Author's Note

Hello everyone. Yes, I know this one is even later than normal. One, work has been a bitch lately. And two, admittedly, I was having trouble figuring out what to do for this chapter.

Well, I came up with this. I hope you like it. Now, there’s another reason for the long wait as well.

See, I was serious when I said that I intend to make these chapters longer. I wanted to see if I could get to 10,000 words here. And I’m proud to say that I did.

Now, I do plan on finishing this story by the end of the year, or if possible, sometime in the early portion of 2024. Hopefully, I can finish this one strong.

Also, this is going to be a massive trigger warning here. There is mentions of rape, abortion, abortion rights, religious families, and some very dark moments in this chapter. So, be warned. Oh, and a little surprise at the end for all of you as well. I hope you enjoy it.

Reader’s Discretion is Advised.

Anyway, I hope you all like this chapter. If you do, hit that like button, comment on the story, and follow and favorite for future updates. Thank you all and goodnight everybody.

Chapter 20: A Conference Part 2

Zephyr Heights

The applause and cheers were loud and boisterous for the future heir to the throne of Zephyr Heights. News had made rounds about Zipp and Pipp’s return home. To say the subjects were filled with excitement would be an understatement. It was almost overwhelming for Zipp, even though she grew up with this around her.

Speaking of Zipp, she tapped the microphone on the podium, which was on a big stage, to see if it was working. After hearing the loud thumping sound, that confirmed it indeed was. She took a few breaths. This was it. This was part of the deal after all.

She was about to make herself look bad in front of her subjects. She was going to tell them the truth.

“Good evening, my loyal subjects. All of you know who I am. However, seeing as how this is being broadcasted across Equestria, I have to tell everypony who I am.” She paused for a brief second.

“My name is Zephyrina Storm, or Zipp as I’m called by my friends and family. I am a princess, and future heir to the throne of Zephyr Heights.” She paused again after another round of applause from her subjects. She almost cringed when she saw one of them, a stallion who looked BEYOND morbidly obese, with his hair stylized like her. Was he a fan of hers, or a creepy stalker? She did not know.

She shook it off quickly and continued. “I also am one of the five ponies responsible for bringing magic back to Equestria. Those other ponies being my sister, and princess of Zephyr Heights, Pipp Petals, Izzy Moonbow of Bridlewood, Sheriff Hitch Trailblazer and Sunny Starscout, both of Maretime Bay. These ponies I consider to be my closest friends.” She stopped again after a third round of applause from the crowd.

“Now, you all are probably wondering why I have asked all of you to be here for this conference. And let this be put on record here: it was me who asked of this. Not my mother. Everything I’m about to say to all of you, comes from me. So, if anything I say happens to not agree with what your beliefs are, then know that it’s me who’s saying them. Not my family or anypony else in the royal palace.” She explains to everypony.

This made a few ponies look caught off guard. Some even whispered to each other, wanting to know what was happening.

Zipp breathed in and out. This was it. Whatever happens afterwards, it’s on her.

“I’ve called you all out here to discuss the video that was released on all social media platforms two days ago. Like Cliptrot and Ponytube. The video of me accusing former Deputy of Sheriff Hitch Trailblazer, and former criminal, Sprout Cloverleaf of murder. That leading to a fight between him and I, which resulted in me being given this black eye right here.” She told everypony, pointing to her blackened eye.

The crowd proceeded to boo when they heard Sprout’s name. Making Zipp cringe a little bit. She had a feeling this would happen.

After they stopped booing, she continued on. “Well, I need to explain everything about what lead to that video AND the fight. I just hope, after my explanation, that you all can understand the situation.” She told them, while looking away for a quick second. She took another pause and went back to it.

“Four days ago, there was a body that was found on the beach of Maretime Bay. A victim of a cruel, cold blooded murder.” She told everypony, which made them gasp in shock. The princess of Zephyr Heights found a murder victim? That sounded so crazy.

