After a few moments of silence, Big Macintosh stood up from the couch he and Sugar Belle were sitting at.

“No.” He said flat out. This one didn’t sound like him being an asshole. This one sounded more…stern. Parent like. As it should be, seeing as how he’s been a parent to Apple Bloom for years now.

“This could help Zecora’s case.” I told him.

“Are you crazy? It’s one thing to interview her, but have her be on a stand? In front of a jury? That could traumatize mah little sister.” He told me.

“I think I’m gonna have to agree with Big Mac here.” Granny Smith said, now getting up rather slowly from her rocking chair. I could see the struggle in her as she was getting up. Her old bones probably creaked and cracked while doing so. But, that apparently didn’t stop her. For her age, she was still a tough old bird.

“I think testifying in court is too much for lil’ Apple Bloom.” She said, showing concern for her youngest granddaughter.

Apple Bloom turned to her older brother and grandmother, sporting a cross look on her face.

“I told y’all before: I’m not a baby. I can handle mahself.” She told them.

Applejack took a few steps toward us and asked, “Why do y’all think it’s a good idea for Apple Bloom to testify?”

“She was the one who found Zecora. She knows Zecora very well. That, and I think the jury might sway more toward a little filly who was friends with her. They could sympathize with Apple Bloom with how she found Zecora.” I said to every pony. They appeared to be listening to my every word.

However, Applejack didn’t look to happy with me.

“Y’all are saying that you want to USE mah little sis as a way to put a guy in prison?” She asked me, sounding very cross.

I had a feeling somepony might feel that way if I was gonna bring it up. Can’t say I blame them.

Because, unfortunately, it is true.

“Yes. I’m sorry if that doesn’t sit well with you Applejack, but that is just the way the court system works. You have to manipulate how the jury is gonna feel toward the Plantiff and the Defendant. If a jury doesn’t feel anything, chances are they aren’t gonna go with the decision we want. I’m telling you, Matlock could manipulate the jury with the whole mental health. In this case, fight fire with fire.” I explained to her.

Every pony in the room appeared to not like what I was saying. I had to tell them the truth about this. They have to understand how the court system goes.

I just hope I didn’t screw myself out of this.

“Y’all think I should do this?” I heard Apple Bloom ask me. When I looked over at her, I saw that innocent look in her eyes. I know that if and when she does go on stand, she could be scared to death. Especially with Major Matlock representing Gavin. That guy would probably bombard her with questions that she wouldn’t know how to answer.

I’m now starting to think if asking her was such a good idea after all. But, now that it is asked, I need to continue on with it.

I lowered myself toward her to be on her level.

“I think it could help with putting that bad Griffon in jail for what he did to your friend. So, yes, I do think it would be a good idea.” I told her, before I placed my hoof on her shoulder. Which kinda startled her a little bit.

“However, I’m not gonna force you, okay? If you don’t feel comfortable, you just tell me. I’ll still find a way to put Gavin in prison.” I told her, while taking my hoof off her shoulder.

As I stood up, I heard Sugar Belle reply, “I also agree with Big Mac and Granny Smith. I don’t think Apple Bloom should do this.”

Apple Bloom then turned toward her big sister. As if to ask her what she thinks. Her opinion probably meant the most to Apple Bloom. Judging from what I heard about their parents, Applejack was more of a motherly figure to Apple Bloom then a big sister with how she helped raise her.

Applejack gave a sigh. “Ah don’t like it, to tell ya the truth. I don’t want mah little sis up there on a stand where she could get ambushed with questions.” She said, which was followed by a snort and a tip from her Stetson hat to cover her eyes.

“However, Shadow, if y’all think this could help get justice for Zecora and Zakwani, then Ah promise I’ll support mah little sis with whatever decision she makes.” She said, now turning her attention to her little sister.

“Sis, it’s up to you, Sugercube.” She said.

I nodded my head. “And take as much time to think it over as possible.”

Apple Bloom just stared at the floor for a few seconds before looking back up at us.

“Can Ah have a bit longer to think?” She asked.

“No problem at all.” I said. I think I felt a smile form on my face. Huh. Weird.

