Equestria Noire Case #3: The Hate Case

-/- Sweet Apple Acres -/-

It was about 8:30 in the morning as I was walking over to Applejack’s family farm. Before I walked up to the door, I still couldn’t help but be amazed by the beauty of this place. Any family would be lucky to have a farm this great looking. I remember as a colt growing up, one of my cousins(or “Other Sisters” as they called themselves; I eventually accepted them as such) said that she would love to buy a farm one day and raise a family on it.

At that time, I thought she was thinking foolishly, but now I could kinda see why she would say such a thing. Yes, there would be a lot of hard work, which could result in whiny kids complaining about too much of it, but even so it would seem nice to live in a great place like this.

Though, that’s one of my family talking. Me, I’m perfectly fine living where I am now.

Even if some of the town folk don’t trust me entirely.

Anyway, I walked under the big Sweet Apple Acres sign and saw Big Macintosh pulling a plow through some soil. With how big and strong he is, I can see why this must be one of his main jobs. Bucking is Applejack’s specialty apparently.

He made a quick glance at me, snorted with distrust in his eyes, and continued plowing.

Guess somepony still doesn’t trust me.

I knocked at the door and waited a few seconds before Apple Bloom answered it. When she saw me, I saw quite a few emotions go through her in a flash.

First was surprise. She must not have expected me early here. She might’ve thought I’m a mid afternoon guy, which I kinda am.

Second, she had that same look of intimidation on her face, like I see so many other townsfolk have. Guess she still is a little afraid of me.

Third, she had that quick thought of get a grip and stop being scared. I saw her eyes close for a quick sec, while she shook her head fast.

Fourth, and lastly, she put on a smile. And not just any smile. No, this was one of the many smiles I see on Pinkie Pie every fucking day. It could be annoying, ya know.

When I saw this smile on Apple Bloom, it really felt like she was trying to show she wasn’t scared of me. And that she was trying to make me feel welcome.

The keyword for both of those being try.

“Howdy, Mister Shadow Haze. What brings ya here to our neck o’ tha woods?” She asked me, trying(again) to sound humble.

“Where’s your sister? I need to speak with her.” I said to her.

“She’s in the South field bucking apples.” She told me, before looking interested.

“Have ya found anything about Zecora’s attacker?” She asked me, sounding excited. She even put her front hooves on me while her back legs stayed on the ground. And she was even wagging her tail like the dog, Winona.

Yes. I said that. That actually happened.

“I think so.” I said, as I walked away from the front door. I heard Apple Bloom follow me as I made my way to the South field.

-/-

I heard the wacking sounds as I approached Applejack. She was currently covered in sweat, even wiping some off of her forehead.

“Hey Shadow Haze.” She greeted me, while panting.

“Applejack, I think I’ve found a lead.” I told her. She instantly stopped doing what she was doing and looked interested, like Apple Bloom was just a few moments ago.

“Ya do? What is it?” She asked me.

“Well, according to one of my old coworkers from when I was on the force, she told me there was a similar attack on another zebra. This one being in New Colt City. My home town.” I told her.

They both looked interested. “Okay. But, what does that have ta do with Zecora?” Applejack asked.

“The victim of that attack was her brother.” I told them.

They both let out a huge gasp. “WHAT?!” They said at the exact same time.

I turned and looked at Apple Bloom. Her eyes with a bit of intimidation in them.

“Now, Apple Bloom, did Zecora ever mention to you the name Zakwani? Her older brother?” I asked her.

She thought for a moment before she gave me her answer.

“Well, Ah didn’t ask too much ‘bout her family. But, I thought I did hear her one time mention a niece she has.” She said to me.

“Did she tell you her name?” I asked. She shook her head.

“So, ya think this was a personal attack on Zecora? Or her brother?” Applejack asked me.

Before I answered, I said to Apple Bloom, “Hey Kiddo, I’m gonna need you to leave this part to me and your big sis. So, can you give us some privacy?”

“But, Ah wanna help too.” Apple Bloom said, with a hint of a whine in her voice.

Applejack gave her little sister a stern look. “AB, do what Shadow tells ya. This is our case here. Y’all aren’t involved like us. So, why don’t y’all go and feed the pigs?” She told her.

Apple Bloom snorted with a somewhat pouty look on her face. “Fine.” She said as she walked away.

Now that it was just me and Applejack, I was able to tell her what I believe was the motive for this assault on Zecora. And Zakwani too.

“So, what do y’all think it is?” Applejack asked me.

I sighed before I told her, “I’m thinking this was a hate crime.”

Applejack looked stunned for a few seconds. And before she could say anything, I heard my phone go off. It was a text from my pathologist, Cadaver.

Shadow, I need to see you immediately. I’ve got something from the evidence you gave me.

“Come on, Applejack. Cadaver needs to us.” I told her. She agreed and walked with me over to our destination.

