, and bleeding. Another unicorn guard began using his magic to once again make his steelectric collar shock him. Abacus screamed in pain as the guards laugh sadistically. The guards stood around and watched Abacus crying on the floor, until Rotten Eggs grinned and turned to the other guards.

"Hey, boys?" Rotten Eggs asked. "Anypony else got the sweets?"

The guards grinned and nodded in agreement. Rotten Eggs and two other guards then grabbed Abacus and began to tie him up with rope, as two other guards brought out a strange table. Abacus struggled against them, but they were too strong. They began to secure him to the table before putting a ball gag in his mouth, and securing it tightly. The crowd gasped with horror at what they were seeing before them, with little children beginning to cling to their parents in fear. They turned back to see Armstrong approach Abacus now restrained to the table. His front hooves were tied behind his back, his back hooves secured to the legs as if he was still standing, and a ball gag strapped into his mouth. He stopped in front of Abacus, and looked down on him while grinning sadistically.

"Look what I have here!" Armstrong said.

Armstrong presented the case file that contained the real forensic report of Abacus's innocence. He then dropped it on the concrete floor in Abacus's line of vision, and took something out from the pocket of his uniform. It turned out to be a small can with the words "Lighter Fuel" written on the label. Armstrong then pored the lighter fuel on the case file. Abacus yelled and screamed into the ball gag, and helplessly watched as Armstrong struck a match, and dropped it on the case file, lighting it on fire. Abacus could do nothing except watch the case file that contained the truth burn in front of him, and started to shed tears. Armstrong sat down on a close by chair and watched, smiling sadistically as his guards did their stuff to him. Abacus looked behind him to see Rotten Eggs standing their right behind him smiling sadistically as he moved his tail out of the way.

Rotten Eggs chuckled evilly. "I've been waiting for this for years. You're all mine."

The crowd watched on, horrified at what they were seeing. The sound of Abacus's muffled, agonizing screams in the memory could be heard, for Abacus was being raped. The children began to cry in fear, going to their parents for safety. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Warden Rehab, and Lock Down began to growl in anger, while Fluttershy, Rarity, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo cringed, covered their eyes, and cried in fear. Outside the town hall, the armies of the three councils were also horrified of seeing this unfold before their eyes on the hologram. Twilight came over to Princess Luna in an effort to stop her from showing this part of the memory.

"Princess Luna, please," Twilight said. "You can't show them this! You're scaring everypony! Please stop!"

Luna turned to Twilight with white glowing eyes filled with anger, and spoke to her in her royal Canterlot voice. "NO, TWILIGHT SPARKLE! THEY NEED TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT ABACUS SUM SUFFERED AND WENT THROUGH BECAUSE OF THEM! IT WAS WHAT HE REQUESTED FOR US TO DO!"

Twilight looked at the night princess in aghast, for she had not seen her this enraged and serious since her first Nightmare Night celebration after being freed from the moon as Nightmare Moon. Through the look in Luna's eyes, Twilight knew that Luna was not going to stop showing the crowd the pain, suffering, and torture Abacus suffered, whether or not it terrified them to see it.

The whole crowd continued to watch in terror with Luna continuing to show them the tortures Abacus suffered at Hoofstrong Prison Center. Abacus's muffled, agonizing screams echoed throughout the room as he was being exposed to numerous methods of pain, suffering, and humiliation. The memory of him getting raped on the first day of his suffering evaporated like smoke, and changed to another day, and another room. The door opened to reveal Abacus being forced into the room by Rotten Eggs and two other guards with his front hooves tied behind his back, and a ball gag in his mouth.

"Right, Abacus Scum, the smarty pants," Rotten Eggs said. "It's the plug chair for you!"

Abacus looked up to see that in the center of the room was a seat with a rather large, metal plug on it and wires connected to it. He looked in horror as Rotten Eggs and the guards began to laugh sadistically.

Rotten Eggs grinned. "Put him on the chair!"

Abacus struggled as Rotten Eggs and the guards began to bring him towards the plug chair. When they reached the chair, they positioned and began to push Abacus down on to it with Abacus struggling in vain against the larger, stronger ponies. The crowd gasped with the sound of Abacus screaming and crying in pain through the ball gag. A few moments later, they see Rotten Eggs and the guards beginning to walk out of the room. Rotten Eggs stopped and looked back at Abacus who was crying in pain with a pleasurably sadistic grin.

"See you in the morning...maybe."

Rotten Eggs turned to a switchboard on the wall next to the door that had two switches with one saying "Vibrate" and the other saying "Shock" written above. He flicked both switches, and the muffled, agonizing screams of Abacus Sum echoed as he closed the door behind him. The crowd could not believe what they were witnessing.

The memory once again evaporated like smoke, and changed to another day and another location. This time to a prison cell. The sudden sound of the door of the prison cell unlocking echoed in the room, and soon followed by a weak, beaten, and bounded Abacus being thrown into his cell by Armstrong, Rotten Eggs, and his guards. Abacus cried from the pain and abuse he just recently endured, as Armstrong, Rotten Eggs, and his guards began laughing.

"Poor widdle baby. Hurting. Crying for his mommy to come and save him." Rotten Eggs laughed.

Armstrong chuckled. "That reminds me. You don't have a mommy anymore. Because your dumb-ass bitch mommy's dead."

Abacus weakly looked up disbelievingly with tears in his eyes. Armstrong grinned seeing this.

"That's right, scum. She died of cancer, slow and painful." Armstrong chuckled sadistically. "Too bad she never got to see her baby before she died."

"She would've died of a heart attack hearing you scream." A unicorn guard said.

The unicorn guard used his magic to make the steelectric collar shock Abacus, and making him once again scream and cry in pain. Armstrong, Rotten Eggs, and the guards began laughing, enjoying Abacus's pain.

"Go on and cry all you want, because she's dead, trash!" Armstrong grinned with sadistic satisfactory. "You ain't never going to see your fucking mommy ever again, Abacus Scum!"

Armstrong, Rotten Eggs, and the guards walked out of Abacus's cell laughing, closed and locked the door behind them. Abacus was left alone crying from the pain, and from his mother's death. Twilight, Spike, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Warden Rehab, and Lock Down began to growl in anger, while Fluttershy, Rarity, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo teared up at what they were watching. Seeing what those cruel, cold-blooded, sadistic monsters had done to him was so detestable to witness. Outside, Kagrenac II was enraged by that huge deceiving action that would ever occur throughout history.

The memory once again evaporated like smoke, and changed to another day and another location. It showed the same smooth concrete floored room, but in another time. The crowd sees Abacus in the memory bounded to the same strange table with a ball gag in his mouth, and was surrounded by Rotten Eggs and the guards. Armstrong sat close by watching everything with his savage dog, Reaper by his side. Abacus was filthy, and scruffy like he had not bathed for many days. He was crying for mercy from his captures, knowing good and well what they were going to do to him. They looked at him with the same evil, sadistic grin, as they were laughing.

"I got the sweets again," Rotten Eggs said. "Anypony else got them too?"

The guards nodded in unison. One of the guards approached Abacus from behind him as his tear-filled eyes watched the guard with pure terror. The crowd once again began to watch in horrible shock as the sound of Abacus's muffled, agonizing screams echoed throughout the room. Armstrong smiled with sadistic pleasure at watching his guards have their fun with Abacus. His dog, Reaper gave the same sadistic pleasurable smile with him. Rotten Eggs came over, standing in front of Abacus as he looked up with terror and pleading for mercy.

Rotten Eggs removed the ball gag from Abacus's mouth. "You know the routine. And if you resist..." He directed him to Armstrong's dog, Reaper. "You know what will happen."

The crowd exclaimed with grossed out expressions at what they were watching, until the sound of a scream was heard. But this scream did not come from Abacus, this scream came from Rotten Eggs, and it was a painful and terrified scream.

"Get him off me!!!" Rotten Eggs screamed.

Rotten Eggs continued screaming, until he let out an even louder scream of agonizing pain. The crowd watched as Rotten Eggs collapsed on the concrete floor, crying in agonizing pain as he covered his crotch area. A puddled of blood slowly began growing in size around him. Abacus looked on with a psychotic rage-filled face and blood all over his mouth. Then his face and eyes started to change back, like he was coming out of a trance. It was the same way Twilight and the others saw with his fight with Storm Dasher, Coco-Nut, and Officers Law and Order. He was in shock at watching Rotten Eggs crying and screaming in great, agonizing pain, for he began to realize just what he had done. Armstrong growled, enraged at the sight of one of his favorite guards injured so badly by Abacus.

Armstrong turned to his dog, as he angrily commanded, "Reaper, kill!"

Reaper growled and barked viciously as he charged at Abacus at Armstrong's command. Abacus was still bound, and unable to defend himself. He stared with a look of fear at Reaper charging at him, and to that, he realized he was going to die. Before Reaper could go for his throat, Abacus moved the left side of his face in order to shield his throat in the nick of time. The crowd once again began to watch in horror at seeing the dog attack Abacus with a sound of vicious growling and barking, along with screams and cries from Abacus himself. Children in the crowd began to cry to their parents in horrible fear. Princess Celestia began to feel bad, and thought it had gone long enough.

"That's enough, Luna," Celestia said. "Please stop!"

Luna, without saying a word, lifted her hoof in refusal, and directed Celestia to look at an area in the shown memory. Then a few seconds later, the prison doors burst open and a large group of royal guards raided the room.

“ROYAL GUARDS!”

"LETS MOVE! GO-GO-GO-GO!!"

The crowd watched as the numerous voices shouted, and the sound of the dog yelping in pain echoed for some moments. One of the royal guards who had killed the dog rushed over to Abacus, who was screaming, and crying in pain. The guard was shocked at seeing the shocking mauling injury to the left side of his face.

“I NEED SOME HELP HERE!” The royal guard shouted as he undid the ropes bounding Abacus, and tended to his wounds.

A couple of other guards tended to Rotten Eggs. "THESE TWO NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION!"

"Get those two to the hospital Immediately!"

The royal guard captain who made the order came into view. He was a white unicorn stallion with a mane that was moderate sapphire blue with moderate cerulean and dark phthalo blue streaks, along with wearing purple and gold armor. Twilight's eyes widened, for she knew all too well who that stallion was. It was none other than her older brother.

"Shining?" Twilight said.

Shining Armor turned to Armstrong and the other guards, who were captured, and tied-up with ropes and chains. "You're all under arrest, in the name of their royal highnesses of Equestria!"

Armstrong growled at Shining Armor and the royal guards, as the memory evaporated like smoke, and the area began to stay neutral. The crowd was shaken up at what they were all just shown, Twilight and the others especially. They had never expected Luna to show the horrible things that Abacus had suffered. After a few moments of silence, Luna spoke out, but this time in her normal voice.

"I have other things to show you of Abacus's memory," Luna said. "Now watch."

Luna made the area change to another location and time. This time to the inside of a court room. The crowd saw Abacus sitting in a solitary stand in the court room, guarded by two royal guards. His hooves were bound in chains, his steelectric collar had rope connected to it held by the mouth of one of the guards, and his head was down with hopeless sadness. Lawful Eye sat at a desk in the court room before the judge. He was a dark tangelo unicorn stallion with a thick short black mane with tight, small curls, and had a short black beard.

The crowd soon realised that they were now looking at the retrial of Abacus taking place in Equestria supreme court in Canterlot.

“Miss Lawful Eye," The judge said in a deep, raspy, African-American voice. "Do you have anything you wish to say before I deliver my final verdict?”

“Yes, your honor." Lawful Eye stood up from the desk. "Fillies and gentlecolts of the court. Mr Abacus Sum’s sentence and conviction was nothing more, nothing less than a sick crime of evil corruption and conspiracy by the evil ring operating between a police and investigation force, and a high security prison. The ponies from the police investigation force, that was sworn to serve and protect, framed an innocent stallion for his money, like they did to the many other victims before and after him. This case just shows how the lives of innocent ponies can be ruined by the corruption, and greed from police investigative teams like from Canterlot, who have no regard for life. That is all, your honor.”

Lawful Eye sat back down at her desk in the court room. The judge sat there with his hooves together thinking, with the court all silent waiting for the judge to speak.

The judge sighed and looked up. “Miss Lawful Eye. Your little speech was words of truth. And I for one personally agree. Of all my years on the bench, I had never encountered a case as serious, and horrific as this. It is without a doubt the worst case of police corruption, and conspiracy that Equestria has ever encountered. This case is one that will shock me from this day. It is unimaginable to think about the horrors, along with such sickening suffering one must have endured throughout such an ordeal. And with the evidence before me, I hereby find the prisoner, Abacus Sum, not guilty on all charges against him." He smacked the gavel with his magic.

The ponies in the court applauded at the judge's verdict. Lawful Eye smiled and shed a tear of joy that the case was over, and that her dear friend, Abacus was going to be a free pony again. Abacus however showed no signs of joy, and he just sat there with his head down in the same very hopelessly depressed state.

"Order." The judge smacked the gavel a few times. "Order!"

The ponies in the court stopped, and remained quiet at the judge's order demand. The judge then turned to Abacus. "Mr Sum. Do you have anything you wish to say before the courts?”

Abacus said nothing. He just closed his eyes, and slowly shook his head as sad tear escaped out of his eye, and ran down his horribly scarred cheek.

“I see." The judge sighed. "Mr Sum. Nopony can imagine the amount of hurt you suffered. Wrongfully convicted ponies commonly feel emotions ranging from anger and loss, to paranoia and betrayal. The long-term effects of many wrongfully convicted ponies can experience ongoing psychiatric dysfunction and have long-term difficulties reintegrating into society. But you, Mr Sum, were framed. Framed by the police investigation team that society trusted to find the truth. And on the behalf of everypony, you have our humblest apologies. You will be given 120,000 bits in compensation. That's 60,000 for each year of your sentence. It won't fix everything for you, but it should be a start to help get you back on your feet. I would also suggest some psychological evaluation, testing, and perhaps treatment for you, Mr Sum. You will be required to appear in court again in six weeks’ time to testify against Armstrong, his guards, and the former police investigators involved. In the meantime, you will be sent back to Hoofstrong Prison Center, where you will be officially released, and walk out as a free pony tomorrow morning at 10 am. I wish you, Mr Sum all the best of luck for the future.” The judge then turned to face Lawful Eye, and the other ponies in the court room. “In addition, there will be a further compensation hearing on the nineteenth in three months time at 11 am. Court is adjourned."

The judge hit the gavel to end the court, and many ponies at the court who were sitting on the benches began to leave. The pegasus royal guard gently tugged on the rope attached to Abacus's steelectric collar.

"Alright, Abacus," The pegasus royal guard said through the rope in his mouth. "Come on, let's go."

Lawful Eye watched from her desk as Abacus got up from the stand at the guard's instructions, and began to follow the guards out the back door. His head remained down in that same very hopelessly depressed state.

The guards had nearly reached the door with Abacus when Lawful Eye got up from the desk and halted the guards. "Wait." She walked over towards them. "I just need one moment."