“Now, I won’t give any details about the murder, seeing as how I know there are children out here.” She said, taking a look at a few colt and filly Pegasi in the crowd. Some looked about as young 7.

“However, all I will say is this: when Sheriff Hitch Trailblazer and I looked over the body of the victim, it was a truly horrifying, disturbing and just sickening sight. I’ll even admit, I cried for the victim and what she must’ve went through.”

”Oh God!” Hitch cried as he proceeded to lose his lunch.

Zipp took a look at the body and saw the horrifying sight. She let her tears loose.

Zipp closed her eyes, while she groaned. No. Why were the images coming to her? Why now?

She quickly shook her head, hoping to get the images out of there. She needed to finish this.

Zipp composed herself. “I…I’ve had nightmares about the victim. I admit: I’m traumatized by what I saw.” She said, causing the crowd to look at her with sympathy.

”Help me.” The dead Lilac Summers said.

“Please, help me.”

Zipp grunted again. She wasn’t gonna let this get her down. No fucking way.

“When…when Hitch’s ME pony found a partial match at the scene, it DID belong to Sprout Cloverleaf. But…”

The shadowy black figure with a sharp knife appeared behind Lilac Summers.

Her face looked almost contorted. Like a Demon from Hell.

Zipp shivered in fear. Why was this happening? Why now? Why here?

“But what, your highness? Did he do it, or not?” Somepony in the crowd asked, very rudely.

“I’m getting to it, okay?” Zipp answered with some noticeable frustration in her voice.

That pony immediately shut up. Lowering himself to the ground. The subjects looked surprised to hear that type of tone from the heir to the throne.

Zipp noticed what she had done, and tried composing herself again.

“I apologize. I didn’t mean to raise my voice. Just…give me a minute, please.” She apologized to the pony and her subjects.

”AAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!” Lilac Summers screamed, as she was being pulled away to Celestia knows where.

She took a deep breath. In and Out. Don’t let these images keep you from doing what you have to do.

“As I was saying: When I heard Sprout’s name….I am ashamed to say this….but I immediately thought it was him. I flew to the townsquare to confront him. And…I accused him in front of the townsfolk. He denied it, and I got even more angry than I felt. That resulted in me…assaulting Sprout, which made him punch me on instinct.” Zipp said with her head bowed in shame.

The subjects looked shocked to hear this. Their future leader attacked somepony out of nowhere? How could somepony so elegant and fair do something like this?

“I admit it: I accused and labeled somepony a murderer without gathering more evidence and information first. I allowed my personal feelings and emotions to get the better of me. I…accused an innocent stallion.”

The subjects gasped hearing this. The heir to the throne was…wrong about something? She made a mistake? That can’t be right.

“You heard it right. Sprout Cloverleaf consented to a DNA test. That very test proved his DNA to be negative. Meaning, I was wrong. Sprout did NOT murder the victim on the beach of Maretime Bay.” She said with so much shame and guilt on her face.

The faces in the crowd were mixed. Some looked on in sympathy at Zipp’s regretful looking face. Some looked uncomfortable at the speech being given. However, some looked angry with her.

“I had no idea I was being recorded. Which, admittedly, is my fault. I should’ve known better. Seeing as how we’re in an age where everypony has a phone, which has a camera on it, and they can and will record things whenever something like that happens. So, to everypony out there, who I may have disappointed, scared or even made angry, then I want to say that I’m sorry. I apologize to my subjects. I apologize to my Mom and little sister. I apologize to everypony in the Royal Palace. I apologize to all of you. I’m a princess. I should be better than that.” She said, pretty much pouring her heart out to everypony in the audience.

“However, if there is one pony who I should apologize to the most…it’s Sprout Cloverleaf.” She said, which made a few ponies in the crowd give an angry look. She didn’t know if it was directed at her or the pony she just name dropped.

