-/-Ponyville Jail-/-

“The dude just lost it, man! I don’t know what the fuck came over him.” One of the guards told me as Twilight and I walked through the hallway leading into the jail cells. Spike was told to wait in the lobby. Probably wouldn’t be a good idea for him to see all these criminals. Especially one who just killed one of them.

I was called just a little while ago that Gavin had assaulted and murdered a male zebra inmate. From what was said, the zebra was in for armed robbery and drug possession. And when he was put in the cell with Gavin and a few other pony cell mates, the guy just went nuts and started to smash the zebras head into the bars. Even the other inmates were trying to get Gavin off the guy.

As of now, Gavin is in solitary confinement. They couldn’t trust Gavin with the other inmates. They’d be worried he’d try to kill them too.

“Why would you put him in the same cell with a zebra?” I asked him. I was pretty mad right now.

The guard looked defensive. “Hey man, I didn’t know what the dude was in for.”

“Bullshit, you didn’t know!” I yelled at him, causing him to flinch. I think Twilight and Spike flinched a little bit too.

The guard didn’t say anything after that. There is no way he didn’t know what Gavin was in for. Word has been getting around town what had happened to Zecora. Lots of ponies are talking about it.

Either this guard is lying through his teeth, or he’s an incompetent moron.

Anyway, we walked over to the solitary confinement cell where Gavin was. He just stood there looking at us walking toward his cell. He had some hoof marks on him, obviously from when the zebra inmate tried to fight back.

“Your lawyer is gonna pissed at you, Gavin. You just convicted yourself.” I told him.

He just leaned into the bars with a smirk on his face. “Who cares about him? He’s just a zebra. They don’t belong here in Equestria. They should just go back to their homeland where they belong. Not here trying to steal jobs away from other creatures like me.” He ranted at us.

I was stunned by this guy’s lack of remorse or compassion. And his lack of subtlety of racism toward zebras. I shouldn’t be, but I just am for some reason.

Twilight approached the bars with an angry look on her face. Oh Celestia, here we go again.

“YOU ARE A HORRIBLE CREATURE!” She shouted at him. He just smiled all arrogant like at her. The fucker made ME want to punch him in his bitch face.

“I’m gonna make sure you receive the death penalty. And I can make it happen, Gavin. I’m a Princess, after all.” She said, returning that grin that Gavin gave her.

Now, he just looked cross at her. He probably was worried now. There’s a good chance he may die after what he did.

“There’s not a chance in hell with that happening.” We heard that damn voice again.

I turned toward that voice as I spoke in a sarcastic tone. “Looks like your lawyer came after all, Gavin.” I said, as Matlock entered the cell with Gavin, even giving him a cigarette. I fucking hate cigarettes.

“On what grounds would this not happen?” Twilight asked, looking angry.

Matlock now gave a smirk that I wanted to punch off. “Would you REALLY execute a creature who has severe mental health problems?” He asked her.

“You’re still going for that?” I asked him.

He nodded. “Yes. What just happened here proves it. My client needs Professional help. He was born with hatred wired into his brain after his father’s murder.” He said, offering Gavin a light for his cigarette, which he accepted.

“No pony is born racist, Matlock. The judge or jury won’t buy it.” I said to him, watching the smoke blow from Gavin’s beak.

“We’ll see about that during arraignment. Which, by the way, is five days from now. Just to give ya a heads up. See you in court, Detective.” Matlock said, now sitting down with Gavin in his cell.

I shook my head at them, not believing all the bullshit that was spewing out of this guy’s shit shooter.

Twilight and Spike were about to say something, until I grabbed them with my magic.

“Come on, you two. Let’s go.” I said, dragging them with me.

-/- Ponyville Detention Center -/-

“This is not good.” Captain Stone said, with Me, Spike, Twilight, Applejack, Ruby Glow and Cadaver all sitting together. We walked to Sweet Apple Acres to pick up Applejack and take her with us. We explained everything to her while we walked over here. To say she was not happy would be an understatement.

“Gavin knew what he was doing the whole time. If he’s declared insane, I guarantee you every creature who has prejudice views on another creature could claim mental health problems as a defense.” I told him.

We were all silent for a minute, before Spike spoke up. “How can we prove he’s not crazy? Should we get a psychiatrist to examine him or something?” He asked.

“Matlock wont let any doctor we offer anywhere near him.” Stone said, before hatching an idea from his brain.

“But, we do have a psychiatrist who works with us. She analyzes criminals who have committed murders, rapes, and other terrible crimes. If anypony knows about true mental health problems, it’s her.” He said, getting up from his seat.

“Let me go make a call.” He said, now entering his office.