The unicorn guard standing behind looked at Abacus, then at the pegasus guard in front who nodded at him. He then looked back at Lawful Eye, and nodded permittedly. "Be quick, ma'am."

Lawful Eye turned to Abacus. "Abi. I'm so happy that this is all over now. I wish I could give you a hug, but I can't touch you." She noticed Abacus's eyes began welling up. "But don't worry, Abi. When I pick you up tomorrow, the first thing I'm going to do is give you the biggest, warmest hug you could ever ask for. That's a promise. I’ll hold on to your money for you. And we’ll make these monsters pay for what they did to you and everypony else in six weeks’ times. I’ll see you tomorrow, Abi.”

Lawful Eye nodded at the guards indicating she was done. The guards nodded back and continued leading Abacus to the door by the rope attached to his steelectric collar. The guard in front holding the rope attached to Abacus opened the door, then the two guards along with Abacus entered and closed the door behind them just as the area evaporated like smoke.

The area then changed to the inside of Warden Rehab’s office, just as the door of Warden Rehab's office opened. Lock Down and another royal guard entered, with Abacus in restraints. They stopped in front of Warden Rehab's desk.

"Do have a seat, Abacus." Warden Rehab said.

Abacus slowly and depressingly sat down in front of Warden Rehab's work desk, with Lock Down and the other royal guard standing on either side of him.

Warden Rehab presented the forms, and cleared his throat. "Well, Abacus. You're just a few steps away from being officially free." He placed the forms down in front of Abacus. "These forms are filled out, and all that's left is for your signature on each of them. Though you will be required to testify against Armstrong and his guards, and the members of the Canterlot Police Investigation Force in court in six weeks’ time. And that all this has to remain classified. That means, apart from us, Lawful Eye, and any of the members of Task Force River, and royalty, you must never talk about this to anypony until this is revealed with permission. Do you understand these terms?"

Abacus did not say anything, he just sadly closed his eyes and slowly nodded. The Main Six looked at each other at what they witnessed, finding out the truth of what was said. As well as finding out the reason that it was to remain top secret. They watched as Warden Rehab levitated a pen to Abacus with his magic, and pointed with his hoof at the bottom of the forms.

"Just sign right here, and here." Warden Rehab said.

Abacus depressingly took the pen in his mouth, and leaned forward to sign the forms. He slowly writes his signature on each of the forms, and puts the pen down. Warden Rehab took the forms and inspected each of Abacus's signatures. He looked up at Abacus, and smiled.

"Everything checks out." Warden Rehab turned to Lock Down. "Take Abacus to block four."

Lock Down nodded. "Yes, Warden." He turned to Abacus. "Well, Abacus. Let's get going."

Abacus got up from the chair at Lock Down's instructions, and walked out of Warden Rehab's office with the Lock Down, and the second guard. Warden Rehab began to follow them as the area evaporated like smoke once again, and change.

This time it changed to Lock Down and Abacus standing around in the lobby of Hoofstrong Prison Center. Lock Down recognized it as to when Abacus ran away before Lawful Eye could meet and pick him up. He watched his past self in the memory converse with Abacus.

"Well, Abacus," Lock Down said. "Looks like your nightmare is over. Your first day back into the outside world starts soon. No more chains, no more barred cells, no more steelectric collars. It's all behind you. I don't know about you, but if I were you, I'd be planning a real nice vacation somewhere. Like Sydneigh, or Manehattan, or Las Pegasus. In fact, I hear Hawhinny is really good this time of year. I think you'd need that after all this."

Abacus did not show any joy from his situation at all. Lock Down tilted his head, puzzled as he saw another sad tear come out of his eye, and down his cheek.

"Why still the tears? You're a free pony now." Lock Down smiled positively. "I bet all your friends and family will be so happy to see you, and are probably planning the biggest "Welcome Home" party for you when you get home."

Abacus shook his head. "...No."

"No?" Lock Down asked. "But what about your mother? Surely she'll be so happy to see you?"

Abacus winced and shook his head. "No, she won't."

Lock Down blinked. "But she's your mother, Abacus. She won't care if you were in prison."

Abacus looked at Lock Down looking very upset. "How can she even care?! My mother is dead! She's been dead for nearly a year!"

Lock Down eyes widened with shock at both Abacus's outburst, and at how he knew about his mother's death. "How do you know that?"

Abacus winced, struggling not to burst into tears. "...Armstrong. ...They told me."

"Poor widdle baby. Hurting. Crying for his mommy to come and save him. Hahaha!"

"That reminds me. You don't have a mommy anymore. Because your dumb-ass bitch mommy's dead. That's right, scum. She died of cancer, slow and painful. Hehehe! Too bad she never got to see her baby before she died."

"She would've died of a heart attack hearing you scream."

"AHHHHH!!!"

"Hahaha!"

"Go on and cry all you want, because she's dead, trash! You ain't never going to see your fucking mommy ever again, Abacus Scum!"

"HAHAHAHAHA!!!!"

Lock Down was in great shock after hearing Abacus's retelling of what happen, speechless at what he heard. Abacus glared at Lock Down with tears in his eyes.

"You've been lying to me! All of you have! And all this time, I already knew the truth!" Abacus began to cry struggling to keep his anger. "So if you say I have so much waiting for me, you're wrong! I have no home to go home to! I don't have any friends and family waiting for me! I have nopony at all!!"

Abacus began to sob and cry with his head down, as he turned away from Lock Down.

Lock Down reached his hoof at Abacus. "Abacus, plea-"

Abacus turned around to Lock Down before he touched him. "LEAVE ME ALONE!!"

Abacus turned back and continued to cry his heart out. Lock Down's heart sank to see Abacus like that, it also sank more to find out that he knew the truth about his mother's death the whole time. And the fact that Lock Down did not know about Abacus's mother being dead, and that it cruelly came from Armstrong and his guards made everything so much worse.

"I'll get Rehab," Lock Down said. "He'll have a talk with you about it. Just wait here, Abacus. I'll be back."

Lock Down walked back through the security door to go and get Warden Rehab, leaving a distraught Abacus alone in the lobby. Abacus continued to sob in the lobby for a few moments, until he looked at the entrance. He focused at the view of outside with tears in his eyes.

Abacus spoke to himself. “I’m all alone… All alone…”

After saying that, Abacus ran out of the lobby, and out the prison. He ran as fast as his hooves could, with tears in his eyes. Not even looking back. The memory then evaporated like smoke.

The area then changed again to show an area outside in the dark at night time. It had apple trees, and a kids clubhouse built on one of them. The Main Six, Flawless Glow, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders almost immediately recognized that the area was the Cutie Mark Crusaders' clubhouse located in a secluded, private part of Sweet Apple Acres.

They turned their heads as they heard something coming from the sound of rustling bushes. From the bushes, stepping out into the moon light was Abacus. He was scruffy, and very exhausted. He looked at the apple trees around the area, for he knew he was at Sweet Apple Acres. He picked an apple off one of the closest apple trees, and was slowly about to take a bite when a raindrop landed on his snout. Soon, a downpour started, with thunder rumbling. Abacus looked around until he noticed the Cutie Mark Crusaders' clubhouse close by. He then climbed up the ramp, opened the door of the clubhouse, and entered to take shelter inside, closing the door behind him.

Inside the clubhouse, the crowd watched as Abacus went into a corner of the clubhouse. He took a bite of the apple he just picked, and winced when he chewed it. The apple he was eating was sour due to it not being ready to be picked. He kept on eating it because if it being the only source of food that was around. Abacus was so hunger, that he even ate the apple core, which tasted worse than the sour apple itself. He dropped his body on the clubhouse floor, and began to cry as the rain outside continuously fell. Twilight and the others looked on with a look of pity seeing Abacus in the memory. Sweetie Belle, though she did not see nor met Abacus, could not help, but feel sorry for him. She had never seen a full grown stallion cry like he did, but after witnessing what he went through, she did not blame him.

The memory once again evaporated like smoke, and changed to the same area, but during the daytime. Abacus was asleep after not sleeping very well, and did not sleep until dawn. He woke up, in the middle of the day for the sunlight was too bright for him to try and sleep. He got up and wiped his eyes, before looking around the inside of the clubhouse. Inside, Abacus saw numerous things around the clubhouse. There were craft materials, posters, a podium, and a map of Ponyville that looked to be roughly drawn by a child. It was there Abacus realized that this was a children's clubhouse. He looked at one of the kid drawings, and began to tear-up. The drawing reminded him of how he was going to be a father to a child he would never know due to it perishing in the horrible house fire along with his wife. Just as Abacus put the picture back down, the door to the clubhouse suddenly burst open, to reveal two familiar little fillies, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo holding a long, thick rope made into a lasso.

"BUST THAT BURGLAR!!” Apple Bloom and Scootaloo yelled in unison.

Abacus jumped, startled by Apple Bloom and Scootaloo charging at him. Apple Bloom then threw the lasso that successfully caught him around his neck.

“I got him!!" Scootaloo held on to the rope and pulled when Abacus bolted for the door, almost effortlessly taking her with him. "Whoa!" She held on to the rope as Abacus ran out the clubhouse door. He turned while going down the ramp, causing Scootaloo to turn, and hit her head on the opened door. "Ow!"

Scootaloo fell over backwards letting go of the rope while she covered the right side of her face with her hoof. She struggled to get up with her head still throbbing as Apple Bloom came rushing past her, running after Abacus briefly. Apple Bloom watched Abacus run off with the rope falling off, and disappearing out of sight. Scootaloo got up, and walked over to Apple Bloom. She moaning from the throbbing pain on the right side of her face.

“Hey, quick," Apple Bloom said. "He’s gettin’ away!”

Scootaloo groan. “He’s too far. We’ll never catch him now.”

Apple Bloom sighed. “Ah guess we’re not cut out ta be burglar busters.”

“You said it. Ow!" Scootaloo slowly uncovered her face to show a black eye. "It’s a painful talent to do.”

Sweetie Belle, after seeing the memory of what happened turned to Apple Bloom and Scootaloo with shocked look. "Burglar busters? You mean you did crusading without me?! I thought we agreed not to do any crusading until I got back!"

"Sorry, Sweetie Belle." Apple Bloom and Scootaloo said.

Storm Dasher in the crowd tilted his head at witnessing the memory of what really happened, beginning to doubt his thoughts on Abacus. "So...he didn't hit Scootaloo?"

Scootaloo turned her head to Storm Dasher giving him an angry, hateful glare that said it all. Luna overhearing Storm Dasher spoke out.

"That is right." Luna turned to the rest of the crowd. "Now watch as the truth of what happened with the other incidents shall be revealed."

The memory once again evaporated like smoke, and changed to show different times and scenes of Abacus's memory. The first was of the incident at Sugarcube Corner where Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon rudely taunted and provoked Abacus to the point of where he lashed out at them.

The next one was of when Coco-Nut and Honey Blossom's daughter, Buttercup got hurt. They see her run over a stick she failed to see, and fall off her scooter on to the path hard just across from the bench where Abacus was sitting. They then see Abacus come to Buttercup's aid, help her up, and began brushing her off, before they see Honey Blossom running over in a rage, shouted "Get away from my baby, you monster!!", assaulted him, and picked her crying daughter up and rushing off. Honey Blossom and Coco-Nut looked at each other with same feelings of doubt on their thoughts on Abacus as Storm Dasher.

The next memory was in the hospital, when the brick with the death threat note attached to it smashed through the window of his hospital room. And the last memory then showed the events of what happened at the cemetery. It showed Abacus, with Fluttershy, Flawless Glow, and Scootaloo standing in front of the tombstones of the Tiger Lily and his mother. The Dwemer Guards were there too. He looked at the writing on Tiger Lily's grave, and began to cry about it. They see Scootaloo trying to comfit Abacus, and him pulling Scootaloo into a hug, crying until they see Storm Dasher, Coco-Nut and Officers Law and Order come in. They see Storm Dasher and Coco-Nut advance on Abacus, and began to punch him with Officers Law and Order watching everything, allowing them to do what they did. Then they see Abacus go into a savage, unstable, psychotic rage, and lashed out with Officers Law and Order joining in against him. The fight scared the little children in the crowd, especially when they saw Abacus bite Storm Dasher like a savage animal, nearly taking a whole chunk off of him.

"Princess Luna, stop now," Celestia said. "They've seen enough of this."

Luna turned to Celestia and nodded. Her horn began to glow, and the memory once again evaporated like smoke. There was a blinding flash, and everyone covered their eyes. A moment later, everyone in the crowd uncovered their eyes, to find themselves back inside the town hall. They all looked in confusion on whether or not it was another part of Abacus's memory. Outside, the hologram turned off as the memory went off.

Luna, noticing this, spoke out to the crowd. "Your eyes do not deceive you. The memory is over. You never left the room at all."

Celestia stepped forward. "Now do you understand? Abacus Sum was, and is innocent of everything. Tiger Lily was killed by a tragic accident, not murder."

Luna noticing the children all shaken up and scared from what they saw, bowed her head down apologetically. "I am sorry your dear children had to witness all of those horrific things, but it was the only way to show the truth."

Lady Justice began to ponder for a moment with mixed feeling. "So...Abacus was really innocent?"

"Yes, Lady Justice," Celestia said. "And as you had witnessed in his memory, Abacus was a victim of horrible conspiracy that not even I was aware of until nearly a year ago."

"Hold on. I think we should have them tell it, along with the other two memories to show." Luna turned to the royal guards behind her. "Bring out the prisoners!"

A few of the royal guards nodded as they went backstage. The crowd looked on as the guards came back, escorting a row of ponies, and a familiar large minotaur on the town hall stage. There were three unicorns, and an Earth pony who was in fact the pony, Rotten Eggs. Two of the three unicorns were Blue Ward and Cover-Up of the Canterlot investigation team. They were bound in chains, and ironically had strange anti-magic devices made of metal locked on the horns of the unicorns. As well as steelectric collars on each of them. All except for one of them, a dark red unicorn stallion with a black mane and tail who had only chains, and an anti-magic device on his horn, but no steelectric collar.

"These are the villainous scum who did these horrific acts," Luna said. "And now I will show you the memories of the corrupted investigation team."

Luna levitated another of the three jars, and shot another lightning bolt like magic stream at it. The jar began to glow around the town hall, and a bright, blinding flash of light that engulfed the whole room. The crowd then found themselves inside an office in a building. Sitting inside the office, they see Blue Ward sitting at his desk. He looked up as Cover-Up came into his office.

"Blue Ward?" He asked.

"Yes, Cover-Up." Blue Ward said.

"We just got a letter from Ponyville." Cover-Up presented the letter and handed to Blue Ward. "The mayor herself has requested us to investigate on a house fire. This one has a fatality with one survivor."

Blue Ward raised an intriguing eyebrow as he read the letter. He looked up, nodded, and got up from his desk. "Organize the next train to Ponyville. This one could possibly be another good one."