“Sprout…” She started, before pausing, not knowing exactly what to say. Especially given the fact that this press conference was being seen all over the world. She looked directly into the camera that was recording her.

“I admit it. I was wrong. I was wrong for automatically thinking it was you. I had no right to do that. Admittedly, I feel like I abused my power, even though it was in a place where I have none. I feel like it’s my fault that you were assaulted by two ponies who thought you were a murderer. I feel like I’m the reason you’re in this mess of a situation.

And, I don’t know if you’re watching this right now. But if you are, or you catch what I say when this is aired, then I want you to know….that I’m sorry.” She said, now breathing deeply through her nostrils to calm herself down. To keep herself from getting emotional in front of everypony.

“I am truly sorry. I wish I could take it all back. And, if you choose not to forgive me, I’ll accept it. After all, when you apologized to me, I didn’t forgive you either. And I knew you were genuine. I was a spoiled brat, and I should’ve been better than that. But, I want you to know that I am also genuine in my apology to you. Again, I’m sorry, Sprout.” She said. A small tear ran down her face. She quickly wiped it away.

The crowd was silent again. They were just in shock. They couldn’t believe that Princess Zipp said all of this. They couldn’t believe she admitted everything. It felt uncomfortable for them to see a prim and perfect pony like a Royal family member admit to having flaws.

“Now, I also have to ask this as well: Could any of you, who commented on the video, please stop commenting about Sprout in a bad way? If anything, you should throw that at me. Cause, I’m the one to blame. If any of you are going to type terrible and awful comments, then I deserve them. Not Sprout.” She said, looking away in self disgust.

When she looked back at the crowd, she saw the pony, who made that rude comment earlier, raise his hoof. That meant he had a question he wanted to ask her. She called on him.

“Princess?” The pony asked. “If everything you just said is all true, then let me ask this question: How are we to trust you when you eventually become the Queen of Zephyr Heights?”

Zipp looked surprised at first to hear that question. Unbeknownst to her, Queen Haven, Pipp and Alphabittle, who were right behind the curtain Zipp was standing behind, looked nervous. They didn’t expect to hear that type of question.

“You’re supposed to be somepony that we could look to as a leader. Somepony who could keep us safe. Somepony who we know can help us in a time of need. If you did all of this to a supposedly innocent stallion, then what does that mean for the future? Huh? How can we trust you to run this kingdom? How can—?” The dude pony never got a chance to finish his question. Two Royal Guards had come up to him and grabbed him.

Several other ponies looked shocked at this. Why were these Guards taking him away? What did he do wrong? He was asking her some questions. Tough questions, yes. But questions nonetheless.

As he was attempted to be escorted out away from the crowd, Zipp thought for a moment. What if she didn’t answer his questions? What would the others think? Would the kingdom look bad? Would her and her family get even worse criticism from when they lied to everypony about flying?

She thought more and more, and then made her decision.

“Guards!” She yelled at them, making them stop with the pony in their tracks.

“I appreciate your loyalty, but this stallion asked a question. If I’m going to be the future Queen, I need to answer tough questions. So, please, let him go.” She told them.

The two Guards looked at each other for a moment, shrugged and then let him go. The stallion looked up at Zipp, waiting for an answer.

“I made a mistake. A very bad one. But, I think that’s what makes me more of a pony then anything else. I made a mistake. Just like every pony all across Equestria. We all mistakes. Right?” She asked the rest of the crowd.

She saw some look away in embarrassment, some nod their heads, some shrug their shoulders and some not react at all.

“My Mom and my Sister. They’ve made mistakes too. Everypony in the Royal Palace has made mistakes. That’s what makes me like all of you. We all make mistakes. And some of those mistakes, we have to answer and pay for. I’m doing that now. No pony is perfect. I’m certainly not a perfect pony.