-/- Castle of Friendship -/-

I was getting tired. After catching Gunner/Gavin, the whole bullshit insanity plea with Major Matlock, me almost getting into it with Happy Hayburger, Applejack revealing her parents’ assassination, and trying to convince lil’ Apple Bloom to testify in open court, I felt ready to climb into bed and get some sleep.

I know it’s only going on 8, but I feel like I need some shuteye with all this stress. I just hope Apple Bloom does say yes. I also hope Angel Blossom found something on this apparent murder from years back.

Because if not, I might be fucked.

I was walking through the streets of Ponyville, every pony looking at me with intimidation in their eyes(and some with seduction), when I heard my phone going off.

Ah fuck. Well, guess my shuteye will have to wait.

I took out my phone and answered it.

“Shadow Haze.”

“Shadow, where are you right now?” The voice on the other line said. I knew that voice instantly. And I’m kinda glad that voice was speaking to me now.

“I’m just on my way back to the Castle of Friendship. Just passed Sugarcube Corner. Why do you ask?” I asked that voice.

“Get back here as quick as you can. I want to know everything that’s been going on while I was gone.” That voice asked me, sounding kinda worried.

“Is something wrong, Twilight?” I asked, sounding concerned and surprised. When did she get back from Baltimare?

“Just-Just please come back.” She pleaded with me. This sounded serious. Was she in some kind of trouble?

“Alright, I’ll be right there.” I said, hanging up on her, putting my phone back into my jacket pocket.

Even though the Castle was only a little bit of a distance away, I ran toward it like how I would when I chase after criminals.

What happened in Baltimare? Does it have anything to do with this case?

Thankfully, the Castle was only a few feet away and I made it there in less than a minute. I opened the huge front double doors, ran down the hallway to where the Cutie Map was at, and there she was.

Twilight Sparkle was sitting at the map in the chair she usually sits at.

“There you are.” She said, now getting out if her seat and trotting toward me.

“What’s wrong Twilight?” I asked, as we were now standing face to face with each other.

“I heard something bad happened to Zecora after I left. Is that true? Is she okay?” She asked me, looking worried.

I nodded. “Yeah. She was assaulted in the Everfree Forest by a Griffon. She was beat up pretty good. She’s at the hospital in a medically induced coma. But, Nurse Redheart did say she would live.”

Twilight breathed a sigh of relief for her friend. However, that relief went back to the worrisome one just a quick second ago.

“Oh Celestia.” She said. “No wonder they all looked so mad.”

I felt a wave of confusion and worry run through me when she said that.

“What are you talking about, Twilight? Who’s mad?” I asked her.

She sighed. “When I was in Baltimare, there was this Activist Group called The Zebra Rights Association. Or ZRA for short. Anyway, while I was doing my Friendship Mission, these zebras came up to me in town one day and asked how could I ignore such a serious crime that was going on in my hometown of Ponyville? I asked them what are they talking about. And they told me a zebra in Ponyville was attacked by somepony.” She explained, looking kind of remorseful. Why would she though? It’s not like this wouldn’t have happened if she had gone to Baltimare or not.

“Shadow, they called me incompetent and prejudice. Even though I had nothing to do with this. So, please, please tell me you found the pony who did it.” She pleaded, getting uncomfortably close to my face. I had a feeling something like this would happen. Whenever a type of different race in Equestria, especially Zebras in this case, is either robbed, beaten down or even murdered, a certain mob mentality forms within creatures alike. And they say they want Justice.

However, let’s be frank, a lot of those creatures who say they want Justice really just want to have their fifteen minutes of fame. They don’t REALLY give a shit about them. They are just SO desperate for attention and a wanting to be liked, if not ADORED, by every pony that they’ll say and do stupid fucking shit. Because they hate their lives so much. They want to try and find some meaning in their lives. It’s fucking pathetic.

But perhaps the biggest thing these creatures do, and the most obvious one, is throwing blame at the wrong creatures for said horrible thing that happens to a creature of another race.

I lightly shoved her out of my face before I told her.

“Yes. Me and Applejack found a Griffon named Gavin. Who legally changed his name to Gunner. His DNA was a match on both the socket wrench handle and the marks on the door. Plus, he’s had a bad history with zebras as well.” I told her.