"Right, Inspector." Cover-Up said.

The two suited ponies left the office as the memory evaporated like smoke, and the area began to change location. The location changed to Mayor Mare's office, where Mayor Mare and Lady Justice were sitting inside waiting. The door opened, and Blue Ward and Cover-Up came inside.

Blue Ward stopped in front of her desk, with his unicorn stallion partner. "Ms Mayor? I'm Chief Inspector Blue Ward of the Canterlot investigation force." He turned to his partner. "And this is Detective Lieutenant Cover-Up."

Mayor Mare and Lady Justice nodded. "I'm Mayor Mare of Ponyville."

"And I'm Lady Justice, the local court judge."

"So let's get down to business," Cover-Up said. "You called upon us to investigate a house fire with a fatality and a lone survivor."

Lady Justice nodded. "That's correct. We both did. A very popular and beloved local pony couple's house burnt down the previous night. Abacus Sum survived..." Lady Justice sniffled, trying her best to be professional and not cry. "But his wife, Tiger Lily, didn't make it. And she was over four months pregnant. The fire fighting crew have recovered her remains."

Cover-Up took some notes. "I see. That sounds very tragic indeed, and for the husband especially."

"And where is Abacus Sum now?" Blue Ward asked.

"He's at his neighbor's place. He is most distraught of it." Mayor Mare adjusted her glasses. "Although, the story he told us of what happened is...very questionable."

Blue Ward tilted his head. "Questionable?"

Mayor Mare nodded. "Yes. He states that he doesn't know how the fire started. And that he heard a window smash, and that he saw the fire in the hall, and that Tiger Lily pushed him out the door before the roof collapse."

"There is just something not adding up to his version of the event," Lady Justice said. "And with no other witnesses, we suspect that he might have...killed her."

Cover-Up raised an eyebrow. "That is a serious accusation."

Lady Justice sighed. "Well, off the record, the mayor and I have had a bad feeling about him. Ever since he came to Ponyville with his wife from Fillydelphia."

"We really loved his wife, but something about him gives us a bad feeling. Though we never told anypony or showed it." Mayor Mare cleared her throat. "However, we could be wrong about him."

Lady Justice cleared her throat. "And since this town has no police force, we would like you to investigate it to see if his version of what happened is true."

"Well, having a bad feeling about somepony isn't evidence," Blue Ward said. "There is a possibility he could be telling the truth. That's what we're here for. To find out the truth. So you leave the investigating to us."

Lady Justice nodded. "But of course."

"I just hope our suspicions of him are wrong." Mayor Mare said.

Cover-Up cleared his throat. "The first thing we need to do is question the husband of the deceased. Where can we find him?"

The crowd watched as the memory evaporated like smoke, and once again change to another location. Blue Ward and Cover-Up knock on the front door of a house next door to the burnt out, blackened remains of what was once was Abacus and Tiger Lily's home. A moment later, the front door opened to reveal Derpy.

"Miss Derpy?" Cover-Up asked.

"Yes?" Derpy tilted her head. "What can I do for you?"

Blue Ward and Cover-Up presented their badges. "Blue Ward and Cover-Up of the Canterlot investigation force."

"Is Abacus Sum here?" Cover-Up asked. "We're here to ask him some questions in regards to the recent tragic incident last night."

"Oh sure," Derpy said. "He's in the living room. But I should tell you: he's very distraught."

Blue Ward nodded. "That's understood. Can we see him?"

Derpy nodded, welcomed Blue Ward and Cover-Up inside her house, and escorted them into the living room. Inside the living room, Abacus was sitting on the sofa crying from the tragic loss of his wife with his hooves over his eyes. Derpy sat down on the sofa next to Abacus, and patted his back to comfit him.

"Abacus? These nice police ponies from Canterlot are here to see you."

Abacus wiped his eyes, and sniffled. "Okay." He looked up at Blue Ward and Cover-Up. "Are you here to help?"

Blue Ward nodded. "Of course, Mr Sum. We're here to investigate on the mayor's request. We'd like to ask you some questions, and to tell us exactly what happened last night. Do you think you can do that?"

Abacus nodded and began to tell them exactly what happened. The crowd watched as the memory once again evaporated like smoke, and once again change to another location and time. It changed to the burnt out, blackened remains of Abacus's house the next day. Blue Ward looked at the house examining the scene, when Cover-Up came forward towards him.

"Found anything, Inspector?" Cover-Up asked.

Blue Ward turned to Cover-Up. "Well, it looks like the fire was an electrical overload in the kitchen's power socket behind the refrigerator in the kitchen. And I found out by checking records, they had that power socket replaced nearly a week ago. How about you on your end?"

Cover-Up smiled and levitated some papers. "Well, I've got something that will intrigue you greatly. What you said about this one being a good one could be true. Have a look at these."

Blue Ward took the papers and began to read them as Cover-Up explained what he had found.

"I did a check on he and his wife's personal information," Cover-Up said. "Apparently I found that there is a life insurance payout of over one point two million bits for his wife's death. And Abacus Sum has about five hundred and thirty thousand bits in his bank account, due to him being a very skillful accountant, and tax agent. This pony is a gold mine."

Blue Ward smiled at hearing what was told to him as he read the papers of information Cover-Up had just found. "Excellent. Looks like we got what we need."

The crowd blinked in confusion at what they said. Then the memory once again evaporated like smoke, and once again change to another location and time. It changed to the inside of Hoofstrong Prison Center the next day. Blue Ward and Cover-Up waited in a hall outside a room, and a moment later, Armstrong, and two of his guards, Rotten Eggs, and a dark red unicorn stallion with a black mane and tail came out, and closed the door as the sounds of screaming could be heard, and muffled out when the door closed.

"Well, Blue Ward and Cover-Up," Armstrong said. "What do I owe the pleasure?"

Blue Ward smiled. "We came to inform you that we have another one for you."

"And he's a real gem." Cover-Up said.

Armstrong raised an intrigued eyebrow. "A gem, you say?"

Cover-Up nodded. "A one point eight million bit one at that. This one is an accountant and tax agent from Ponyville." He presented the information papers to Armstrong. "Have a look."

Armstrong took the papers and began to read them to himself silently. He began grin deviously. "Well, well! You aren't kidding! This Abacus Sum really is a gem!"

"Abacus Sum? He's in Ponyville?" Rotten Eggs glared vindictively. "Finally, I've found him!"

"Oh?" Armstrong asked. "You know that pony, Rotten Eggs?"

"I sure do. And his friend, Lawful Eye. She's the one who got me arrested seven years ago! And she busted my nose in kindergarten." Rotten Eggs grinned as he pounded his fist. "This is a good chance for me to get some payback them both. You can have the money, but Abacus is my real prize!"

Armstrong chuckled impressively. "You definitely are a real vindictive one, Rotten Eggs. No wonder you're one of my favorites. I'm glad I hired you to be part of our operation here. Very well." He turned to the dark red unicorn stallion. "Turncoat. Looks like we got ourselves another one coming here to add to the list."

"Indeed so, Armstrong." Turncoat said.

"Looks like we're in business," Blue Ward said. "We'll wait until he gets his life insurance payout after his deceased wife's funeral. Then after that, we make our move. And with the mayor and local court judge's secret dislike to him, along with their pasts, it'll be very easy. Much too easy."

Rotten Eggs came forward. "You have to watch out for Lawful Eye. If I know her, she will try and defend Abacus."

Blue Ward smiled confidently. "Don't you worry. We found out about her already, and that she's in Manehattan as we speak working on a huge case. We're intercepting any of her mail that will tell her this whole thing. She'll never know anything about it until it's too late."

"And what of the local electrician who worked on the kitchen power socket that caught fire?" Cover-Up asked. "Shall we convict him too, and have it look like he conspired with Abacus? Light Socket was in a way responsible for house fire that caused Abacus's wife's death. Or we could convict his mother, and make it look like a scheme between mother and son."

Blue Ward turned to Cover-Up. "No. Too complicated. Besides, if we do convict him, he wouldn't be worth very much anyway. We go for big gems, not small ones. As for his mother, no. We don't want to be too greedy, and risk arousing suspicion." He grinned sinisterly. "Beside, somepony has to be available to tell their friend the bad news. Too bad for poor Abacus, and his poor, dumbass, bitch mother. Huh? Not going to see her baby boy again."

Cover-Up grinned and nodded. "Yeah, Inspector. I'll be eating my heart out."

The crowd's eyes widened as Blue Ward, Cover-Up, Armstrong, and Rotten Eggs began to laugh sinisterly. Then the memory once again evaporated like smoke, a blinding flash, and the crowd found themselves back inside the town hall once again. The crowd was disgusted and betrayed at what they were just shown as they turned their attention back to the stage where the rulers and the prisoners were stationed.

Outside, the armies of the three councils were furious.

Mayor Mare scowled at Blue Ward and Cover-Up on stage with a look of anger and betrayal. "So all the evidence you presented to us of Abacus murdering Tiger Lily for the motive of money was all a lie?!"

Twilight was shocked and angered at what she had just found and witnessed. "Blue Ward and Cover-up. You two were some of the best of the Canterlot investigation force. Why?! How could you do this?!"

"Why, you ask?" Blue Ward scoffed. "I'm sure an intelligent smart ass like yourself could figure that out."

Luna turned to Blue Ward and Cover-Up, and glared at them threateningly. She raise a hoof pointing towards the crowd in a demanding manner. "Tell them the truth! And if there is any rebellious hostile moves-"

"Save your threats, Moony bitch," Blue Ward said. "We'll talk. It's all over now anyway."

Blue Ward and Cover-Up took a few steps forward on stage. The crowd glared at them as they were about to tell them the truth to their actions.

"So you want to know why? Then we will tell you." Blue Ward chuckled. "It's because we can. Because Abacus was inferior, like all others before and after him. We never cared but enforcing crimes, and bring justice. And on top of that, we and Armstrong's prison never got paid well enough. So then we turned to the method of putting innocent ponies like Abacus Sum in Hoofstrong for serious crimes that we framed them for, where for the last ten years we've been successful."

"And when we got them arrested, tried, and sentenced, we would get any fortunes they had, if any, as well as our salary from the government," Cover-Up said. "And Armstrong would get ponies to torture for his enjoyment. It was there did we form a partnership to our ring, with him and the prison getting a cut of the profits. As well as forming secret friendships with corrupted members of the royal guards and other police members, and even some high members of Equestria's criminal underworld. Getting ponies that had no other witness for their version of whatever happens, those were the easiest. And anypony we encountered that were true criminal, sadists, rapist, thugs, and brutes, we would organize for them to be sent to Hoofstrong. Then Armstrong himself would recruit them to secretly work as guards for him. If they got unicorns, his guards, and his right hoof pony, Turncoat would teach them the spells of how to shock ponies wearing steelectric collars."

Blue Ward glanced at Rotten Eggs. "It was how we recruited Rotten Eggs here. When we heard from sources about his crime of a vicious string of rapes of mares in Fillydelphia, we sent a request for a transfer from the prison he was sent to for his crime, to Hoofstrong. There he was offered to be a guard for Armstrong." He turned back to the crowd. "As Cover-Up said: Ponies that suffered incidents alone without anypony else witnessing to vouch for their version of events was the easiest. And Abacus was perhaps the easiest out of them, and one of the most biggest shares. Usually we would keep pressuring them for a long time in an interview room, depriving the subjects of food, water and sleep until they would forcibly give a false confession, but we didn't need to in this case. With the mayor and the local court judge having a deep, hidden distrust and suspicion of him from the first day he came here, it was easy to convince you dumb fools to think he was a murderer. Too easy in fact, that it was laughable."

The crowd of the whole town, and the armies outside were shocked and livid at what the former investigators had just confessed to them. Mayor Mare and Lady Justice began to feel a great sense of anger and betrayal at what they heard from the very investigators they trusted to investigate.

"So you took advantage of us to convict Abacus of murder?!" Mayor Mare said. "But there was no murder at all!

"And I tried, hoofed out a harsh guilty verdict, and sentence on an innocent pony?!" Lady justice growled. "We trusted you to investigate the truth, and believed you, and all this time, you were lying! You framed him! And it was all for your sick, evil greed to get Abacus's money! You scoundrels!"

Blue Ward laughed as he turned to Mayor Mare and Lady Justice. "That's because you two were the biggest, fucking fools of them all! Second only to Princess Sun Butt! We counted on your blind suspicions, and hidden hatred of him to make our plan succeed! We even checked you both out and found your pasts, and used both of those to our advantage. And we got a huge fortune from it thanks to the both of you!"

The words of Blue Ward made Mayor Mare and Lady Justice growl in rage. The crowd shared the same feelings, for now they knew the truth.

"All of this was happening right under the nose of everypony, even her royal highness herself." Cover-Up glanced at Luna. "That was...until her sister's return from the moon, and an immortal human prince." He glanced at Lawful Eye. "And you. A mere private investigator detective from Fillydelphia, and that secret task force you formed with the F.P.I.."

"Well, you should've been more thorough when writing your fake reply letter posing as me," Lawful Eye said. "Arithma even suspected something was wrong, especially when you mentioned Abacus as just "Abacus", and Tiger Lily as just "Tiger Lily", while I always refer to them as "Abi and Lily" when I write casually to friends."

Blue Ward closed his eyes, and began to chuckle with both impressiveness and detest at Lawful Eye's observation. To think that one little mistake could caused their operation to be found out. Smiling, he opened his eyes up at Lawful Eye.

"Clever mare, Investigator detective," Blue Ward remarked. "Clever mare."

Rotten Eggs stepped forward. "Who would've thought that the detective who busted us would be same one who busted me nearly a decade ago, and busted my nose in kindergarten." He glanced at Lawful Eye. "I wish you could've been there to see Abacus suffer...before he did this."

Rotten Eggs turned his right side to the crowd, and cocked his right hind leg up at the crowd as high as the chains could let him. The crowd gasped with surprise and disgust, with many ponies covering the children's eyes at what Rotten Eggs was showing. Rotten Eggs smirked at the crowds reaction.

"Looks horrible, doesn't it? Wish you could've seen it in its glory. But because of Abacus, it will never function the same way again." Rotten Eggs dropped his hind leg back down, and turn his front back to the crowd, but eyeing at Lawful Eye. "But it doesn't matter, because Abacus will never be the same again either. It was so much fun torturing him while it lasted. Best revenge against you and him." Seeing Lawful Eyes enraged face, he smiled evilly. "That's right. And he cried throughout it all, just like a big baby. It was sad."

Lawful Eye growled through gritting teeth in anger, but restrained herself from lashing out at him. She knew that he was taunting her, and that he wanted her to lash out. Armstrong came up and stood next to Rotten Eggs.

"Like Rotten Eggs said: it was fun while it lasted," Armstrong said. "Seeing all the innocent ponies Blue Ward and Cover-Up brought for me and my men to have fun with. Torturing them, playing with them, and even killing them, stallions and mares alike for ten whole years. And if my men got the mares pregnant, we'd take their kids away after they gave birth, and we would sell them for slavery for a good price. Even though we usually used the stallion prisoners to forcible breed with them. It was so much fun."