But, even if I’m not perfect, that doesn’t mean that I’d allow anything bad to happen to any of you. When the day comes for me to be Queen, I will do EVERYTHING in my power to help anypony. I promise to all of you.” She said to everypony, including the pony who asked her the question.

The crowd, again, went silent. It was uncomfortable silence to her. She knew that, after the pony asked her about her future as Queen, there were probably some other ponies here who were probably doubting her. Even worse, they would probably compare her to her Mother as a Queen. Whether she would be a disappointment to the throne. She decided now would be a good time to end this conference.

“Well, that’s what I came to say. I’m sorry for any misunderstandings you all may have felt from the video. I just hope you all can understand everything. Thank you all for being here, and please have a nice rest of your evening.” Zipp said, bowing to the audience in a somber way. She then walked behind the curtain to a dead silent crowd.

-/-

Zipp took a big breath after that very stressful situation. She had to do it though. She made a deal with Hitch. She had to honor it. And she did it.

Alphabittle, her Mother and her Sister looked at her with a worried expression.

“Are you okay?” Alphabittle asked.

She nodded. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m okay.” She said, trying not to remember how uncomfortable that was. Both the question about her future and the images she saw in her head of Lilac Summers.

“Are you sure?” Pipp asked. “I don’t know, but you looked kinda…off out there.” She said looking concerned and confused.

That made Zipp look nervous. The last thing she wanted was for Pipp to start getting worried about her. Granted, she already was after everything that happens in Maretime Bay. However, she didn’t want her to think about the nightmares she’s had either.

“W-W-What makes you think that, Pipp?” Zipp asked, trying not to sound flustered.

“You just looked….a little on edge.” She said.

“Maybe you should go rest, sweetheart. You’ve had a long day.” Queen Haven said to her with affection.

Normally, Zipp wasn’t one for naps. She was an active, energetic mare who was always up and about. Always wanting to fly or do some science experiment. However, after what she just saw in her head, she thought that maybe it would be wise to go to bed now. Maybe that would clear her head a little bit.

“Okay.” Zipp grumbled. As she walked away, she was stopped by Alphabittle’s voice.

“Hey. If you wanna talk about what happened in Maretime Bay, your Mom and I are here, okay? Don’t forget that.”

Zipp didn’t say anything. She just walked away from them toward her and Pipp’s room. Haven, Pipp and Alphabittle just looked on with worry and sadness. They hoped what she just did was the right thing. Even if it was in hindsight, it may not have helped HER out all that much.

As Zipp continued toward her room, she heard it.

”RUN! RUN! RUN!”

She stopped in the hallway after hearing Lilac Summers’ voice echoing in her head. She breathed in and out, trying to calm herself. Her hooves were shaking.

”HE’S COMING.”

Zipp opened her eyes and saw that she was now at the door of her and her sister’s room. She quickly opened it and flew inside. She hugged the wall with her back in fear. She was hyperventilating. She needed to get herself under control.

She then saw something in her head that almost made her tear up. Something she still had in her head.

It was Lilac Summers. With that mannequin store blank look on her face. She was staring at her. Staring deep into her soul.

“What do you want from me?!” Zipp shouted out loud, now tearing up a little bit.

She looked around her room. No pony was there. Lilac Summers wasn’t there. It was just her. She was all alone in this room. Nopony but her.

Zipp shuddered again. Why was she seeing these images? Were they trying to tell her something? What did they want?

She shook her head, eliminating those thoughts from her head. She climbed into bed and pulled the covers over her. She hoped a good nights rest would ease these frightening images and nightmares.

Hopefully.

Back in Maretime Bay, at the Sheriff's Department, Hitch and Sunny were working extensively to find out more information on the killer of Lilac Summers. The mysterious older brother of their foalhood friend, Sprout Cloverleaf. Bud Bloomington.

Sunny was looking for more info on the Bloomington family, while Hitch attempted to gather more information about Lexy Orphange. They had been searching for over an hour by this point. So far, they weren't finding a whole lot. Or, maybe, stuff that they didn't find to be useful for information about the case.