This got her attention. She walked back over to the Cutie Map and motioned for me to sit down next to her.

“Tell me everything.”

So I did. I sat down next to her(in what I think was Applejack’s chair) and proceeded to tell her everything that happened while she was gone. From the attack being by somepony Zecora did NOT know, to Zecora bring in a coma, to her brother and niece coming here, to Major Matlock trying to go for an insanity plea, and me trying to convince Apple Bloom to testify.

Which, that didn’t set well with her.

She glared at me. “Shadow, Apple Bloom is only 10 years old. She shouldn’t be testifying in court. They’d destroy her on stand.”

“They might.” I said, nodding in agreement. “However, the jury might sway more toward a filly who is a legitimate friend to Zecora. That could, and I’m sorry to use this word, manipulate the jury to put Gavin in prison where he belongs. And NOT in an insane asylum. So, it’s worth the risk, Twilight.”

She was silent for a second before giving in. She gave a big sigh. “I just can’t believe all this has been going on since I left. It’s so much to take in.”

I can only imagine what Twilight is feeling right now. She’s obviously never been labeled as something that wasn’t true. It can be hurtful to be labeled as something when you had NOTHING to do with something bad that happened to a creature of another race.

I put my hoof on her shoulder as a source of comfort. Heh. I’ve been doing that a lot lately. Feels like I’m slightly changing a bit.

“Look, no matter what these Activists say, you are NOT prejudiced Twilight. You had nothing to do with what happened to Zecora. Don’t listen to those pieces of fucking shit. Okay?” I said, kinda showing her a smile. Or, the closest thing I could give to a smile.

Twilight looked surprised at that. Maybe she thinks she’s making progress with me with all these “Friendship Lessons.”

“Look, let’s not worry about this right now. I’m sure we’ll have a clear mind if we get a good night’s rest.” I said, which was followed by a yawn. Fuck, I’m tired.

She giggled at the yawn I just did. “Yeah, you’re right. We’ll talk about it in the morning. Spike will make us breakfast.”

Suddenly, doors to the left of us flew open. And there appeared that little purple dragon, Spike. With a super confident smirk on his face.

“Did somepony say Breakfast in the morning?” He said, when all of a sudden he brought out an apron from out of fucking nowhere and tied it around himself.

Can dragons do magic too? I don’t know.

There was that giggle from Twilight again. “We have to wait until morning for you to cook breakfast, Spike. I know you’re excited, but you’ll have to sleep on it for now.” She said, with Spike looking embarrassed as he rubbed the back of his head with a hue of red in his face.

Wait, I just thought of something. “Hold on, why does Spike cook? You’re his guardian Twilight. So shouldn’t YOU be the one cooking?” I asked her.

Now it was Twilight’s turn to look embarrassed, as she ALSO had a hue of red in her face while rubbing her front hooves together. Reminded me of whenever Angel Blossom gets like that. Except, less cuter.

Spike chuckled. “Because Twilight can’t cook to save her life.”

She turned to him with a defensive look. “SPIKE!” She exclaimed.

He smirked and raised an eyebrow at her. “Do I have to tell him about when you—“ He was saying before being encased in Twilight’s magic.

“Oh my, look at the time. It’s way past a baby dragon’s bedtime. See you in the morning, Shadow.” Twilight said, taking her assistant with her while he was telling her to put him down, and that he wasn’t tired.

I laughed a little bit before I headed downstairs to my room/office area to finally get some sleep.

I just hope I’m right. That a good night’s sleep will clear my head and help me think better about this whole situation.

Celestia, I hope.

-/- The Next Morning -/-

“My compliments to the chef.” Twilight said to her assistant/adopted little brother. Spike had made some pancakes. There was butter, syrup and a few kinds of berries for toppings. Strawberries, blueberries and even some cherries.

And I can’t deny these pancakes are fucking awesome. When that first bite hit my tastebuds, it felt like they went to the moon. I wonder if they met Princess Alina.

Anyway, as we all were chowing down on some pancakes, Spike decided to break the silence.

“So, uh, what are you guy’s gonna do about the guy who hurt Zecora?” He asked before putting a forkful of his awesome pancakes in his mouth. Thankfully, he chewed with his mouth closed.