"But that smarty pants, Abacus was one of those who never got that privilege to breed," Rotten Eggs said. "He was my bitch for me and the others to play with."

The crowd scowled with pure hatred towards the prisoner ponies and minotaur on the stage before them.

"You monsters!"

"You're completely sick!"

"You framed and tortured Abacus!"

"Those bastards deserve to die!"

"Traitor to the Empire of Tamriel!"

"You are supporters of Jewelius's reign!"

The crowd began to shout numerous things in agreement and anger towards them.

"ENOUGH!" Luna shouted in her royal Canterlot voice, silencing the crowd before turning back to the prisoners and speaking in her normal voice. "Move away to the back!"

"Wait!" The dark red unicorn stallion prisoner came forward on the stage and turned to the rulers. "Your Majesties? I wish to speak to the crowd. Please."

The rulers thought for a moment, before giving the prisoner a nod, permitting him to speak before the crowd knowing how genuine he asked to.

The crowd watched with silent anger, glaring at the dark red unicorn stallion prisoner coming forward before them to speak on stage. They waited to hear what the stallion wanted to say, as he looked at them with a face of genuine remorse.

"Fillies and gentlecolts of Ponyville," He said. "My name is Turncoat. I was the right hoof pony of Armstrong. And I have things I need to tell you."

Caramel and Lucky Clover spoke out. "Well, go on! Speak!"

"Make your taunting last words before you go, and be quick about it!" Lucky Clover shouted.

Celestia raised her hoof to silence them, and anyone else. "Let the prisoner speak." She then turned to Turncoat, and nodded at him to proceed.

"Many of you look at me with the same anger and hate as the others. Assuming that I'm going to taunt you like the others. Well, I assure you that I am not going to." Turncoat sighed. "Many of you, I assume, have even noticed that I'm the only one not wearing a steelectric collar. And I also assume you are wondering why is that. The reason to that is because...I have been given a reduced punishment due to given a reduced sentence." He briefly glanced at Lawful Eye. "The reason I've been given a reduced punishment is because...I was the reason the whole operation of Armstrong, and Blue Ward and Cover-Up ended. I was the one who passed on the information to Investigator detective Lawful Eye."

The crowd blinked with mixed feelings on what Turncoat had just said. Turncoat then turned his attention to one of the three glass jars that was yet to be revealed as he spoke to the crowd.

"That third jar of extracted and contained memories that the rulers have yet to show. Those are my memories. Memories on what I did behind their backs." Turncoat turned to the rulers. "Would you please show them?"

Luna nodded. "Of course."

Luna levitated the third jar, and shot another lightning bolt like magic stream at it. The jar began to glow around the town hall, and a bright, blinding flash of light that engulfed the whole room. The crowd found themselves in the city streets of a city at night time, but in a dark and low area of a city. Soon they see someone walking down the street cautiously, with the light from a lamppost that revealed Lawful Eye. The crowd figured that the city was that of Fillydelphia. Lawful Eye stopped in the street and stayed there, before pulling out a letter. She read the letter to herself.

Dear Investigator detective Lawful Eye,

I have some information in regards to your friend, Abacus Sum, as well as some vital information that I wish to secretly reveal about Hoofstrong Prison Center to you. Come to the low part of the city on the corner of Stable Boulevard and Trot Street near the clock tower at 11:00, and I will meet you there to tell you, and be sure you are alone and not being followed.

A friend.

Lawful Eye looked at the letter, thinking and hoping it was not a hoax, or a trap as she looked at the clock tower that showed that it was exactly 11:00. Her ears perked-up at a sudden sound that came from a dark alleyway, along with her head turning towards it. She prepared herself for anything when she saw a cloaked figure in the shadows.

"Who's there?" Lawful Eye said. "Show yourself!"

The cloaked figure came forward into the light. "Investigator detective Lawful Eye?"

Lawful Eye glared cautiously. "Who are you? And what do you want?"

"I am here to give you information of regarding to your friend, Abacus Sum. As to who I am..." The figure removed his hood and revealed himself to be a dark red unicorn stallion with a black mane which was Turncoat. "My name is Turncoat. I am the most trusted right hoof pony of Armstrong, the chief warden of Hoofstrong Prison Centre. I'm sorry for arranging to see you like this, but I really needed to see you. You are the only one I can trust. They don't know that I'm meeting you here, so it is vital that you do not let anypony know that I'm here, and that I remain anonymous."

Lawful Eye looked at Turncoat, analyzing him for a few moments through her glasses. She then nodded. "Alright. Start talking."

"Of course." Turncoat said.

Lawful Eye listen as Turncoat explained to her what was going on. Sometime had passed since Turncoat began talking, and Lawful Eye was wide-eyed at what he just told her.

"So Hoofstrong and the Canterlot investigation force have gone rogue and are conspiring together in a blood-thirsty corruption ring?"

Turncoat nodded. "Yes. That is true. This has been happening for nearly a decade, and I've been painfully part of it. Innocent ponies, mare and stallion alike, are being arrested, framed, and sentenced to Hoofstrong for crimes they didn't commit by Canterlot investigation force. And they are all getting tortured, abused, raped, and even killed for they're own enjoyment. You're friend, Abacus Sum, is one of them. Every time a prisoner was killed, they would falsely report that it was either during a riot, or that they simply committed suicide. They are also forcing mares to get pregnant from both forcing stallion victims to impregnate them, and being raped by Armstrong's guards. They would take their babies after they gave birth, and sell them to members of a sex trafficking ring the Canterlot investigation force are secretly partnered with to make extra money. What's more disturbing is that most of the guards are all criminals who were transferred there from the Canterlot investigation force's request, and hire them to work as guards. Nopony visits there because the prison forbids anypony from the outside, and that is the reason for it."

Lawful Eye glared. "So why are you coming forward telling me this?"

"Because I didn't want any part of this," Turncoat said. "There's the threat on my life and the lives of every other innocent ponies in Hoofstrong if I told anypony outside. So I had no choice, but to endure it, and patiently waiting for the right opportunity to finally end it. And when I found out about you, I saw it as my chance to end it. I can't bare the pain of this any longer. The guilt I feel is excruciating. The share of the money of all the victims that I got, I hardly ever spent it because I couldn't spend it knowing how it was from blood. So I want to try and make things right, and help you and everypony else by giving information and helping you raid the prison."

"And how do I know I can trust you?" Lawful Eye asked.

Turncoat sighed. "Because I'm the only chance your friend has. Besides, one of the guards torturing him is somepony who knows you and Abacus, and has vengeance-filled hatred on both of you. His name...is Rotten Eggs."

Lawful Eye's eyes widened in shock. "What?"

"Yes. He was one of the criminals Armstrong and the Canterlot investigation force hired as a guard. This was the reason why you didn't know about Abacus's arrest, trial, and imprisonment until it was too late. The Canterlot investigation force was secretly intercepting mail being sent to you by Abacus or his mother on Rotten Eggs's request, knowing how you would possibly ruin their plan, and so that he could torture him as an act of revenge on you for arresting him for violently raping those mares here in Fillydelphia. He plans to torture him for about two years, before having him killed."

The shocked expression on Lawful Eye's face was beyond comprehension, as she began to seethe in silent, absolute anger. "That monster! When I get my hooves on him!!"

"That's why I want to help you," Turncoat said. "There's something else I have for you too."

Turncoat horn began to glow, and something levitated out from under his cloak in his magic aura, and presented it to Lawful Eye. Lawful Eye took the object which turned out to be a case file. She then opened it up, and looked at it, until her eyes widened with shock.

"This...this is..." Lawful Eye looked up to Turncoat. "How did you get this?"

"When Armstrong breifly gave it to me, I duplicated it, and teleported it to a secret cellar that only I know of. The case file of your friend that Armstrong destroyed was the duplicate, like all the other files they thought they destroyed." Turncoat sighed. "For the first two years of the syndicate operating, I studied the teleportation, and the duplication spell in secret until I mastered them to a point where I could use them simultaneously without any suspicion. Along with making the secret cellar to store them in secret, and patiently waiting for the right opportunity to finally end it. I maybe too late for the first victims, but not for the rest. Also. Whatever you do, don't present this to the courts. If you do, the Canterlot investigation force will find out, and Abacus will be killed. They do that if somepony ever found something that could clear a wrongly convicted prisoner of any crime. It's to keep their operation completely secret. I know you have doubts about me, but I speak the truth. I want to put a stop to this, and I am the only hope for your friend. I will do whatever I can to prevent him from getting killed, that is a promise. But you'll have to trust me...like I trust you."

Lawful Eye calmed down, and pondered at what Turncoat had said. It was true that Abacus's only chance of surviving was to put her trust into his stallion. I addition to him bringing the real evidence, that he had kept it safe and locked away to the best of his ability. Realizing this, she nodded. "Very well, Turncoat. But I think we should have officials find out about this too. But I need to know all the ones who are linked to the Canterlot investigation force. You need to tell me all you know."

Turncoat sighed. "Very well, but remember to keep me anonymous."

"Of course." Lawful Eye said.

Turncoat glanced at the time shown on the clock tower. His eyes widened with realization as he turned to Lawful Eye. "I have to go now. I'll call back later."

Lawful Eye blinked as Turncoat put his hood back on, and began to return into the ally. "Wait!"

"I'll keep in contact with you." Turncoat said.

Lawful Eye watched as Turncoat went into the dark ally, and disappeared into a flash, for he had teleported using a teleportation spell. The crowd watched as the memory evaporated like smoke, and changed to numerous locations and times. All of them were of how Turncoat would meet Lawful Eye to give her information, keeping her informed of what was going on, and on occasions talk with the FPI investigators that Lawful Eye had teamed up with from Sydneigh in the planned investigation and raid. Until the next memory was inside of an office with herself, Turncoat, and three other pony FPI officials from Sydneigh, two stallions and a mare. There, they were discussing the plan to raid and arrest Armstrong, and his guards, and take over the prison with the help of the Equestria royal guards, in addition to the arrests of members of the Canterlot police investigation force.

Lawful Eye levitated a teapot with her magic. "Some tea?"

"Yes, thanks, love." One stallion FPI investigator said.

Lawful Eye poured the hot tea into a teacup for the investigator, and put the teapot down on the desk. The stallion lifted the teacup with his hooves and took a sip of his tea.

"Well, as I was saying, I managed to get in contact with Sir Top Hat of the security services in Trottingham. They're sending one of their best agents to help. His name is Southern, and they say he is the best pony for the job. In fact, this would be his last mission before he retires." The Sydneigh FPI investigator was interrupted by a knock at the office door. "Ah, that must be Southern now."

The office door opened to reveal a large white pegasus stallion with a light brown mane and tail, and wearing a tuxedo. Southern walked inside towards the desk where everyone was sitting.

"Afternoon." Southern said in a mild British accent.

"Southern. Have a seat. We were just going over the plan."

Southern took a seat at the office desk, and turned his attention to Lawful Eye. "You must be Lawful Eye? Trottingham briefed me on what's happening, and what you want me to do."

Lawful Eye nodded. "Yes." She turned Southern's attention to Turncoat. "And you'll need Turncoat's help in order to successfully do this."

"It's the only chance we of Task Force River have of ending this," One of the other stallion Sydneigh FPI investigators said. "And one needs to be tough to deal with this type of assignment."

Southern nodded. "Of course. Sir Top Hat shall have to know about this, and he will also be secretly arriving to help go over the plan on his end tomorrow."

The mare Sydneigh FPI investigators nodded at Southern before she turned to Turncoat. "Though, Turncoat, it's only fair to inform you that when this is over, you will still be facing charges for your part in the corruption syndicate, and will be punished accordingly. But as agreed, we will ensure you will be given a much lighter sentence for your assistance in this operation. Do you understand these terms?"

Turncoat nodded. "I understand..."

"Okay." The Sydneigh FPI investigator said. "Now the first thing we need to do is to organise a way to get Southern inside Hoofstrong, and be recruited as a guard. That mean we need to employ deception of our own. And royalty has ordered for this to remain classified."

The memory once again evaporated like smoke, a blinding flash, and the crowd found themselves back inside the town hall once again. The crowd looked back on stage at Turncoat with looks of mix feelings.

Turncoat cleared his throat. "So now you see that I was the one who helped put an end to all this."

"Indeed he did."

From the back of the stage, a white pegasus stallion with a light brown mane and tail, and wearing a tuxedo came out, which was of course the agent, Southern. He was also accompanied by three earth ponies in suits who came up before the crowd.

"Residents of Ponyville. I am Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case of the FPI's Sydneigh office." Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case pointed to the other two ponies. "And these are Detective Inspector Under Cover, and Investigator Tough Job. We are the members of Task Force River, the secret team of investigators formed with Investigator Detective Lawful Eye of Fillydelphia to investigate and uncovering the corrupted, conspiracy ring operating between the Canterlot investigation force, and Hoofstrong Prision Center."

"When Investigator Detective Lawful Eye came to us, and informed us of these accusations, we were in great disbelief," Detective Inspector Under Cover said. "It was only until she presented the case of Abacus Sum did we begin to get suspicious. So we had the Canterlot investigation force under secret, constant surveillance. When Turncoat presented the real evidence of one of their recent victims of that time to us, it was there our greatest fears was realized that what we had speculated was confirmed. After that, we officially formed Task Force River with Investigator Detective Lawful Eye, and made it our priority to bring them to justice for all their crimes, at royalty confirmation from Princess Luna and Prince Shor. We then got in contact with the security services in Trottingham to aid us. "

Investigator Tough Job took over. "The plan was to set up a violent crime, with Southern going undercover as the offender. Since Turncoat informed us on what the Canterlot investigation force would look for in recruiting criminals for Hoofstrong, it was a huge help to end this. When the Canterlot investigation force, arrested and successfully charged their last victim, we immediately and secretly contacted the royal guards to commence the raid on the prison. After the raid of Hoofstrong, and the arrest of Armstrong, his guards, and the Canterlot investigation force, we recovered the eight years worth of case files of all the victims that Turncoat collected in his secret cellar he made and hid in the forest ten kilometres west of Hoofstrong. This was all the evidence to bring all the ones involved in the ring to justice, and to legally exonerate all the victims in court. Though we had to keep the whole thing classified at royal command until royalty ordered otherwise."

Southern walked up next to Turncoat. "If it wasn't for Turncoat, that whole corruption, conspiracy ring would've never have been stopped. After going undercover as violent criminal and being arrested, it was easy for me gain access into Hoofstrong. Though it did took me eight months of harming ponies inside, he hired me as one of his guards, and from then on, I was completely trusted. It gave me time to study Hoofstrong's security to help with the plan. And then it was all a matter of time before Blue Ward and Cover-Up of the Canterlot investigation force would arrest and convict their final victim, and the raid was planned and carried out with Turncoat's help, as well as my own."