That was until Hitch found something. As he searched through the web for Lexy Orphange, he saw a link that shocked him. The title of this link made him sick to his stomach. It read:

Owners of Lexy Orphange Accused of Foal Abuse

With extreme hesitation, he clicked on the link. Judging from the style of this article, this actually looked more like a gossip column. Something that, while it could be completely untrue, could still be published to everypony. It's the dirt that they wanted. Not to mention, just because it was a gossip column, didn't necessarily mean it was untrue either.

The date of this gossip column looked to be over 20 years ago. Although, judging from the ponies mentioned in it, he deduced that this was published long before the article(which actually WAS an article, because it was front page news as well)about the fire that burned down Lexy Orphange, killing all but three. He then proceeded to read the article.

A Safe Haven, or a Prison? That is what we ask about Lexy Orphange. Created 20 years ago, this orphanage was said to be a place where foals who, sadly and unfortunately don't have a Mom or Dad, could go and try to live as normal a life as they can. This is where 8 foals can call a home.

Or was it ever like that?

This interested Hitch. What did this gossip column mean by that? Was it a case of neglectful parents who don't take care of their foals too well? Was it a case of the foals being treated like slaves?

He thought of one other thing. He just hoped it wasn't what he was thinking about.

According to an unnamed source that wants to be anonymous, she has heard rumors about how the foals at Lexy Orphanage are not as happy there as the two owners, Issac and Lexy, claim to be. There have been rumors that, allegedly, the two owners do NOT take care of their foals very well. Signs of neglect is what one would call it.

There were rumors and stories about the physical and mental conditions of the foals. One being that some of them come to their school smelling very badly. As if they don't take showers. Or brush their teeth. Or use any form of hygiene.

Some rumors also say they have seen bruises and marks on a few of the foals' bodies. Some that weren't there before. And there would be an excuse from them as well. A sign of physical abuse, according to many doctors and psychiatrists.

However, not even that is enough with some of the rumors that have been given to us.

Hitch gulped, while his eyes were closed. Please don't be what I think it is, Hitch thought. He opened his eyes and continued reading.

We have heard rumors about sexual abuse and even molestation of these foals as well. The psychiatrist who works at the school that these 8 foals go to, has said that there were signs in the behavior of the foals that indicate sexual abuse and molestation.

Are these rumors true? Are Issac and Lexy being victims of false allegations, or are they evil monsters deep down? Will we ever know the truth?

Hitch shuddered in disgust. He knew it. He had a feeling that this was what the gossip column was going to reveal. He also was disgusted at what, allegedly, had happened with those poor foals. How could anypony take a foal, who doesn't have a Mom or a Dad, and just take advantage of them like that? It was sick. It was revolting.

"You okay, Hitch?" Sunny asked. He didn't answer her, which made Sunny look confused. She turned her attention to Hitch's screen. And when she saw what he did, she put a hoof to her mouth in horror. She read through the gossip column.

"Oh God." Sunny whispered in disgust.

"I know." Hitch said, sounding revolted. The two were silent for a few more seconds, before he decided to break it.

"Phyllis told me during her interview that she picked the first orphanage she could find before dropping Bud off as a baby. She just wanted to get rid of him as fast as she could. And, if this is where Bud grew up..."

"Phyllis may have unintentionally placed her own foal in the hooves of....pedophiles." Sunny shivered and shuttered in nausea.

"That's why I'm thinking that the fire that burned down was caused by Bud, if this was the orphanage he grew up in. He was humiliated, abused and molested for years. Then, one day, he had enough and burned it down. Along with the two owners and five of the other foals.” Hitch said.

“Those poor little kids.” Sunny felt her lip quiver. “They must’ve been so scared in the last moments of their life.”

“Yeah.” Hitch said. “Although, I wanna know who the three survivors are.”