I finished my bite before I spoke. “Well, one of my old partners from New Colt City is gathering information on Gavin’s father. Apparently, he was murdered about 20 years ago. She even sent me info about her case when Zakwani was attacked 7 months ago.”

“Is Zakwani here in Ponyville?” Twilight asked, thankfully finishing her bite before talking.

“Yeah.” I nodded. “Him and his daughter Zara, from what I’m told, are staying at some motel not to from the hospital. Zecora will probably wake up in about 3 or 4 days now. Hopefully.”

“Okay. What about Gavin though?” Twilight asked.

“His lawyer is Major Matlock. And he’s going for Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity plea. Which, me and Applejack KNOW is all bullshit.” I said.

She groaned. “This is just what I needed after a Friendship Mission. More drama.” She said, followed by another bite of pancakes with her head resting down on the table.

I could tell Twilight was a little stressed. So I decided, since she just mentioned Friendship, I might as well tell her about the fact that I might have made a friend in Ponyville before all this stuff with Zecora happened.

“Did I tell you that I might’ve made a new friend, Twilight?” I told her.

And I am not kidding when I say this. As minute that sentence left my mouth, her head shot up from the table like a rocket. And her name expression went from looking frustrated to complete excitement. Like a filly about to learn a secret she always wanted to know, but was too young to know what it was.

“REALLY?!” She asked out loud. Very loud. Almost using her Princess booming voice like how I heard Princess Luna likes to do. She got really close to my face as she started to Bombard me with questions.

“Tell me, tell me, tell me. Who is it? Do you have much in common? Do you have disagreements in things? Do you get along? Do you—“ She kept asking all these questions in a rapid pace. It was kinda scary to see how into it she was with me making friends.

I interrupted her by, once again, lightly shoving her face away from mine.

“Slow down, Twilight. Can you try to relax? I’ll tell you everything I can if you do.” I said to her.

She still had that look of excitement on her face as she nodded her head. I was correct earlier when I said she was acting like a filly.

I cleared my throat before I told her. “It’s the chocolate and candy store owner, Bon Bon. She was very nice to me. And she even said she always wanted to meet a detective. We had a good conversation before I bought a box of chocolates for my Aunt Mystic Shine. Before we met, she even waived at me. So, I decided to take a chance and say Hi to her back.” I explained to her.

Then out of nowhere, she wrapped her hooves around my neck. “Ooohh, Shadow Haze, I’m so proud of you. I knew you could make friends.” She said.

It felt kinda nice that Twilight said she was proud of me. I hugged her back before she let go.

“Yeah.” I said. “Just too bad her girlfriend isn’t too trusting of me.”

Her face changed again to that of disappointed. “Well, I’m sure she’ll come around to you.”

I levitated our dishes over to the sink. “Let’s go, Twilight.” I said to her.

She looked confused. “We are we going?”

“Sweet Apple Acres. I want to see if Apple Bloom made a choice yet or not.” I told her, getting up from my seat.

Twilight sighed. “Okay. But, if she says—“ she started to say before I interrupted her again. That’s kinda becoming a habit know.

“I know, Twilight. I told her I wouldn’t force her. If she says No, we’ll find another way. Me, Applejack and you.” I said.

She smiled and nodded. “Okay, Detective Shadow Haze. Let’s go.” She said, now getting out of her seat.

We didn’t take about 5 steps before Spike stopped us.

“Uh, guys, there’s a lot of Zebras outside right now with signs. Should I be worried about that?” He asked.

Twilight and I looked out a window that was close to the window where the sink was. And low and behold, the purple dragon was right.

Outside, there was about 25 zebras, male and female, standing in front of The Castle of Friendship. Some had signs that said ZRA, Zebras Demand Rights, Zebras Matter 2, and one scary one, Zebras Are Superior.

I looked at Twilight, who just looked shook up. From her face, I knew she didn’t need to tell me who these zebras were.

These were the Zebra Rights Association group. And they followed the Princess of Friendship to Ponyville.

Ah great. More shit is about to go down.

Author's Note

Hello again. Sorry for the late update. I’ve just had some serious writer’s block lately. But, I hope all of you like this. Make sure to comment, like, favorite and follow for future updates. Thank you all and goodnight everybody.