I sighed as I put my hooves to my face. I hope to Celestia he’s right.

-/-1 Hour Later-/-

“Hello, every pony. I’m Doctor Gwynn.” A very young looking unicorn mare said, approaching our little circle. She looked about in her early to mid thirties. Her coat was a light pink color, she had a short curly orange mane, and a cutie mark with a pony brain on it. This, I guess, showed that psychology is her special talent.

Every pony, including myself, shook hooves with her. She seemed like a nice mare. Hopefully, she knows what the fuck she’s doing.

“Good to have you here, Doctor Gwynn. So, have you brought your research with you?” Captain Stone asked.

She nodded happily and brought out some paperwork from a sachel she had on her side. There were pictures of brains of random creatures. The kind of pictures these were, were PET scans. I saw the color pattern on some of them.

This should get interesting.

“Major Matlock is going for an insanity defense, based on what he believes is genetic hatred wired to the brain. That’s what Captain Stone said, right Detective Shadow Haze?” She asked me. It was good to see she didn’t fear me. So, I guess maybe there’s a chance I could befriend her.

“Yeah. If this case goes to trial, and he wins, no pony will ever be held accountable for their actions ever again.” I said to her.

“It’d be like if a stallion molested a filly or colt, and then gave a defense that his love of children was just something he was born with.” Applejack said, not sounding happy. I saw Twilight motion for Spike to go to the break room. She gave him a few bits to get a snack or soda from the vending machines. Let the adults talk, I guess.

She levitated one of the PET scan pictures to us. This one had writing on it that said ZEBRA MINISTER.

“This is from an interview that me and a few other psychiatrists did with a few zebra ministers. We monitored their brain wave patterns and compared them with a normal pony brain.

She showed us a picture of a pony brain. This one had a different color pattern on it then the zebra one did.

“If you look here,” She pointed on the zebra and pony pictures “This is the prefrontal cortex. You’ll see on the normal pony brain that it looks bigger. The zebra one is smaller. However, there also is another part of the brain that could predict violent behavior.” She said putting the pictures down and pulling out new ones.

“It’s called the subcortex.” She said, now showing us the same two pictures from before, only now it showed from the lower back part of the brain. “Notice how both brains have the same brain wave pattern.” She told us, putting those two down and bringing up two new ones.

“That is, until I showed a picture of the KKK to the zebra we interviewed. Notice how his brain wave pattern in the subcortex lights up even bigger than the pony one does.” She showed us, comparing and contrasting both brain wave patterns.

“This is all interesting information Doctor Gwynn, but how does this help us in putting Gavin in prison where he belongs?” I asked her.

“Yeah. It seems to me, like you’re agreeing with Matlock.” Applejack said, looking suspicious.

Doctor Gwynn shook her head. “My studies show that, while violent behavior could POSSIBLY be predicted, there is no research that shows anypony or creature is BORN to hate another creature. Hatred is learned from other ponies or creatures you are associated with from the time you are born to when you are a grown up. The zebra here told me he was taught what the KKK had done to his kind for years by his grandparents and his parents. Even some friends who were victims of some type of crime in their lives.” She explained to me.

“Here’s the problem though.” Twilight interjected. “Even if your studies DO prove that Gavin wasn’t BORN a racist, the jury could still buy that he was manipulated by years of learned hatred. He could STILL be deemed insane.” She said.

Ruby Glow spoke up next. “I read up some more on Gavin. His school records all show that he was sent to a therapist throughout his entire middle and high school years. Says it didn’t exactly help him that much.” She said, looking defeated.

“Not to mention” Cadaver spoke next, “The ruthlessness of the attack showed a serious sign of rage. That could also be in his favor too.”

Captain Stone groaned in annoyance. “Could this get anymore difficult?” He asked out loud.

All of a sudden, my phone went off. “Shadow Haze.” I answered it. And what I heard on the other line surprised the fuck outta me.

“I’ll be right over.” I said, hanging up.

Every pony looked at me with interest. “What’s up, Shadow?” Cadaver asked me.

“Well, Applejack, I guess you can go get Apple Bloom now.” I told her.

“Why?” She asked me.

I smiled as I said, “Zecora just woke up at the hospital.”

-/- Ponyville Hospital -/-

Applejack quickly went and picked up Apple Bloom from their home and joined Me, Twilight and Spike to go and see Zecora. Doctor Gwynn and every pony else stayed behind at the Detention Center. I guess to figure how the fuck are we gonna get through this damn case.

And as if our day wasn’t already shitty enough, the ZRA was outside the Hospital, protesting in honor of Zecora. There were signs that had her name on it, as well as signs that said duragatory remarks about police officers.