-/- Cadaver Clinic -/-

“This isn’t the first time our mystery assailant has attacked somepony. Mainly, another zebra.” Cadaver told us. He had the socket wrench handle on a table in front of us. There was still blood on it, although it did appear that he had taken samples from it. As well as any hair fibers from Zecora’s coat.

“Y’all mean that the guy used this same socket wrench handle on another zebra before?” Applejack asked.

Cadaver nodded. “I looked through the evidence from Zakwani’s attack in New Colt City and compared it to Zecora’s attack. Both of them had been hit in the head with this very socket wrench handle. And both had facial and head injuries as well.” He told us, before taking out pictures from Zakwani’s attack.

“I also found this too. Both attacks appeared to have shown traces of motor oil. This socket wrench handle has been used, apparently, to do auto work. On machines, wheels, things like that.” He said to us.

“So, our guy is a mechanic.” I said.

“It appears so.” Cadaver told us. “I also think that this attack on Zecora was poorly done. Sloppy.”

“What makes you say that?” I asked him.

He then brought out pictures of both Zecora and Zakwani’s attack. “Zakwani’s head injury was to the back of his head. And according to Angel Blossom’s report, he said he never got a look at him. The assailant attacked him from behind.” He explained to us.

“Now, with Zecora, it’s different. There was facial scars on her, as well as head injuries. There was evidence of her running from her mystery attacker, as well as attempting to barricade the door. She may not have known who her attacker was, but I am 100% positive she saw him. Face to face. I’m thinking, the attacker was going to kill her, however he got distracted by somepony outside. So, he throws the socket wrench handle down to try and get rid of evidence.” He told us.

“Wait.” I stopped him before he continued on. “Why would he throw his weapon away? Wouldn’t it make more sense for him to take it with him? I mean, there’s evidence that our mystery attacker is either a Griffon or a Pegasi.”

“I’m thinking because he didn’t expect somepony, so he panicked. With Zakwani, he must’ve had the perfect scenario to attack him. He must’ve been in an alleyway where no pony can see him.” Cadaver told me. This shit keeps getting more interesting.

“But, why didn’t he kill Zakwani then?” Applejack asked. “If he had him in the perfect place to do it, why not then?”

“Well, and this is just my opinion, I think he had no intention to murder Zakwani. I think he wanted to brutally assault him. Then, after he kinda got away with it…” He stopped and paused.

So, I continued for him. “He figures he wants to take it a step further. Commit murder. However, his plans are interrupted by Apple Bloom, which he doesn’t expect to happen, he panics, throws away the socket wrench handle, and flees the scene.”

Cadaver nodded. “Yes. And when Zecora eventually wakes up, unless she doesn’t suffer any memory loss, I’m certain she can identify her attacker.” He said.

“Have you found a DNA sample?” I asked him.

“It’s taking a bit, but it should be available by later tonight. And, I’m almost positive it’s a Griffon that attacked her and Zakwani.” Cadaver said.

“How can you tell?” I asked.

“The size of the purple feather you found. As well, I found traces of what appear to be a talon mark. Griffons have talons as hooves. It would make sense that he would have a good grip on it.” He told us.

So, Applejack was right. It was a Griffon that did this. She was pretty smart. Although, I still wonder how she could tell the difference between Griffon feathers and pony feathers.

Anyway, I thanked Cadaver and me and Applejack walked out. I took a look at her with her head to the ground.

“Something wrong, Applejack?” I asked her.

She gave a sigh. “I just feel uncomfortable that some creature, ANY creature would want to harm another just because of their race.” She told me.

“Applejack, I can be the first to tell you that I have seen SO many hate crimes when I was in New Colt City. Hate crimes aren’t as common, but they also aren’t as unlikely. It’s sad, but it’s true.” I told her.

She had her head down in shame.

I guess she didn’t think race would come into this crime. Unfortunately, there has been a lot of times, even back when I was on the force, when race came into the motive or reasoning for a type of crime.

Not just race either. Genders too. Some were victims simply because of the fact that they were born male or female. And the same could be said about race too. Victims only because they were Zebra’s, Griffon’s, Yak’s, Dragon’s, Hippogriff’s, you name it. There’s also been crimes against ponies of a differing sexual orientation. There’s been several rapes and murders of gay stallions and lesbian mares and transgender ponies, simply because of who they are.

It just sickens me sometimes to see stuff like that.

“Are y’all sure?” She asked me softly. I nodded.

“Yeah. But, let’s be frank: it’s not just criminals that commit these hate crimes that are racist. Some are average everyday ponies like me and you. And this may seem horrible to say, but I truly think all of us have some type of prejudice in us. Whether we like to admit it or not.”

Applejack then looked at me with the most intense glare I’d ever seen from the other Elements of Harmony. And I thought Rainbow Dash gave a good one.