Armstrong growled at Southern. "I shouldn't have liked you from the start. If I knew you were a spy, I never would've recruited you!" He turned to Turncoat. "And you! I can't believe I trusted you, Turncoat! You traitor!"

"Among the first lessons in security, Armstrong: don't trust anypony," Southern said. "If only you followed what Blue Ward and Cover-Up had always said in front of you."

Blue Ward and Cover-Up groaned with irritation at the irony of Southern's word being told, as they were the same words they told Abacus on the first day of his time at Hoofstrong.

Turncoat turned to Armstrong. "And how could I be a traitor...when I was never on your side to begin with? I was only pretending to be loyal to you. I was biding my time while secretly stockpiling the real case files, and waiting patiently for the right opportunity to put an end to your evil, sick ring. Your complete trust in me became your downfall."

Armstrong scoffs. "Well, it doesn't matter. If we go down, you go down with us."

"If it means bringing all of you to justice..." Turncoat turned his back on Armstrong and the others. "Then so be it."

"You're pathetic, Turncoat!" Rotten Eggs said.

Blue Ward and Cover-Up glared. "You're scum of Equestria!"

"It doesn't matter if you helped them put us in prison, because you're still scum...like us!" Cover-Up remarked.

"And even if you were ever lucky to ever be released, you'd still be scum!" Armstrong said. "Those who were prisoners are nothing, but scum and trash with no place in this world! So you're nothing, but scum for life! And don't you forget it!"

Turncoat closed his eyes and dropped his head sadly at the other prisoners words with the crowd beginning to feel pity on him, for they now realized how he was just as much of a victim as the innocent prisoners sent to Hoofstrong. Celestia, Luna, and Shor approached Turncoat, and Celestia put a caring hoof under his chin.

"Pay them no mind," Celestia said. "You are none of those things. You're a good pony deep down, and only a good pony would have the heart to do what you did."

Luna nodded. "That is true, Turncoat. It was a very brave thing you did. Learning how to save the evidence of so many innocent victims, even ones that have tragically didn't make it. Not being able to do anything until you could. And coming forward when the right opportunity presented itself to you. To endure what you were witnessing and doing daily for a whole decade, and coming forward takes a whole lot of courage."

Lock Down called out from the crowd. "Yeah! I know scum when I see it. And you're definitely not scum."

Celestia removed her hoof from under Turncoat's chin. "You will still be punished for your part in the syndicate, but you'll be facing a much lighter punishment than the others."

"It's okay," Turncoat said. "I have done some horrible things, and although I deeply regret them, and that they were all against my true will...I will accept my punishment humbly and without complaint when I face trial. I don't care what punishment I receive, as long as I've done the right thing, that's all that really matters to me. In fact, my share of the money that I had from the victims, I would like to give it back to the victims, and their families. It won't be much, but as long as the money goes to them and not me, it will help ease a bit of my conscience. I don't want to buy any forgiveness, I want to earn it. Would you do that for me, your Majesties?"

"That is very noble." Celestia smiled sympathetically and nodded. "Very well. This request, we will grant. And we will ensure that you will be given a second chance to mend things and make things right sooner or later, as well as protection during your punishment. That is a promise."

Turncoat nodded gratefully. "Thank you, your majesty."

Mayor Mare stepped forward with Lady Justice by her side. "On the subject of punishment, and forgive us for changing the subject, but this needs to be said. It seems we have made great mistake. And to that, we have decided drop all charges that we made against Abacus Sum."

"Here, here."

"The same here!" Coco-Nut said.

Storm Dasher came forward. "Me too!"

"Well, we're not!"

The crowd turned to the back to where the voices called out from, for they were the voices of the Cloudsdale police ponies, Officers Strike Law and Rogue Order.

"He is still going to be charged for assaulting two police officers," Officer Rogue Order said. "And he will be facing up to eighteen years jail time!"

The Main Six, gasped angrily. "What?!"

The Cutie Mark Crusaders growled. "You can't do that!"

Officer Strike Law turned to the Cutie Mark Crusaders and stared them down with a glare. "Yes, we can!"

Storm Dasher and Coco-Nut came over to Strike Law and Rogue Order. "But he's innocent!"

"Besides, you heard what they've revealed," Storm Dasher said. "And you saw the memories of what he went through. He suffered greatly in prison, and he didn't deserve it! If you put him in jail, you'll ruin his life even more, and he'll suffer all over again!"

Officers Strike Law and Rogue Order turned to Storm Dasher and Coco-Nut. "We don't care! We wouldn't be as high in the police force if we showed mercy to every suspect, or ex-prisoner! We always get our pony, no matter what! Even if we have do things dishonest to do it!"

Officers Strike Law snorted. "Besides, you wanted us to put Abacus Scum back behind bars, and that's exactly what we intend to do!"

"I don't think so, Officers Law and Order!"

Officers Strike Law and Rogue Order turned around with surprise at the voice that suddenly spoke out. Standing close by with four other police ponies was a light arctic blue colored pegasus stallion with a white mane and tail, a mustache, and wearing a police uniform. Strike Law and Rogue Order looked in concern for they knew very well who the pony was.

"Chief Cloud Patrol,"Strike Law said. "What are you doing here?!"

"I was given an argent order from their royal highness's to be here secretly..." Chief Cloud Patrol glared at Strike Law and Rogue Order. "And I saw everything, even the memories. Including the memories of what truly happened with your encounter with Abacus Sum! And as chief of police in Cloudsdale, I will decide whether charges will be laid or not!"

The Cutie Mark Crusaders came up to Cloud Patrol to plead with him. "Police chief. Ya just have ta let Abacus go. He's a real good pony. He wouldn't hurt anypony."

"Yeah," Sweetie Belle said. "Even though I didn't meet him, I could see it too. If Apple Bloom and Scootaloo say he's a good pony, then I believe them."

"And plus, if you really saw the memory, Abacus didn't hit first." Scootaloo glanced angrily at Coco-Nut and Storm Dasher. "It was Coco-Nut and my dad. They hit him first, and those police ponies let them do it."

Apple Bloom nodded. "And besides, ya saw too what he went through in jail?"

"If you arrest Abacus, he'll be put back in jail, he'll get hurt, and suffer all over again." Scootaloo said.

"That would be dreadful. Please, Police chief. Don't send him-"

Chief Cloud Patrol held up a hoof to silence the little fillies. "That'll do, little fillies. I understand your feelings on this..." He sighed and closed his eyes. "But the fact still remains that he still committed assault on two police ponies. And that is a serious offence that could give him nine to eighteen years in prison."

The Cutie Mark Crusaders sadly dropped their heads, and the Main Six, Flawless Glow, Lawful Eye, Spike, Warden Rehab, and Lock Down felt sad at what they heard.

Chief Cloud Patrol opened his eyes, and cleared his throat. "However...given the circumstances that Officers Law and Order were in an area both out of their jurisdiction, and without authorization...that they supplied false information on the events, and let two ponies unlawfully assault him...and that I have witnessed the truth in the memories first hoof...I have therefore decided, and it's only fitting, that Abacus Sum shall be let off with a warning, instead of being charged."

The others looked up with joy on their faces, as Chief Cloud Patrol smiled. He then turned his attention back to Strike Law and Rogue Order, where his smile faded, with a look of anger, as Storm Dasher and Coco-Nut then came over to Strike Law and Rogue Order angrily.

"You lied to us," Coco-Nut said. "You told us you had complete authorization from your police chief to make Abacus's arrest the other day!"

Storm Dasher growled. "And I can't believe my brother-in-law, Flare Shaker was friends with rogue cops like you two! We nearly put an innocent pony behind bars again because of you! Just wait until Flare Shaker finds out the truth about you two! You pigs!"

"Indeed. And to that..." Chief Cloud Patrol calmly and angrily walks up to Strike Law and Rogue Order, and rips the police pony badges off their uniforms with one swipe of his hoof. "You're fired!"

Strike Law and Rogue Order were shocked beyond comprehension. "You can't do that!"

"Oh yes, I can! And not only that, you both will be facing charges of assault, insubordination, illegal arrest on one the Elements of Harmony bearers, threatening to fire the commander of the Three Council Imperial Legion military, and perjury! You have been using your police status to your own ends! You two are a disgrace to those badges and to those uniforms, and you'll never work in police work again!" Chief Cloud Patrol turned to the four police ponies behind him. "Get them out of my sight!"

"Yes, Chief." One of them said.

"Hold on!" Lock Down walked towards Strike Law and Rogue Order. "Before you take them into custody, there's just one thing I need to do."

Lock Down stopped in front of Strike Law and Rogue Order. They looked at the large unicorn stallion royal guard, before his eyes glared with anger, and before they realized it, Lock Down threw a punch at each of them, landing squarely on the side of their muzzles, knocking them to the town hall floor. The two former police ponies struggled to get up, and place a hoof on their faces in the area that they were struck, to meet pain, as well as blood drooling from their lips. They soon looked up at Lock Down.

"That's for Abacus!" Lock Down began to grin while still enraged. "And this is for disgracing the police force with those uniforms!"

Lock Down's horn began to glow, and with his magic, took hold of their uniforms. Then with a loud tear, Lock Down ripped Strike Law and Rogue Order's uniforms right off their bodies, leaving them naked. The Cutie Mark Crusaders began to laugh, and soon almost everyone else laughed along with them. The rulers shared a chuckle, and even Turncoat had a brief chuckle moment. It felt wonderful for Turncoat, for he had not laughed innocently in such a long time, so long that he could not even remember.

The two former police ponies got up from the floor. Both were angered and humiliated from being punched in the face, and stripped of their uniforms in front of so many ponies.

Strike Law growled at Lock Down. "You muscle head! You'll pay for this!"

Rogue Order turned to Chief Cloud Patrol. "That pony assaulted us! Arrest him!"

Chief Cloud Patrol turned away in denial. "We saw nothing. Besides, he's a member of the royal guards. He out ranks us." He turned to the four police ponies behind them. "Cuff'em, lieutenant!"

"Yes, Chief." One of them said.

Two of the police ponies came over to Strike Law and Rogue Order and put handcuffs on their hooves. Blue Ward and Cover-Up smiled at Strike Law and Rogue Order admiringly and called out to them.

"It's too bad we didn't encounter you, Strike Law and Rogue Order." Cover-Up said.

"You two are rogue cops after our hearts. We would've had use for cops like you in our operation."

Everyone glanced at Blue Ward and Cover-Up angrily, before they turned their attention back to Strike Law and Rogue Order.

"Take them away!" Chief Cloud Patrol said to two of the four police ponies.

"Yes, Chief." One of the police ponies turned to Strike Law and Rogue Order. "Come along, you two."

Strike Law and Rogue Order groaned with a mix of anger, humiliation, and sadness before they were escorted away out the town hall door by two of Chief Cloud Patrol police ponies. Lock Down walked back towards the others proudly with Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash chuckling.

"Alright, Lock Down!" Rainbow Dash high fives Lock Down. "That was so awesome!"

"Ah'll say," Applejack said. "That punch ya gave'em. That was a beaut!"

Pinkie Pie laughed. "And ripping their uniforms off! That was so funny!"

Lock Down smiled. "Well, they had that coming. After all, nopony harms my friends, and gets away it. Besides, Chief Cloud Patrol did actually say that they were a disgrace to those uniforms, and I thought it was appropriate to strip them off of them for it. I've always wanted to do that whenever I heard somepony say that. And I won't lie, it felt really good."

Warden Rehab chuckled. "Lock Down. You're incorrigible."

"Yes," Lock Down said. "I am, aren't I? But in a good way, Rehab?"

Warden Rehab nodded. "Always."

Spike came forward. "You know, Lock Down? I think you would make a pretty good cop."

Lock Down chuckled. "You think so, kiddo?"

The rulers looked at Blue Ward, Cover-Up, Armstrong, and Rotten Eggs while speaking to the guards on stage. "You may take the prisoners away back to Canterlot now."

"We have no more use for them," Celestia said. "But be gentle with Turncoat, and put him in the solitary wagon as routined."

"Yes, your highness." The royal guard captain turned to the group of the royal guards with the prisoners. "Take them away!"

The royal guards began to escort Blue Ward, Cover-Up, Armstrong, and Rotten Eggs off the stage as the crowd began glaring at them with pure anger and hatred in their eyes. One royal guard on stage came over to Turncoat.

"Okay, Turncoat," The royal guard said. "Come on. Let's go."

Turncoat nodded and complied with the royal guard's command, and began to walk off stage. As they were walking, and getting closer to the other prisoners, Armstrong looked on, seething with anger at Turncoat. Then two ponies in the crowd commented at them.

"Prison's too good for you scum!"

"Yeah! You four are scum of Equestria, and traitors!"

"Scum of Equestria?! Traitor?! There is only one traitor and Scum of Equestria!" Armstrong glares at Turncoat as he get close enough. "And he will be dealt with as one!!"

Armstrong in a rage, raised his chain-bounded hands, and knocked a couple of the royal guards away. He then focused to deliver a crushing blow to Turncoat's head, with Turncoat looking in shock. Right before the enraged minotaur could deliver the fatal blow, his steelectric collar began to glow with yellow sparks of electricity surging around it. Armstrong to yell in great pain that stopped him in his tracks, and made him fall to the ground. The others looked around the room to see which guard was responsible for stopping the minotaur by shocking him, only to find out that the one shocking him was not a royal guard. Twilight Sparkle's horn was glowed as she made Armstrong's steelectric collar shock him into submission for a few moments until she stopped. Armstrong struggled and slowly got up from the ground groaning, and then began to chuckle sadistically.

"So that's what it's like to get shocked by those collars," Armstrong said. "They really are painful. No wonder I enjoyed watching ponies getting shocked."

The crowd growled at how shamelessly cruel, sadistic, and cold-blooded Armstrong was being, even though he was caught, and captured. They could all see that he was a beast with no conscience, or even the slightest trace of remorse for what he had done. The guards that Armstrong had knocked away got up, and additional guards assisted, with unicorns having their horns at the ready to shock and subdue them again. Blue Ward, Cover-Up, Armstrong, and Rotten Eggs continued down towards the town hall doors with royal guards, and the crowd shouting.

"You fuckers are sick!"

"Prison's too good for any of you bastards!"

"You deserve to die!"

The crowd watched as the four prisoners were escorted out the door and disappeared out of sight. Turncoat and two of the royal guards escorting him began to continue soon after. The crowd turned their attention to him, but there was no shouted comments, or hatred towards Turncoat. Instead, there was sympathy, and concern for Turncoat's well-being, and for what he bravely went through. Turncoat stopped in front of Twilight and the others, and turned to them as he spoke to Twilight.

"You saved my life," Turncoat said. "Why did you do that?"

Twilight smiled sympathetically. "The same reason you helped Lawful Eye put an end to Armstrong and the Canterlot investigation force. Because it was the right thing to do."

Spike turned to Twilight. "That was amazing how you made Armstrong's steelectric collar shock him."