Sunny looked at Hitch in surprised confusion.

“The three survivors of the fire were never found. They’ve probably been in the wind ever since the fire. And, if Bud was one of them, then who are the other two? And did they have anything to do with it?”

Sunny thought for a moment. “Maybe they helped Bud with the murder of Lilac Summers.”

“Could be.” Hitch said. “She was carried for over 30 miles after she was murdered. Clopton is a pretty big town. There’s no way Bud did this all by himself without getting noticed.”

“And her baby? What about that?” Sunny asked, sounding scared. “Do you think…Do you think Bud-“

“Don’t even say it, Sunny.” Hitch said, cutting her off. “We can’t think that. But…if Bud…if he hurt that baby…”

Sunny could tell that Hitch was looking angry just thinking about that. She didn’t want a redo of what happened with Zipp to happen to him. So, she decided to show him what she found.

“I found something regarding the Bloomington’s, Hitch.” She said, making him look at her with interest.

The two of them went over to where Sunny’s computer was.

“Okay Hitch. So, after everything you told me about Phyllis throwing Bud away, I thought about this: Why didn’t she just get an abortion if she was raped? Why didn’t her family take her to get an abortion?” She asked.

“Good question.” Hitch answered.

“Well, after I looked up her family name, I think I might know why.” She sat down in her chair, and pulled up what she found.

“So, the Bloomington’s were, from what several ponies have said, a very conservative type family. They were very religious. Went to church every Sunday.” Sunny said.

“Okay, but what does that have to do with anything?” Hitch asked.

“Since they were religious, they were heavily against a lot of things. Like, sex out of wedlock, homosexuality, and abortion.” She said.

Hitch’s interest perked up here.

“You said that Phyllis was about 14 or 15 when she…might’ve been raped, right?” She asked him, causing Hitch to nod.

“Well, one, since she was so young at the time, she wasn’t married. So, that’s one thing. But, since she was pregnant, and if Phyllis was raped, maybe her family wouldn’t let her. Because abortion went against their beliefs.” She said.

Hitch scoffed. “Disgusting.”

“I know.” Sunny shuttered.

Hitch thought for a moment again. “Well, since Phyllis was 14 or 15, by law, she didn’t have a job. And if her family wouldn’t help her, she wouldn’t have been able to afford it.”

“Could this be it, though?” Sunny asked. “Could this be why Phyllis and the Bloomington’s aren’t together anymore? I mean, that’s her family, Hitch.”

He thought again for a moment, before an ugly idea appeared in his head.

“What if they didn’t believe her when she said that she was raped?” He asked.

Sunny was silent for a quick sec before she responded, “Why wouldn’t they believe her though?”

“Good question. Some ponies may have chosen not to believe her, but her family? There would have to be a good reason why they didn’t believe her.”

“If Phyllis was raped, then who was it?”

“Again, good question. Maybe that’s why Phyllis refused to talk about it. It’s not JUST the fact that she was raped. It’s who did it to her.”

“Maybe it was somepony she loved and trusted, and then betrayed her when he prayed on her instead of protecting her.”

Both Sunny and Hitch felt uncomfortable just talking about the concept of rape. It made their skin crawl. However, all of these thoughts they were having were starting to give them an idea.

When Phyllis had gotten pregnant with Bud Bloomington, her religious family refused her an abortion and probably didn’t give her any support, if she was not believed about her rape. Then, when she gave birth to Bud, she took him away from them by dropping him off at a completely random orphanage in Clopton. That’s probably why the Bloomington’s kicked her out of the family.

That’s probably why she was marked out of the photos he found.

“Maybe it was somepony the Bloomington’s were close too. Maybe this pony took advantage of Phyllis.” Sunny said, looking sad just thinking about what going Phyllis must’ve gone through.

“Yeah. And instead of choosing her, they chose him.” Hitch said, shaking his head and looking cross.

