“YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE!”

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“Shetland. It was you, wasn’t it?”

“What!?” Shetland yelled in surprise, reeling back. “You’re accusing me!? Where has this come from!? You’re mad!”

“He’s right!” Elsie shrilled. “We’ve literally just figured out that a stallion couldn’t be the culprit and you think it’s Shetland?”

“Greyscale,” Maribelle said softly, “if I may, your accusation doesn’t make any sense. Shetland couldn’t have done it. Also, he was protecting us the whole time. He organized the search so we could find Inky and Pinkie.”

“Yeah!” Yoko cried. “He’s a cantankerous old windbag, but I really don’t think he’d kill anyone! He’s the Ultimate Police Officer, someone who fights for justice, right?”

I shook my head. “Even so, he’s still the culprit. I’m right, aren’t I Mesmer?”

The maroon-coated unicorn stood expressionlessly, calmly surveying the scene as everyone grew frantic at my proclamation. “You could be right or you could be wrong,” he said with a shrug. “I’m just waiting to hear your explanation.”

“Mesmer!” Shetland roared, his nostrils flared and his cheeks flushed. “You should be sorting this fool out and proving my innocence instead of letting this charade go on any longer!”

“I don’t have to do that,” Mesmer replied coolly. “He’s made an accusation so he must follow it through. If he’s convinced he has it all figured out, that is.”

My chest tightened. “What have you got against me?” I seethed. “What are you testing me for!?”

“Oh?” Mesmer raised an eyebrow. “That’s a good question. What I’m doing is cutting through your poorly placed confidence. You’ve been solving simple quandaries – most of which I’m sure have been figured out by others here – and getting all too pleased with yourself, as if you’re a star detective. Then as soon as someone strikes up a challenge to your word your blood boils over and you double down. I can read it all over your face.

“You’re lucky that so far it’s been plain sailing for you. I’m not sure why a certain someone here is encouraging you; perhaps they know something I don’t. Either way, your mannerisms irritate me. You think you have it all figured out and are all too proud to show your apparent worth. I think you’re in over your head.”

My eyes were clenched shut. I could barely stand to look at Mesmer as he continued his tirade against me. It took all of my willpower not to bite back in a fury. “You can think what you like,” I finally said. “But what I don’t understand is your attitude.”

“I’m teaching you a lesson. You’re too emotional, overconfident, your ego swells as you put even the most basic of puzzle pieces together, and you put up furious defenses at the slightest sign of disagreement. Not the best traits for a detective. Quite the change from the quiet, reserved stallion of last night, aren’t you? This situation has put you in a frenzy that I think you should break out of. Not to mention, I’m showing the rest of the group that they can’t put their trust in your logic just because you’ve spoken up successfully so far during this trial. If they became swayed by your confidence at the wrong time it could be the end of us all.

“Far from what you might believe I do not dislike you – frankly, I would do well to learn a great deal more about you – but I do believe it is necessary for me to challenge you here. If you prove me wrong then so be it. You will earn my respect and I will admit that my judgement of you was incorrect. Quite honestly, I would find it refreshing for that to happen.”

“Fine!” I spat back, trying to ignore his scathing insults. “But after I solve this case, I want you to apologize!” I stomped my hoof angrily against the stage. “As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, Shetland is the killer. He’s the onl–”

“NO, THAT’S WRONG!”

My heart caught in my throat. The one who called out against me was someone I least expected. “Doctor, why are you–”

“I didn’t want it to get like this,” Scalpel interrupted with, her usual caring expression pulled into a terrifying frown, “but your accusation is ridiculous. Shetland, the Ultimate Police Officer, simply couldn’t have killed Pinkie Pie!”

“Doctor…” Shetland quivered, staring in complete shock. He turned back to me with an arrogant stare. “At least there’s someone here who’s willing to believe in me.”

I couldn’t even say a word. My heart and mind were in overdrive trying to make sense of this bizarre, unfamiliar situation.

“Well then,” Scalpel continued, her words like ice. “Shall we? Convince me that Shetland is the killer! I’d like to see you try!”

I froze in place, the hairs on my back prickling up. I could feel an immense pressure weighing down me, almost enough to crush my spirit. But I can’t back down, I said inwardly, overwhelmed by the stares of the others. I know I’m right! I have to show them! I have to prove to Mesmer and the others what I’m capable of! I’ll show them all!

Greyscale vs Dr. Lancet Scalpel

Truth Blades

Inky’s Account

Pre-Meeting Swim

Greyscale’s Account

Monobunny File #1

Swimming Area Windows

Scalpel: You’re sure that Shetland is the killer, and you proclaim so without evidence!

Greyscale: I do have evidence. In fact, he’s the only one who could’ve been capable!

Scalpel: So when did he kill her?

Greyscale: It had to have been before the search took place.

Scalpel: And yet there are no signs that he did so before the search, so how can you make that claim?

Greyscale: It’s the only way! Otherwise he couldn’t have set the whole thing up!

Scalpel: Throughout the entire search he did nothing but search valiantly for Pinkie.

Greyscale: That’s just how he made it look!

Scalpel: Really? Because I fail to see when he would’ve had the chance. From the morning meeting until Pinkie’s body was found, I was with him the entire time! Monobunny confirmed himself that there were no accomplices involved in this case, so we know I wouldn’t be lying to protect him.

Greyscale: I didn’t say that.

Scalpel: Then what are you saying? We know Shetland couldn’t have flown in through the windows to move the body while we weren’t aware.

Greyscale: …

Scalpel: I’m waiting to hear your explanation, Greyscale. You should be ready to back up your accusation.

Damn it, Scalpel. Why are you being so defensive when it comes to Shetland? I’m all shook up but I need to give my answer, fast, or I’ll be made a fool of!

Author's Note

Please make use of the spoiler function.