One of them saw us and they all just stared at us. Then I saw Zane come up.

“Detective, I trust you’re coming here to ask Zecora questions about what happened to her, am I right?” He asked in a condescending voice that I wanted to smack out of him.

“What gave it away?” I asked sarcastically. I saw a few zebra followers glaring at Twilight. Probably were still pissed at her rant toward them not too long ago. Though, I know they won’t attack. She’s a Princess.

And even if one of those zebras attacks her, I’ll be there to slap the cuffs on the son of a bitch and take him to jail.

“I’m going to ask nicely this time. After Zecora gives you information on her assault, may we have some information as well? Please?” He asked us.

I motioned for the others to stay back. I got this.

“The answer is No, Zane. You aren’t a part of this investigation. I’m simply doing my job. And these ponies have a right to be here because they have a personal relationship with Zecora. You do not.” I told him in a firm voice.

Then he laughed at me. His followers joined in to.

“These two hick ponies are friends with a zebra? I’ll believe that when I see it.” He said.

That little comment looked to get to Applejack and Apple Bloom. Especially, lil Bloom.

She stepped right in front of me. Standing face to face with Zane.

“What gives y’all the right to judge whether or not I’m friends with Zecora or not, ya big bully.” She yelled at him. I was surprised. She had the guts to stand up to a guy who was twice her size and had a group of followers with him.

I guess I was right when I said she was a brave little filly. And I think Spike was surprised too. I certainly saw it in his face.

“Ponies like you are the ones who lynched us back in the old days.” One of the zebra followers said.

“Yeah. I’ll bet your family members from way back when we’re Klan members.” Another said.

“You will probably be just like them.” A female one said.

All of Zane’s followers started chanting things at us. Some type of chant that sounds like they are Warriors for Justice. But the truth is they just want to harass ponies they don’t like.

It was getting to Apple Bloom, I could tell. She was looking scared. Yet, still standing her ground. But, it didn’t look like for very long.

Spike moved forward quickly before Applejack could. He stood in front of Apple Bloom, defending her. I think I even saw her blush a little.

“Hey, leave her alone, you assholes. Shes just here to support her friend. She’s right, ya know. You all are just bullies. And I hate bullies.” He said, showing how brave HE also was.

Zane, I think, did look a little concerned when Spike defended her. I even saw some of his followers look ready to pounce. Guess they wouldn’t think twice about attacking a technical child if they attacked their charismatic leader.

Now, Zane was also twice his size, but Spike had wings, claws, sharp teeth, and the biggest advantage: he could breathe fire. One wrong move from Zane, and he’ll be a zebra fireball. And I don’t think he’d like that.

Twilight contained them both in her magic, pulling them back toward her. Showing a disgusted look on her face.

Applejack just looked angry. Really angry. So angry, I was concerned she would do what Twilight did not too long ago.

I stepped forward. “Look Zane. I appreciate that you want Justice for Zecora. As all of you as well.” I said, actually acknowledging his followers. They just had their heads turned away from me. As to not acknowledge me.

I continued. “However, you accusing ponies as well as stereotyping them won’t make your movement look good. If anything, it’ll make you come across as hypocritical and uninteresting.”

Zane looked like that comment stung him. “Uninteresting?”

“Whether you like it or not, or any of your followers or supporters like it or not, ponies ARE a race in Equestria. And the fact that you say things like what you just said now to Apple Bloom, show that YOU are a racist too. Or at least, have some type of racism in you.” I told him literally right in his face.

He looked pissed. As did his followers. “You call ME racist? After everything that zebras went through in this country many, many years ago?”

I snorted at him. “Guess there’s a legitimate reason why. Doesn’t mean it’s right, but I understand it.” I said, now turning my head away from him to look at the others.

“Come on every pony. Zecora is waiting for us.” I said to them as I walked inside. They followed me a second later.

-/- Zecora’s Room -/-

Nurse Redheart lead us to her room. And when we got there, I saw Zakwani and Zara there as well. Zakwani looked relieved that his younger sister was awake now. He even looked to have brought her a tray with lunch from the cafeteria. It was untouched now, but she’d probably eat it later.

Now Zara, on the other hoof, was just hugging and crying her aunt. She was apparently MORE relieved that her auntie was awake and okay. Well, for the most part.

Every pony else also looked relieved. Especially Apple Bloom, who was getting emotional looking at her friend. She then trotted in her room.

“Zecora, you’re okay!” She shouted as she hugged her left side. Zara was on her right.

Speaking of, Zara looked to be surprised. Guess she didn’t think Apple Bloom was serious about her friendship with her auntie.