Twilight sighed. "It's a good thing Lock Down and Rehab showed me how to use that spell earlier."

"You never know when it could come in handy." Spike said.

"I'm grateful to you for doing that, Miss Twilight. Thank you." Turncoat turned to Lawful Eye. "And Lawful Eye. Thank you for saving me too. You've given me a second chance."

"Because you've earned it," Lawful Eye said. "We all can see you're not a bad pony at all. Your true loyalty was not with Armstrong, or the Canterlot investigation force. It was with us. You saved Abacus, and so many lives. And I know the courts will be very merciful to you at your trial for that."

"Thank you." Turncoat sighed. "I just wish that I could've saved more of victims. If only that right opportunity came to me years ago. Then so many innocent victims would've never have suffered."

Twilight placed a caring hoof in Turncoat's shoulder. "At least it's over now."

"...Yes." Turncoat nodded. "...Thank Celestia it's finally over."

The royal guards continued to escort Turncoat until he went out the door and out of sight. Lawful Eye looked on with concern for Turncoat's safety and his well-being.

"Don't worry, Lawful Eye." Southern came over to Lawful Eye, Twilight and the others, with Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case, Detective Inspector Under Cover, and Investigator Tough Job right behind him. "He'll be okay. I have a feeling that fella is going to have a great outcome sooner or later."

"Southern's right," Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case said. "He's still going to help us with the whole Hoofstrong case, even while serving his time. From what I see, Turncoat is a very brave bloke, the bravest bloke I've ever met. He'll be find."

"I guess you're right. Thank you all for what you've done." Lawful Eye turn to Southern. "And thank you, Southern for helping us save Abacus in Hoofstrong, but I'm sorry about your career as a secret agent."

"It's alright," Southern said. "As you're aware, I was planning to retire anyway."

Spike tilted his head. "I don't understand. Why is your secret agent career over, Southern?"

Southern turned to Spike. "Well, my cover's broken now. We secret agents are only able to operate if we remain strictly incognito. That's the sole reason why Sir Top Hat of the security services in Trottingham couldn't make it here, and why we didn't show him in the memories."

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo looked at each other with the look of an idea just popped up. "Hey, guys. Ya think we can try being secret agents to earn our cutie marks?"

"Hey, yeah," Sweetie Belle said. "That's a great idea. We should be secret agents."

Scootaloo smiled. "That would be awesome!"

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. "Yay! Cutie Mark Crusader secret agents!"

Southern turned his attention over to Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. "Now hold on there, little fillies. Being a secret agent isn't all fun and games, you know. In actual fact, in reality it's a tough existence. Never being yourself. Avoiding any and all contact with your family and friends. Always on the run. Somepony like you three, so young and full of life, it just wouldn't be for any of you. You see, we walk with danger as a shadow. Death is a constant companion. No, you three just be what you are - innocent, sweet, little children."

Apple Bloom looked at Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. "Ya know, ah think it wouldn't be a great idea after all. Ah hate ta not be with any of my friends and family."

Scootaloo nodded. "Yeah. It'd be kind of lousy never being yourself."

"And I wouldn't want to walk with danger as a shadow, or death is a constant companion," Sweetie Belle said. "Who'd want to have that as a cutie mark anyway?"

Southern turned back to Lawful Eye with a look of concern. "By the way, speaking of Abacus. You realize that while I was undercover at Hoofstrong, I...I did actually harm and raped Abacus. Poor chap. I just hope you can forgive me."

Lawful Eye adjusted her glasses. "I know it was part of your cover, you had no choice. But at least it's all over."

Southern nodded. "Indeed. Though I hope Abacus will understand and forgive me too when I go to see him soon." He cleared his throat. "Well, I best be off. I've got to report back to Trottingham to be relieved."

"What will you do next, after that?" Twilight asked.

"I don't know." Southern shrugged. "But we'll see what comes about when opportunity might present itself."

Rarity approached Southern. "Oh, Southern? Before you go, I want to say just for the record: I think you're a very dashing stallion."

Southern smiled. "And just for the record: I admire a mare who speaks from the heart, Miss...uh..."

"Rarity." Rarity corrected.

"Rarity." Southern took Rarity's hoof, and kissed it. "That's a lovely name, for a lovely lady."

Rarity blushed and giggled. "Flatter."

"Well, best be off," Southern said. "Cheerio!"

Southern walked out the door and left the town hall. Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case, Detective Inspector Under Cover, and Investigator Tough Job soon made their way towards the entrance, before stopping and turning to Lawful Eye.

"Well, it's time we were on our way too," Investigator Tough Job said. "We must report back to Sydneigh FPI headquarters to continue with cleaning up the huge mess left by Hoofstong Prison, and the former Canterlot investigation force under Task Force River. In addition to finding the remainder of the illegal sex trafficking ring that has all the children of the victims."

Detective Inspector Under Cover took over. "With Turncoat's help, it will cut down so much time. Though we may need to come to you for help with Task Force River from time to time, and when this is taken to supreme court soon. But after that, we can take care of the rest of this case."

Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case turned to Mayor Mare and Chief Cloud Patrol. "Miss Mayor, Chief. I trust that you both, and the whole town will make sure that this classified information of this case is not told to anypony else, until such time this is brought to Equestria supreme court in some weeks time?"

Mayor Mare nodded and adjusted her glasses. "Yes... Of course."

"You have my guarantee, sir." Chief Cloud Patrol said.

Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case nodded in understanding at them both before turning back to Lawful Eye. "It was nice to have you working with us on this, Investigator Detective Lawful Eye." He extended his hoof to Lawful Eye, and they shook hooves. "If you should ever us again, you know where we are. And I'm sure we shall see each other again after this is all over." They finished shaking hooves with one another. "Until then: Hooroo."

"Thank you, Open Case," Lawful Eye said. "Thank you all."

Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case smiled and nodded. "You're welcome."

Detective Chief Superintendent Open Case, Detective Inspector Under Cover, and Investigator Tough Job walked out of the entrance to the town hall and left.

Celestia, Luna, and Shor who were still standing on stage coughed to get the attention of the whole town inside and spoke out. "Well, now that you know the whole truth, what do you have to say about Abacus Sum now?"

The crowd inside looked at one another at Celestia's question, thinking of what they had been shown. The confessions of the prisoners they presented before them, and the verification by members of Task Force River, until they spoke out.

"So Abacus was innocent?"

"Poor Abacus. We had him all wrong."

"And we thought he was a murderer, and after all he and Tiger Lily did for us before."

"Well, I now believe he's not a murderer."

"So do I."

"I believe."

"I believe him too."

"Me too."

The crowd began to speak out at once, giving their thoughts of them now believing Abacus was innocent, and started to regain their love and respect to him that they threw away over two years ago.

“WAIT!!!!!”

The crowd looked to see that It was Flawless Glow who shouted.

“There is something I have to show you about something haunting I ever encountered in my life."

The crowd was confused and shocked by what she was talking about.

"Your majesties? Can you show the fourth memory about the ghost?" She asked.

The rulers nodded and Luna, and Shor levitated the jar with Abacus's memories, and shot another lightning bolt like magic stream at it. The jar began to glow around the town hall, and a bright, blinding flash of light that engulfed the whole room. The crowd found themselves looking at many scenes of something that was never before seen.

The first was Flawless Glow herself visiting the site of Abacus and Lily's house.

"Damn those townsfolk, accusing Abacus Sum of murder and arson. Flawless Glow snarled. "I lost my job just because I tried to tell the truth. I'm moving away from this dictating village to somewhere I cannot be hunted down."

But as she looked up, she screamed as she saw a ghost of a pony.

The crowd gasped as they saw it.

The memories started showing other scenes of a ghost in different places.

“The residents of Ponyville don’t even know who I am, or know of my existence. If those who do remember me, have either chosen or forgotten, or even refuse to remember me. I'll force them too. The emotions they went through, the suffering, depression, hatred. Why can't it leave? Soon the residents of Ponyville are gonna fell my wrath, one by one, they will fall. Then, once everything is done, once everybody has fully lived my Oblivion, I will fully complete my mission. Soon the village will come to know and understand why I am the ghost of Ponyville."

"...SO YOU'VE SENSE MY PRESENCE... THE YEARS OF HAUNTING THIS TOWN.... THE YEARS OF HAUNTING PONYVILLE THAT HAS CHANGED IN THE WAKE MY DEMISE STILL HASN'T UNDERSTOOD ABOUT ME AND WHY DID THE UNTHINKABLE...TAKING PONY LIVES!! YOU CAN'T SEE ME NOR FEEL WHAT I'M GOING THROUGH!! THIS VILLAGE WILL SOON BE FORGOTTEN JUST LIKE ME!! THE PAST OF AN ERA THAT I LEAD THE WAY FOR MY RELATIVES, MY RELATIVE FAMILY MEMBERS, THE ABACUS LILY FAMILY! I WAS MEANT TO BE THE FAMOUS PONY HERE IN PONYVILLE! BUT I WAS NOT WORTHY... I LET OTHERS HAVE THE PRIDE AND JOY WHILE I BECAME NOTHING MORE BUT A STEPPING STONE!! I HATED IT!!! I HATED EVERYTHING THAT THIS TOWN REPRESENTS!!! EVEN AFTER MY SO CALLED SUICIDE, I STILL SEE NO CHANGE!!! I SEE THE SAME FACES...THE SAME PEOPLE... THIS IS A WORTHLESS VILLAGE!! I WILL SEND YOU ALL TO YOUR GRAVES.... AND THEN 'HE' ... THE ONE WHO WAS ABLE TO ESCAPE HOOFSTRONG AND BE FREED, WILL GO WITH ME INTO OBLIVION!!!!!!!!!"

"They've never understood of what I did. My so called Suicide has been told time and time again. Yet they failed to understand it. My Relatives are deceased. All except one has survived the torture and suffering near Carriageston. Why did it have to happen? Why did he survive? Does he still remember me? Has he forgotten? I don't want him or anybody else to forget. My reign of horror won't end. No, no It won't. Ponyville's nightmares are far from over."

"Whoa, How did he get enraged? Why do they keep taunting him on edge? This town has no mercy and no respect for the nation, and the Empire. And they call him, Abacus Scum?! I knew they were never be trusted again, just like me. I'm just getting started on my mission. Abacus, I will come for you soon."

The other one was the most shocking of all.

"I have no idea why the gods allowed Faust to include Equestria on the planet of Nirn. If they rejected her decision, none of this would've happened in the first place. Abacus Sum moving to Ponyville has been a big mistake. If he moved to Canterlot, or other cities. All of this could have been avoided. If the country knows that he's a murder, than he would have to leave Equestria, and take refugee in countries around Equestria, Tamriel, or Akavir, where he would be safe from the rebels. He would had to start over again elsewhere. When he kills himself he would join his mother, and his dead wife, including me. Abacus, please, get out of Equestria and go somewhere else to start over. When you die, you will join us in heaven, or Oblivion, where you will join me."

"Ah, so it seems another pony has made her fortune. How interesting. But I never thought she would be the one who tours Equestria and that it would be the famous Sapphire Shores. I have no idea as to why she's traveling. But my guess is that she's come to perform "I tune into you" to let others know of her fame just like I did before I suffered my life, before I met my end! But what if? What if she's here to finish what I started? She might've come to take my friend Abacus. If so, then that's what It'll bring me some comfort and then I can finally let go of my own past and move on. Abacus, wherever you are, watch your back and every turn, for your end is coming."

"WHAT?!?! Lawful Eye, Strike Law, and Rogue Order arrested Abacus Sum?! How dare they do this! I knew that this nation is in a state of anarchy. If Jewelius was still alive, he would have my friends, and the other prisoners executed for treason. I have no idea if Jewelius, or Armstrong have a connection to this. This nation is dead. I will get my revenge, someday. Tiber Septim, is coming to Ponyville in one day after Sapphire Shores leaves after doing the concert. I will see if Abacus Sum takes his own life and join me along with Arthima, and Tiger Lily. Come on Abacus. End your miserable life."

The other one was showing him watching Abacus Sum falling to the ground.

The last one was showing him one last time.

“This is it. The time has come. The rulers, the emperor, and the three councils are coming to end this rebellion against the elements of harmony. Abacus is in Canterlot, so that means, he’s safe. Abacus, I will come for you, if I can.”

The memories evaporated like smoke, and in a blinding flash, the crowd found themselves back inside the town hall once again. The crowd was still scared and shocked from seeing the ghost.

"Did he say...?" Said one pony.

"Yes, he did." Said Flawless Glow. "He showed up in 1 hour after Abacus was taken away."

"We know who he is." Said Luna. "His name is Red Sum. He was living here in Ponyville a year before Abacus and Tiger Lily moved here before he committed suicide by running off the cliff at Ghastly Gorge, killing everyone with him."

The crowd was shocked and horrified at what Luna had told them.

"The only information that we had is that he grew tired of himself and decided to end his life that way." Said Shor. "We don't have any other information about the truth of his reason to this."

"But he's too young to remember him." Flawless Glow said.

"I wonder if Abacus Sum would see him if he appears soon." Said Twilight.

The crowd began to speak at once about what caused Red Sum to take his own life.

"SILENCE!!!!!"

The crowd silenced at the sound of an angry voice shouting almost as loud as Luna's royal Canterlot voice. But the one who shouted was neither Luna, Celestia, or Shor, let alone at the front of the crowd. This shout came from Lawful Eye at the back of the crowd. Her face was seething in anger, with her teeth gritting, and her eyes glaring through her glasses.

"Do you think it matters now that you believe Abacus is innocent?!" Lawful Eye said. "You town ponies are so pathetic!"

The crowd was shocked and confused at Lawful Eye's anger. It was not long before they saw Twilight and the others glaring at them. The confusion of the crowd only made Lawful Eye more irritated and enraged.

"Confused, are you?! Well, then let's jog your memories with what you did!" Lawful Eye turned to Celestia, Luna and Shor. "Your highness's! Can you show them the certain parts of Abacus's memory?!"

Celestia, Luna and Shor nodded for they each knew what Lawful Eye wanted them to show, and mildly shared her anger. Luna levitated the jar with Abacus's memories, and Shor shot another lightning bolt like magic stream at it. The jar began to glow around the town hall, and a bright, blinding flash of light that engulfed the whole room. The crowd found themselves looking a many scenes.

The first was when Abacus first came into town with Lawful Eye, Flawless Glow, Twilight, Spike, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Scootaloo, along with the Dwemer and Imperial Soldiers guarding them.

"It's... It's... HIM!"

"Hey, Fluttershy! Who's your new pet?!"

"Get out of town, you murderer! You aren't welcome here!"

"If you didn't have those ponies with you, believe us, you'd be sorry!"

"You may of fooled the courts, but we all know you did it!"

"Enjoy your undeserved freedom while it lasts, you scum!"

"Yeah, Abacus Scum!"

"Just look at his face! Pure evil!"

"So hideous! Tiger Lily's evil husband has shown his true form."