The two didn’t speak again for about 2 whole minutes. The thought process of everything they just hypothesized was super heavy. They couldn’t imagine what pain Phyllis must’ve went through. It was no wonder she didn’t want to talk about Bud or the rest of the Bloomington family.

“I just thought of something.” Sunny said, now getting Hitch’s attention.

“What if Sprout is right? What if he is being framed?” She asked.

Hitch raised his eyebrow. “What do you mean, Sunny?”

“Hitch, you just said that Lilac Summers was carried for over 30 miles from Clopton to Maretime Bay. I’m no expert in criminology, but there is NO WAY somepony would do that for no reason.” She said.

Hitch pondered that for a moment, and realized Sunny was right.

“If he wanted to dump the body, he would’ve dumped it somewhere not too far away from wherever he was. If he lugged a body for 30 miles to dump it on the beach, then that means he wanted the body found. I guess Pipp was right about that.” Hitch said.

“But, if he wanted the body found, then does that mean he knows who Sprout is?” Sunny asked, now sounding concerned.

“I think so. And if he knows who Sprout is, then he HAS to know who Phyllis is too. Question is, who is he targeting exactly?” Hitch asked, causing Sunny to look confused.

“Is Bud after Sprout because he wants him to pay for their mother’s sins? Or, is he after Phyllis, because he wants to make her pay for throwing him away all those years ago?”

“But why frame Sprout, though?” Sunny asked out loud with frustration in her tone.

“He wants to make Phyllis suffer by losing her other son.”

Sunny shivered in fear. “Oh God.”

Hitch gave her a sympathetic look. He knew he needed her to help him with the case, but he also felt like this might affect her in a bad way going forward. He just hoped she wouldn't be as traumatized as Zipp currently is. He looked to his left slightly and noticed that it was getting late. He then looked toward the window near the front door and saw that it was getting dark outside. It seemed like a good time for her to call it a night.

"Hey Sunny, it's getting kinda late. Maybe you should head home." He told her compassionately.

"Are you sure?" Sunny asked.

He nodded. "Yeah. You've been a great help gathering information today. I couldn't have done it without you." He smiled warmly at her, which caused her to do the same.

"Okay. I mean, I still gotta do my smoothie stand tomorrow anyway. After I'm done with that, I'll help out again." She said very confidently, while gathering her bag together.

As she trotted toward the door, Hitch nodded approvingly at her. "Okay. I'll see ya tomorrow then. Good night, Sunny."

Sunny turned back. "Good night, Hitch." She said, while opening the door and then leaving.

Now that he was alone, he began to contemplate whether he should call it a night or not. Sunny had her job in the morning, but he at least was still doing his. It was a 24/7 type job. He found some interesting things today. Hopefully, they were good enough. Also, he hoped that all the stuff he was hypothesizing was actually true.

Regardless if what he was thinking was true or not, it didn't change the fact that all these right now were just opinions. They weren't facts. They may have made sense, but even if it did, that still didn't mean that they were all true.

At least, not yet.

He knew now that tomorrow, he NEEDED to talk to Phyllis again. He knew that it was going to be a hard conversation to have, seeing as how he had a feeling that she was raped when she was younger. However, it needed to happen. It was a big step in finding Bud Bloomington and bringing him to justice.

Then, another idea popped up in his head. He decided to look up who the detectives were at the Lexy Orphanage fire from 20 years ago. Maybe they could tell him about what caused the fire. Who the victims names were. Who the three survivors were. He just hoped that they remembered anything about that day.

He just hoped that what he was thinking would happen. Because he wanted to find the killer and just get this case over with. Why? Because, after what happened with Zipp, he worried about how this case would affect himself as well. That worried him to no end.

A Few Hours Earlier

It was quitting time now for everypony at Canterlogic. After a hard day's work from them, they had plans to just kick back and relax for the rest of the evening, before they had to do it all over again. They were also just happy to be out of here after the incident in the break room area earlier today with Kodiak and Phyllis. After Kodiak had made fun of his boss' son getting assaulted by two of his former coworkers, she implied that maybe she should fire him too. When he begged her not too, she made him kiss her hoof in embarrassment.