Zecora just looked down at her friend and her niece and just smiled.

“No need to fret, my little pony. I am quite alright, even if my head feels tingly.” She said. Her head was still wrapped up in bandages. However, we still could see her face. Thankfully, her face wasn’t mangled during her attack.

We walked in and I flashed my badge to her. I also saw Zara turn and hide behind her Daddy. Guess this many ponies in one room could be overwhelming for her.

“Zecora, I’m Detective Shadow Haze. I’ve been working the case on who assaulted you. Along with Applejack and Twilight here. And I just wanted to tell you, we’ve found the guy. He’s currently in jail now, and will be appearing in court not to long from now.” I explained to her, while pulling out a photo of Gavin/Gunner out of the pocket of my trench coat.

“This is who we’ve arrested.” I showed her the photo.

When I did, I expected her to get scared. To get angry. To feel relief. Something, knowing that the Griffon who tried to murder her was now in prison.

However, I saw a zebra who looked remorseful. The way she closed her eyes and shook her head. The way her mouth frowned.

To me, she just looked disappointed.

“Yes. That is the Griffon who attacked me.” She said.

Every pony looked surprised at her reaction. Including me.

“Aren’t you glad, little sister?” Zakwani asked.

“Yeah.” Applejack said, looking confused. “He almost killed you, and you look like you feel sorry for him.”

“Because I do.” She told us point blank.

Apple Bloom climbed off Zecora’s bed and looked at her in disbelief.

“Why would ya feel sorry for somepony who tried to kill you? Are you insane?” She asked, kinda raising her voice at her. She was given a stern look from Applejack, causing her to look ashamed.

“Because of what he was yelling at me, as he was beating me like a tree.” She said.

I got closer to her. “What did he yell at you, Zecora? What do you remember?”

She breathed in a sigh before replying, “See what you did, Dad? See what you made me do?”

I was shocked. What?

“Miss Zecora, the guy who attacked you, his father was murdered by a zebra 20 years ago.” I told her.

She shook her head. “I don’t think so.” She said.

What is she saying? That Gavin’s Dad was NOT murdered? That there’s MORE to the story of his apparent racism?

What the hell happened 20 years ago?

I need to contact Angel Blossom right away.

-/-

I left the room to go into the lobby. The others stayed in there to help Zecora catch up on what was going on. Maybe, even get her some things.

The dial tone only went to one before Angel picked up.

“Shadow, I’m so glad you called. I found out something about that crime from 20 years ago.” She said to me, sounding frantic.

“Yeah, and apparently Zecora, the FUCKING VICTIM, thinks so too.”

“She woke up?”

“You heard my words.” I said, kinda raising my voice.

“No, Shadow, this is good. Especially, with what I found.”

I raised my eyebrow. “What the fuck are you talking about? How is this good?”

I heard a smirk on her line. “Well, I dug through SO much research for this crime. Me and Rap Sheet even talked to a few ponies who loved there during that time. I looked through every cold case file I could find.” She explained to me.

“And?” I asked.

“Nothing. Not a thing.” She said.

I groaned in frustration. “How is this good? What, are they covering up something big?” I asked her.

“No.” She said, attempting to calm me down.

“I mean Nothing as in, there was nothing to find. There was no police report from a murder of Gene the Zebra.” She said to me.

I felt a jolt of lightning flow through my body when she said that. I can NOT believe what I’m hearing.

“What are you saying, Angel?” I asked her, my tone intensifying.

“What I’m saying is, there was no murder of a Zebra named Gene over 20 years ago. This crime never happened.” She told me.

“What?” I said, now sounding very pissed off. “How can you be so sure? Are you 100%?”

“Well, I think you’ll have the answer tomorrow morning.” She said, sounding pleased with herself.

“What do you mean?” I asked, sounding kind of harsh with her.

“Well, I was able to find a certain some pony who could help put Gavin in prison where he belongs. A certain somepony, who has ALL the answers we need.” She said.

I started putting the pieces of this new puzzle together in my head. Which is kinda hurting from this new revelation.

“Who?” I asked her.

“I think you already know. Meet him at the train station tomorrow morning. Then take him to see Gavin. Hell, maybe you could avoid a trial.” She said.

“What makes you think that?” I asked her.

“Shadow, just trust me, okay? Look, I gotta go. Bye for now.” She said, hanging up.

I could not believe this shit. I spent all this time, thinking about a murder that happened over 20 years ago, and now I hear that this didn’t even fucking happen.

Whoever Angel is sending, this better be good.

Author's Note

Make sure to comment like favorite and follow for future updates. Thank you all and goodnight everybody.