"The horror, the horror!"

"Mommy, Daddy, make that scary pony go away."

The next memory was showing the incident involving Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon at Sugarcube Corner.

"The only way prisoners like him are going to survive is on the charity of others."

"When they locked you up, they should've threw away the key...Abacus Scum!"

The next memory was showing the incident involving Buttercup and Honey Blossom in the park, followed by Storm Dasher and Coco-Nut at Fluttershy's cottage soon after.

"Get away from my baby, you monster!!"

"THERE HE IS! That's the pony who hurt my daughter!"

"Scootaloo! What are you doing?! Get away from that pony! He's dangerous!"

"I want to press charges on Abacus for assaulting daughter!"

"And arrested for assaulting my daughter too!"

"Mr Storm Dasher and Mr Coco-Nut. Your accusations towards Abacus harming either of your children is unfounded. Scootaloo claimed that Abacus didn't assault her, and that it was from her hitting her head on the door of Apple Bloom's club house that gave her the black eye. And with Cheerilee having witnessed what had really happened to your daughter, it is good enough evidence put against your wife's version of events. Therefore both of your accusations are not backed up by evidence."

"What?! How could you stand up for that monster for what he's done to both our children, not to mention what he did to his own wife and unborn child?!"

"And on the account of how he tried to harm another two other children in a murderous rage yesterday at Sugarcube Corner, and those poor fillies were thrown out!"

"That "monster" wouldn't hurt anypony, unless he was provoked first! And those kids were thrown out because those two rude, little brats taunted and provoked him! Twilight, Spike, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, your daughter, and I all saw it, and handled it."

"How can you justify that murderer's actions with a straight face?!"

"Because I've known him for years! Longer than anypony here in this town! I'm practically family to him! And he is NOT a murderer! He didn't murder his wife and unborn child! I cleared his name, and proved his innocence!"

"From bribing and corrupting the judge no doubt!"

"And now you brought that scumbag upon us!"

"What?! You both have NO IDEA what prison did to him, and what it's STILL doing to him! He was beaten, abused, tortured, starved, and even raped by not the prisoners, but by the guards themselves whilst inside!"

"Which is what that scumbag deserved!"

"How dare you! Nopony like him deserves to go through what he went through! His poor mother passed away from terminal stomach cancer before not seeing him again! I, along with Twilight and her friends are the only things close to family he has lift in life that keeps him from breaking apart forever!"

"If this is result, then you make for an AWFUL excuse for family!"

"GET THE TARTARUS OUT OF MY SIGHT! AND YOU CAN FORGET ABOUT PRESSING ANY CHARGES ON ABACUS!"

"What?! You can't let that scumbag get away with this! Who do you think you are, lady?!"

"I'M Investigator detective Lawful Eye! I'm also a lawyer, and I am the only one presently in town with any police authority to MAKE any arrests or press charges. And guess what? I REFUSE to arrest or press charges on Abacus! And tell your wife...she could EXPECT to face charges in court for ASSAULT on Abacus!"

"You better clear out."

"Very well then! My brother-in-law's best friend is a police officer in Cloudsdale. If you won't arrest and charge that dangerous scumbag, then we'll get somepony who will!"

"FINE! Bring your cop friend! We won't let you get your hooves on Abacus for as long as any of us has breath within us!"

"So be it! And you! If I ever see you near my daughter again...you WILL regret it...Abacus Scum!"

The next memory was showing the incident involving Storm Dasher and Coco-Nut in the cemetery.

"I warned you what would happen if you ever went near my daughter again!"

"You're not just a murderer, and a foal hurter, but you're a pedophile too! That's for hurting my daughter, you scum!"

"How does it feel to feel the pain that you caused to our kids?!"

"You're going to be put back behind bars where you belong, Abacus Scum!"

The next memory was showing the incident at the hospital where he was refused treatment.

"Excuse me, nurse. We need some help."

"Can't you see the poor darling's in pain?!"

"What happened?"

"That scum, Abacus, attacked us."

"He bit me! And nearly tore a part of me off!"

"Let's take a look at that. Right. Put pressure back on it. I'll get a doctor straight away."

"Hey, wait. What about Abacus? He needs to see a doctor too."

"I'm sorry. But we're full and closed."

The next memory was showing the incident involving Abacus trying to take his life, and was being restrained by Warden Rehab, and Lock Down.

"No! Let me go! Just let me die! You can't take me back to prison! I knew I shouldn't have trusted any of you! I never should've come to this stupid, fucking town! You've wanted to destroy my life! Everything was a lie! You gave me nothing, but false hope, and lies! You lied about my mother! I have nothing to loss! Nothing to live for! Everything I once had, everyone I once loved and held dear is gone! I have nopony who loves me! Nopony who would love me like Tiger Lily did, because I'm scum! Abacus Scum!! I HAVE NOPONY!!!!"

And then the final memory was showing what Abacus said to the others before he left with Sapphire Shores and Princess Luna.

"Abacus. We're confident that your problems with the ponies in Ponyville will be over soon."

"Yeah. And when they get it through their heads that you're not a murderer, everything will be cool again."

"We'll all be happy to have you back with us in Ponyville again."

"...I'm sorry...but I'm not coming back."

"Abacus please. I know almost the whole town has been bad to you-"

"No! You don't understand, Twilight. ...I'm not welcome here...I never was. Even before this."

"What do you mean "Before"?"

"I use to be respected and loved by everypony in town. But I see now that the reason I was, was because of Tiger Lily. She was the one the town truly loved and respected, not me. Especially since there were two in town who secretly didn't like me, and they were responsible for my suffering. Mayor Mare and Lady Justice. They secretly hated and were suspicious me, and when Tiger Lily died, they suspected me of killing her."

"And that's how the corrupted Canterlot police force were called to Ponyville? Because Mayor Mare and Lady Justice called upon them?"

"Abacus. I'm sorry that happened. But you can't let that keep you away from Ponyville. I mean where would you go? You've got friends here."

"But not as many as enemies. I once had so many friends. But now...I have almost no friends, because they believe I'm a murderer of my own wife."

"But what if they apologized to you if they realized they were wrong? Would you come back?"

"After what they did to me? Never! I'm not welcome here. I should never have come to this town full of dumb townsfolk. They wanted me gone, and that's what they're going to get. As for where I will go...I'll most likely go back to Fillydelphia to start all over again. My mother left me her apartment back there, so that's where I'll go. I don't have friends there, but I don't have enemies either. Anywhere is better than here, as long as nopony knows me. Maybe I'll give you and some ponies in town the address so that you can visit me. There's nothing but pain and heartbreak for me here."

"Abacus. ...no."

"Goodbye...forever."

The memories evaporated like smoke, and in a blinding flash, the crowd found themselves back inside the town hall once again. The crowd looked at one another with the looks of concern, and realization. Lawful Eye scowled at the crowd's silence, thinking they did not realized what they had done until one in the crowd spoke out.

"Did...did he just...?"

"He did." Warden Rehab came up and stood next to Lawful Eye with a look of anger, disgust, and disappointment towards the crowd. "You residents of Ponyville made Abacus Sum's life so miserable that he contemplated and attempted suicide."

"And now he's gone," Lawful Eye said. "And he's never coming back!"

Applejack came over. "So it don't matter now whether y'all believe in Abacus or not! Abacus don't believe in y'all no more!"

"...I think I'm going to miss you most all."

Apple Bloom's eyes began to tear-up with sadness as she recalled Abacus's words. "So that's what Abacus meant when he said he'd miss me the most. It's cause he's never comin' back."

Luna looked at the crowd with the same angry, disgusted, and disappointed look. "After how you treated that poor stallion, since almost all of you chose to fear and hate Abacus Sum rather than love and support him, and dishonor his good name with your openly insulting, loathsome acts, I don't blame him! And from the very ponies who he thought once loved, and respected him as much as he did with you! I am absolutely disgusted! And Tiger Lily would be too, if she was alive to see it!"

Flawless Glow was also furious. "Not only that, but you fired me just because I tried to tell you to reconsider the case. You tarnished my career, my family, the three councils, and you threatened to imprison those who know Abacus longer and believe he's innocent! Because of this, you nearly put the country on edge of another civil war! Also you escalated the whole thing by awakening the ghost from his slumber! And finally, your actions toward Abacus and the others who support him has cost the three councils a great deal of money!"

The crowd began to slowly drop their heads in great shame and guilt at the harsh, but true words of Luna, Lawful Eye, Warden Rehab, Flawless Glow, and Applejack. Lawful Eye then turned her attention to Storm Dasher and Coco-Nut.

"That reminds me!" Lawful Eye approached Storm Dasher and Coco-Nut with an angry glare as she then turned to Chief Cloud Patrol and his other two officers. "Police chief? Arrest those two stallions!"

"Yes, Detective." Chief Cloud Patrol said as he turned to his two other police ponies. "Cuff'em, Corporal."

One police pony nodded. "Yes, Chief."

The two police ponies came over to Storm Dasher and Coco-Nut, and put handcuffs on them as well as throw a lasso on each of there necks. Lawful Eye stopped as Storm Dasher and Coco-Nut looked at her with surprise.

"Storm Dasher and Coco-Nut," Lawful Eye said. "You are both under arrest for unlawful, aggravated assault and battery, and recklessly cause of injury on Abacus Sum, and your daughter."

Storm Dasher and Coco-Nut eyes widened in shock at them being arrested, with Coco-Nut's wife and daughter looking equally shocked. Scootaloo came over towards Storm Dasher with an angry scowl.

"Serves you right, you asshole drunk! That's what you get for what you did to Abacus! And for hitting me! I told you he never hit me, and wouldn't hurt me, but you wouldn't listen! Abacus is gone, and it's all your fault!" Tears began to form in Scootaloo's eyes. "I hate you! And I hope you go to jail! And I hope you suffer, just like Abacus did! That's the least you deserve! And if you die, I'd be happy, because I wish it was you that was dead, not mom! YOU ARE SCUM!"

Storm Dasher was greatly shocked and speechless at what his daughter had just said to him. Scootaloo turned around at rushed away to Rainbow Dash's side crying. Flawless Glow gaped speechlessly at Scootaloo, and the crowd did the same. They had rarely heard Scootaloo use such unkind words in the many years that they had known her.

"Scootaloo, please!" Storm Dasher tried to go after her, but was held back by one of the police ponies.

Scootaloo started crying on Rainbow Dash shoulder, as Rainbow Dash put a comforting wing around Scootaloo. Rainbow Dash turned and looked at Storm Dasher with a look that was mix of anger and pity. Storm Dasher then dropped his head, but not out of anger, but of sadness and heartbreak.

"I'm sorry," Storm Dasher said. "I didn't mean to hit my daughter. I was just so angry. And I was wrong to blame and confront Abacus. And I even dropped the charges I was going to lay on against him."

Lawful Eye groaned in frustration. "You don't get it, do you? You both had done a malicious act towards another pony by assaulting him, and sicced two rogue police ponies on him to get him arrested at any cost."

"But I...It's true that I wanted him arrested...that I let my anger get the best of me..." Storm Dasher look back up to Lawful Eye. "But that was before I found out the truth of what happened. I didn't know Strike Law and Rogue Order were so crooked. And I didn't realize that they would still try to charge him, even after the proving of his innocence. And I can't believe I did all this. I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry too." Coco-Nut said.

Luna, Shor, and Celestia came off stage and came over to Storm Dasher and Coco-Nut. "Being sorry isn't going to put things right. Abacus Sum lost everything. His home, his money, his good life, and worst of all, his wife and unborn child, and his beloved mother" Luna turned to Storm Dasher. "But you would know all about loosing somepony dear to you, wouldn't you, Storm Dasher? You have been taking your anger and sadness of the loss of your wife, Firefly on the innocence of others. Including your own daughter, who you have failed to care for properly and spent time with when she needed you most. And the way you hit her was truly outrageous, whether or not it was intentional, and whether or not you were under the influence of alcohol! I just hope you'll realize this mistake, and learn from it."

Storm Dasher's head dropped his head sadly as a tear escaped from his eye. "But I...I...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hit Scootaloo. I love my daughter. I want to make things right."

"You are still going to face trial for the charges against you and Coco-Nut, and you'll be punished accordingly." Lawful Eye said.

"But may it be kinder to you, than it was for Abacus Sum." Celestia sighed. "And I hope you will try everything you can to earn your daughter's love, trust, and forgiveness back. And I expect you and Coco-Nut to try and earn Abacus's forgiveness too."

Chief Cloud Patrol turned to his two police ponies. "Right, take them away."

"Daddy!" Coco-Nut's daughter, Buttercup tries to run to Coco-Nut to protest on the police taking her father away, but was held back by her mother, Honey Blossom. "Don't take my daddy!"

Coco-Nut turned to Buttercup. "Sweet heart. Stay with your mother."

Buttercup tearfully watched as the police ponies took her father, and Storm Dasher away out of the town hall, with Storm Dasher and Coco-Nut being sad and guilty as they went with the two police ponies. Lawful Eye and Chief Cloud Patrol turned to Honey Blossom.

"And you will be facing charges of assaulting Abacus in the park." Lawful Eye said.

Chief Cloud Patrol cleared his throat. "But you won't be taken into custody for now, due to you needing to care for your child. But only for now. Do you understand?"

Honey Blossom nodded sadly. "I understand..."

Mayor Mare and Lady Justice came over to Honey Blossom from on stage to give her comforting advice. "Don't worry. I'm sure you'll get off easy."

"That right," Lady Justice said. "You were only protecting your daughter. So the courts will take that into account. And I'll have Tall Order to represent you, and your husband in court."

Lawful Eye turned her attention to Mayor Mare and Lady Justice with an angry glare that pierced through her glasses. "And you two! You two are the worst for what you two did to Abacus!"

Mayor Mare and Lady Justice frowned and dropped their heads in shame at Lawful Eye's words as she continued speaking.

"Abacus saw and thought you were his friends before Tiger Lily died. He respected you. He trusted you!" Lawful Eye growled. "And through all this time, you secretly hated him, and suspected him of killing her because of the high life insurance for Tiger Lily's death. And you harshly sentenced him completely out of hatred."

"But that's was before we realized the truth, and found out now about his innocence," Lady Justice said. "We've changed our minds. Blue Ward and Cover-Up lied to us. All of us."

Mayor Mare sighed. "If only you knew and understood from our past experiences from married couples involving mares married to stallions who seemed like they were perfect."

Lawful Eye glared at them both. "I don't think I want to know or understand! There's no excuse for what you did! And I don't believe anything you say now! You both contributed for Abacus's suffering! And he lost his money, money that he worked so hard for and earned. And for your information, Tiger Lily was the one who put the high life insurance for herself, I even organised it. Because of you two, his good name, his friends, if you could call them that at this point, are lost! And most precious of all, his own mother! Arithma is dead! She was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer, and died five months later. And all while Abacus was in prison being tortured, beaten, and raped! And as her dying wish, she asked to be buried next to Tiger Lily, who had a horrible, hatred-filled headstone on her grave that you and the whole town created. Abacus was really upset to see all that!" She adjusted her glasses. "Unfortunately, there's no way you can be charged with anything, because you two did nothing illegal. But I sure wish there was punishment for what you did to him."