“Are y’all suggesting I’m racist too?” She angrily asked me.

“No. That’s not it at all.” I said.

“Then what? Huh?”

I sighed. “I’m just saying I think every creature in all of Equestria has SOME type of view or opinion on any type of creature. Now it could mean they could be flat out racist toward that species. Or, maybe, they see them and view them as a stereotype, but don’t necessarily hate them or treat them any different. Or, and this is a big one, they could just look at them on the surface and just form an opinion based on how they look.” I explained to her. She still had that glare on her face.

“Stuff like this is difficult to talk about, Applejack. I know. I am NOT calling you or trying to label anypony here as racist or prejudice. I’m just saying ALL of us here have been guilty at one point and time of being scared of or judging some creature based on how they view them.” I told her in the most gentle way I could.

She snorted at me. “Kinda like how every pony looks at you?” She asked me.

I knew she’d go there. So, I guess I’ll go with this.

“Didn’t Apple Bloom tell me you and your friends all thought Zecora was evil, just because she was a Zebra and looked different?” I asked her.

I saw the look on her face change from a glare to a look of regret and shame. She tilted her Stetson hat over her eyes.

“Ah don’t like to talk about that, Detective.” She said in a low voice.

“You feel terrible don’t you?” I asked. She didn’t answer. Just kept that position she was in.

“You’re ashamed because you feel you discriminated against somepony, because they looked different. And as an Element of Harmony, you’re supposed to be better than that. Am I right?” I asked her. Again, she didn’t answer, but I thought I heard a small sniffle.

Was she starting to get choked up?

“Applejack, it’s okay.” I told her.

She then lifted her Stetson hat up to look into my eyes. There were very small tears in them. As well as an angry look on her face.

“No, it’s not okay.” She said, raising her voice. I guess I should just let her vent right now. “Y’all talk about stereotypes and stuff, we’ll let’s talk about me. When Ah did that, Ah feel like Ah enforced a stereotype for ponies like me. A country farm girl, who hates other creatures and believes all ponies and other creatures should be separated.” She told me, which was then followed by a shudder. She looked almost sick. Wonder what for.

“Ah also have heard rumors that some ponies ACTUALLY think that Ah have sexual relations with mah siblings. As well as mah cousins from other parts of Equestria.” She said, now looking me super close in the eyes. I mean, her muzzle was literally a centimeter close to touching mine.

“Do you know how SICK that is, Detective? Do you know how much it bothers me that ponies ACTUALLY think Ah fuck mah brother? That’s fucking disgusting. And I’d NEVER do something as horrifying as that. Ah’d rather kill myself then do that sick, demented shit. And anypony who enjoys shit like that should get some fucking mental help.” She ranted toward me.

I completely understand what she’s saying. Because farm girls and country ponies like her DO get stereotyped as that. Being racist, KKK supporting, in-breeding, alcoholic crazy ponies. And it IS sick. The racist part is one thing, but INCEST?

That is fucked up!

Applejack continued on. “Ah felt horrible that Ah didn’t treat Zecora right the first time Ah saw her. And the fact that Ah didn’t, makes me think that maybe Ah am a little prejudiced.” She said, as a small tear rolled down her face.

I sighed as I took a tissue out from my coat pocket. I keep tissues on me in case I got a cold while investigating a case.

She smiled, took it, and wiped her eyes with it.

“I get it Applejack. We all at some point think we have committed some type of prejudicial action, even if it wasn’t intended. But, that doesn’t mean you’re like the guy who attacked Zecora and Zakwani. Okay? You aren’t ANYTHING like them. And don’t think that you are, or I’ll arrest you for being stupid.” I told her with a joking grin.

She sniffled with a smile again and nodded. “Thanks Detective. Ah needed to get that off mah chest.” She said.

I smiled and nodded. “And just between you and me: I think incest is fucking disgusting too.”

She rolled her eyes. “Ah know. Big Mac is mah big brother. Mah Ma woulda whipped us if she found us doing that. And Daddy too.”

She continued to talk to me about her family as we walked back into town. It’s good to know ponies like her can learn from their actions from before and want to be better. Because, and this may sound mean spirited and too brutally honest to say, but a lot of the the time, ponies can’t learn from their mistakes to save their lives. No matter how hard they try.

I’m just glad I met somepony who is different.

So, after Applejack went home, I headed back to the Castle of Friendship. I got a Hayburger from a random stand in town. I got hay fries and a soda to go with it. I figured, if I’m gonna look over some case notes, I might as well eat while doing it.

Then, I was met with a big surprise when I came to the front door of the Castle.

There was a zebra standing right there. He looked about 7 or 8 maybe even 9 years older then me. And I instantly knew who it was. Based on the photos I saw of him from the reports Angel Blossom gave me.

It was Zakwani. Zecora’s older brother. What the hell is he doing here?