The shame and guilt Mayor Mare and Lady Justice were feeling was very great. They too thought that they should be punished, for what Lawful Eye said about them being somewhat responsible for what happened to Abacus was true. Misjudging a stallion as badly as they did, it was the most awful feeling they had ever felt. Warden Rehab and Lock Down walked over to Lawful Eye's side to speak their thoughts.

"You two may not be going to prison or facing charges," Warden Rehab said. "But everypony in Equestria is going to know what you've done. What the whole town had done. And you're going to have to live with that fact."

Lock Down glared. "Before Abacus ran away from the prison on the day he was released, he said he had no home to go home to, no friends and family waiting for him, nopony at all. And it seems like he was right. Just like he was right about the whole town loving him because of his wife. What does this town call him? Abacus Scum?! As far as I see, you and the rest of the town are scum! And I know scum when I see it! It looks like Blue Ward and Cover-Up was right about one thing: you are dumb fools! Your reputations as a mayor and a court judge will be ruined after this, but not as ruined as Abacus's life has become because of you. I suggest you both make the most of what's left of it while you can."

Mayor Mare and Lady Justice stayed silent, with their eyes and head down, sad and ashamed, with the crowd behind them feeling the same way. Celestia, Luna and Shor came forward and began to speak to everyone in the crowd, with each baring a look of anger, and disappointment, looking more furious than any of them, including Twilight herself had ever seen them before.

"I see all of you are ashamed," Shor said. "And you should be for all the heinous actions you have said and done toward one innocent pony."

Two ponies in the crowd spoke out. "But, your highnesses, we were all tricked!"

"Yeah! The crooked Canterlot investigation force framed him, falsely charged him, and tricked us into-"

"It does not matter!" Celestia bellowed, almost into a traditional, royal Canterlot type voice, with a tone as cold as an arctic wind.

The crowd cringed fearfully, for they had not heard the sun princess yell so angrily before, especially Twilight and Spike who had known her longer than the others. Flawless Glow had never heard of seeing her yell like that, for that her husband Garnet Glow told her all about what Jewelius had said to the crowd before. Celestia cleared her throat and continued at a lower volume, but still keeping the same cold, angry tone.

"Abacus Sum considered all of you his friends. He trusted you, he respected you. And you turned against him just as quickly without giving any second thought." Celestia glanced at the Main Six, Flawless Glow, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Spike, Warden Rehab, Lock Down, Granny Smith, Big McIntosh, Derpy, Cheerilee, Dr Stallion, Vinyl Scratch, Octavia Melody, Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumbles, Cup Cake and Carrot Cake with their twins babies, and the two donkeys, Matilda and Cranky Doodle Donkey standing together close by behind her while talking to the crowd. "These ones behind us are the only exceptions that were true to him, who truly believed his innocence, and were willing to help him."

Cranky spoke out. "Umm...Excuse me, your highness. I actually didn't help, but it was because I knew nothing about this Abacus Sum." He looked at Matilda with a smile. "But Matilda told me all about him, and if she believed he was innocent, then I guess I'm willing to believe it too."

"And we believed he was innocent too." Hondo Flanks said.

Cookie Crumbles came up next to Hondo Flanks. "Be we didn't know about him being released and coming back here to Ponyville because we were on vacation."

Celestia nodded understandingly before turning back to the crowd. "It really, truthfully disappoints us on how this whole town has behaved towards just one pony. It is clear now that this town did not truly love or respect him, and that it was only his wife that got the true love and respect."

"Indeed," Luna said. "After how you treated him, I wouldn't have high hopes for him ever returning here again. Abacus's suffering and losses were just as much your doing as it was the Canterlot investigation force. For now, he will be in our care, until he gets mentally well enough to return to wherever else he desired to start his life again, with his 120,000 bits in companion he recently received at his retrial."

Celestia closed her eyes in pity. "A very small comfort. I admit that offer would hardly begin to cover what he went through, or what he had lost, but it's a start at least."

"So it matters not whether you now believe and truly respect him or you're sorry! Because you're too late!" Luna scoffed. "After all, you wanted him gone, and you got your wish. It is like that old saying: Be careful what you wish for. You have marked him with a monstrous stigma that he will have to carry and live with for the rest of his life!"

"This whole town treated Abacus Sum so badly to the point of him nearly taking his own life," Celestia said. "And that itself is a serious thing. It will be very hard for him to get his good name back."

"Your highnesses." Said a voice.

The crowd looked back at the main entrance. It was Kagrenac II and he was not pleased.

"Can you show the fifth and final memory?" He said.

The rulers nodded and Luna levitated the fifth and final memory and Shor shot another lightning bolt like magic stream at it. The jar began to glow around the town hall, and a bright, blinding flash of light that engulfed the whole room. The crowd found themselves looking at the Dwemer Base where it took place right after Abacus was taken away to Hoofstrong.

"How could they do this?!" Said Kagrenac II angrily as he slammed his fist on the table. "It's the repeat of the Apple and Pear feud."

"I know that." Said a Dwemer official. "These ponies really have no mercy on anyone like him. It's like the civil war back in the 1st Era, 780."

The Dwemer General stayed silent for a moment until he spoke.

"Until further notice, I want all ties with Ponyville to be severed completely, except for the ones who support Abacus. All guards must seize their guard duty and return to our bases indefinitely. I cannot bear anymore destruction to our councils legacy." He ordered.

'Yes sir." The official said and left.

Then the memory changed to another time that was during Jewelius's reign, the day when Tiber Septim, Agnorith Septim and their legions arrived in Baltimare and it took place at night, hours after.

The armies at their bases were still reeling from Abacus's trial but stayed on high alert from attacks by Jewelius's soldiers. Kagrenac II was keeping watch for any sudden attacks from the entrance when suddenly he heard a sound that he never heard before.

"What in oblivion was that?" asked a Deep Elven Soldier behind him.

"Another ghost." The General asked. "But who?"

Then a ghost of a pony appeared in front of him.

"Who are you?" He asked in a demonic voice.

"I'm Kagrenac the second." He answered. "Commander of the Three Council army here in Ponyville."

"Ah so it is you." The ghost said. Then he revealed himself to him as an earth pony stallion who had a similar coat like Abacus Sum but his eyes were red similar Abacus's eyes when he was in a rage. Kagrenac II was shocked.

"Oh by the gods!" He said in shock. "It's that you Red Sum?"

"Hello Kagrenac II, my old acquaintance." He said. "You have changed since we have last met many years ago."

"I don't know you as a friend but I do know you from your famous story that was untold for years, something about a pony that looked like you who hated everyone in this town."

"Yes," Red Sum said. "I was the one who hated everything that this town represented. I hated every human, everypony, and filly who did fail and say what I really was. I hated those who toke my pride and those that I cared and loved so much. I hate everyone, I even hate myself for what I became!"

Kagrenac II was stunned. Then his memories came back to him.

The memory changed to another time. It was 8 years ago when he was promoted a month earlier and remembered seeing Red Sums ghost. This was the year when the corruption ring began.

"Who is that?" He asked. "He's looks like Red Sum. But he's not same."

"I hate you." Red Sum said. "You, like many others who fear me, but trying to disguard me."

The memory changed back.

"It was you wasn't it?" He asked. "You were the pony I saw back in the 2nd Era, 887. But, something's different about you, you've changed, you look different, I told Abacus and Tiger Lily about my encounter with you 9 years ago, but they were confused and didn't believe in my version of the story but now I am convinced that there is more to you than what many of us first thought."

"Looks like someone has brought up another untold chapter from my past." He said proudly. "You're right Kagrenac II. There is much more to me than what others thought. There are things about me that you wouldn't be able to understand.
About me looking different? We'll, let's just say I have my own powers to change my appearance from being like this into my own shadow form that others had not been able to notice until now. But yet they failed to even know it's me. I've shown for a fact that you didn't even know that it was me back when you saw me in the 2nd Era, 887. Our encounter on that night was something that we almost forgot about. But I do, I can remember how terrified you were almost as scared as when Abacus and Lily first saw me when we reunited, but they didn't believe there was another pony like him who was once his forgotten brother, the one who led the way for the Abacus Lily family."

“Whatever you’re up to or trying to come up with you’ll never take him away, Ponyville will be nothing without him, can’t you see that?!” Kagrenac II said, glaring at Red Sum.

“You don’t even know the real truth of why I'm still wanting my brother gone you old fool!" He said angrily. "He should be glad that I spared his life for my own home, the barn that was formerly run by the pear family. So far, he's not been chosen to run it. But if he does, then he will be dead and long gone for good. But I'll still find another way to get rid of my brother. He's the only living relative, and the rest of his friends including myself are no longer here among the living. Soon his time will come."

"Not as long as we're here, you'll never win this." Kagrenac II said furiously. "I saw Dappers spirit moments ago, and I tried to get him to find peace and move on, you'll do the same thing, I just know you will Red Sum there is some good left in you. I know it, Abacus knows it, but most of all, YOU KNOW IT!"

After all the words of pure anger bellowed out through him and into that black heart of his... the demonic and twisted face of Red Sum changed... it changed into the old form of his once kind and broad smile that he showed many years ago... but as he spoke, his face showed an expression of total loss and sadness and remorse.

"I said it before," He said in tears. "But there is none left in me. There's no peace or freedom to help me move on Kagrenac II. The only I can is if I take my brother with me. There's nothing you can do to prevent it or to stop me in doing so. It has to be done. I'm sorry. I can only plead forgiveness when it happens. If not, then I'll have no choice but to take those he cares and loves so much to make him surrender to me. Until then, goodbye old acquaintance."

Red Sum walked away and vanished into the darkness in sorrow. The crowd were shocked and saddened about what he said.

Kagrenac II was still determined to help Red Sum find a way. "There must be a way. There must be a way for him to let go of his past and move on."

As he returns to his office, the memory changes to another time. This was the top secret meeting about what is happening that it helped end the corruption ring.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, head of the Three Council army, Kagrenac II." Said a Dwemer official.

"Good morning." He said. "I can only say that after hearing the shocking news by the Task Force River, The Royalty, The Trottingham Secret Service, and the Federal Ponies of Investigation. I am very alarmed. Never in the history of this nation, and the Empire has someone orchestrated such tyranny. We currently do not know who the culprit of Hoofstrong is. But let me tell you at this very minute we are searching for him. they will not get away with this. My only guess is that these acts were attempts to slander the Three Councils and get us booted out. They were orchestrated to appear as acts of murder caused by the individuals. But they couldn't fool us. These acts were nothing more than corruption, sabotage and terrorism and we will not back down. We will capture the individuals responsible and they will feel the full bite of justice. As for the Imperial Legion soldiers on duty throughout Equestria. All guard duty will continue to run as normal, however, I will advise you to keep this top secret until the culprits are brought to justice. All of you must be cautious and aware, if you see the brown stallion somewhere protect him, that way we can all together end the corrupted system, thank you."

The memory changes to what happened last night.

“I don’t believe it! That town just got riled up just because Abacus Sum is with Princess Luna and Prince Shor, which should have been our only hope for our councils. And if that wasn't enough, the local news media has tarnished us, the Main Six, the royalty, the nation, and even the pegasus who saved Equestria along with Tiber Septim from Jewelius's reign."

"This is horrible. Now we are loosing our only hope. The founding of Ponyville is all for nothing."

"Hold on a minute. I recognize two police ponies, the mayor, and even the judge. Isn't that the same folks who founded Abacus Sum guilty of murder of Tiger Lily, which he should have been founded not guilty?"

"You're right, It is them. I had a feeling they'll be here forcing us to change our minds, and now there on the move. They have crossed the line this time."

"General, what do you say about this?"

"Well, I'll say this is the last straw for this. This is the worst time for all of our councils since the immortalis defiance rebellion, the civil war, the governmental crises, Bahamut's terror, and even Jewelius's reign. There is no doubt that the Emperor of Tamriel, and the rulers of Equestria will take action on Ponyville. I'll alert the bases to prepare for a march on Ponyville to defend the heroes from the rebellion. Let's hope they'll get what they deserve for their actions."

The memory evaporated like smoke, and in a blinding flash, the crowd found themselves back inside the town hall once again. The crowd looked at one another with the looks of concern, and realization. Kagrenac II scowled at the crowd's silence, thinking they did not realized what they had done.

"You blew it." He said at last. "You nearly made history repeat itself by causing a huge split among the residents. You nearly put those lives who support Abacus in jeopardy. Because of this, we had to end all ties while keeping those who support him intact."

"And with that," Said Flawless Glow. "You caused great controversy to the nation itself, just like the Alessian Order before it. You kept relying on the police force from Canterlot after we ended all ties with all corrupted forces everywhere and yet you kept going just because you wanted to have the Canterlot Force do all of the work for you and you turned down our petitions at every turn. Kagrenac II pledged himself to rid all of corruption in Equestria from the day he was promoted. I sensed that deep down in my heart, I knew something is up with your suspicious views on Abacus but you wouldn't tell me, Lily or Abacus."

"That reminds me." Luna walked by eyeing every child, except for Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle in the town hall, giving them a serious look. "As I am aware, somepony broke the hospital window of the room Abacus Sum was staying in yesterday with a brick that had a threat note on it. Dr Stallion saw briefly that it was a group of children, but he didn't get a proper look as to who they were. But from coming into the dreams of others, I already know which children are responsible for it."

The children all looked at each other with a curious, confused, and worried looks. Luna stopped and glanced at them all.

"Fortunately for them, I won't be mentioning any names. But I do advise for them to turn themselves in willingly sooner. After all, breaking a window with a brick, or any solid object, and with a threatening note on it is very serious, and not at all humorous. They would be still punished, but believe me, it would be far less than if they didn't turn themselves in. I will let you think about it, but do it because it's the right thing to do, not for the lesser punishment. I hope you will chose wisely."

"And now we must leave," Celestia said. "We must return back to Canterlot. And we will be telling about this whole ordeal to everypony in Equestria and Tamriel when the hoofstrong ring case is presented in court."

"But your highness...” Mayor Mare started, but Celestia held up a hoof to silence her.

"That's enough, Mayor!" Tiber Septim lowed his hand back down. "We will hear no more of it." He turned his back coldly as the rulers began to make their way towards the town hall door with the royal guards and the Blades escorting them.

"You and the rest of Ponyville have a lot to think about." Said Celestia.

The rulers of Equestria and Tamriel walked right out of the town hall in great disappointment, with Twilight, Flawless Glow and the others following them, along with Kagrenac II, leaving the whole crowd inside with feelings of great sadness, guilt, and shame for what they had done. With the reality that Abacus Sum, one of their most beloved residents that they had turned against on a lie and conspiracy was now gone possibly forever, and had no one to blame but themselves.