It was here that they all learned to keep their comments about the boss' son to themselves. Also, don't fuck with her in any way, or she may do the same thing to you too. Or fire you, which none of them had wanted.

Now, one of the exceptions to the employees leaving was Reggie the janitor. He stayed behind to clean an area that, while havingn't been used in a long time, still looked like it needed some dusting and cleaning. This very area used to be where anti-unicorn devices were made. However, now that the races were united, Canterlogic made devices to HELP unicorns and pegasi. Earth ponies too, obviously. Some of the employees weren't too happy with Phyllis' decision, but she owned the company. She could do with it however she pleased.

It had now been about an hour and fifteen minutes after Reggie had gotten done with the unused area. He was pushing his cart to one of the custodial closets close by. As he did so, he noticed that one of the areas that he would be passing was Phyllis' office. He had gotten her garbage earlier, so he didn't need to step in there. However, he noticed that the door was wide open and the lights were on. That meant that she was still here too.

This made him a little nervous. He saw what she did to Kodiak earlier. And, while he didn't have a whole lot of sympathy for him(He insulted the boss' son and she heard him, what did he think was gonna happen?), he knew that he should steer clear away from her. She clearly wasn't in a good mood today. If that didn't show from her barely saying hello to him this morning, it certainly did now with the Kodiak incident.

That's what he was going to do. Just walk past her office and be on his merry way home. To relax with a drink in his hooves for the evening. That's what he was going to do. That's what he SHOULD do.

However, right before he could even pass her office, he heard it. It was soft and kind of silent, but clear as day. It was something he didn't expect to hear.

He heard sniffles, silent sobs, and small whimpers. He knew that nopony else could possibly be there with her. So, no doubt about it, the crying was coming from his boss. It was coming from Mrs. Cloverleaf.

He knew he should just ignore it. He should probably leave her alone. That's what she probably wanted too. But, if there was one thing his mother taught him growing up, it was to never leave a pony who was clearly crying in sadness and heartache. Always be there when you can be.

So, even if he knew something bad might happen, he knew he wouldn't sleep at night if he didn't do this. He had to see what was up. With that, he stopped his cart and stealthily hugged the wall. While trying to conceal his presence, he slowly put his head toward the entrance of the door. That was when he saw her.

Phyllis was sitting in her chair sideways to her right while looking at an old photograph of her and Sprout together. It was from about 5 years ago when Canterlogic made their renovations. She insisted(No, more like made him)dress up in a suit for the occasion. She knew he hated it, but he did it anyway for her. He was going to get the company many years from now after all.

Well, not anymore, because he quit. He quit his job. And he quit her. He left her after the horrifying truth about his long lost older brother. Those words "I'm Not Your Sugercube Anymore." still rang in her head, breaking her heart even more than last.

The tears ran down her face, with them landing on the photo of them. She saw the one back at the house was destroyed by Sprout in a fit of emotional rage. Thankfully, she had a copy here in her office. However, it still didn't change the fact that her baby boy was gone now.

"I'm so sorry." She softly said with a choked sob. "My little Sugercube." She sobbed even more, allowing more tears to run down her face.

Reggie felt bad for her. He knew that photo was in here, due to his job interview many years ago. So, if she was crying while looking at the photo, then that means that something happened between her and her son. Nothing was worse than being on bad terms with your children. It was the most painful thing in the world to have your kids not talk to you because of stuff that happened a long time ago.

Worse, in his case, is if you hear them say they hate you to your face. He certainly knew that feeling. He wanted to go in there and ask her if she was okay. Again, she probably wanted to be alone, but she also probably needed a shoulder to cry on.

When he moved his body just a little tiny bit, he accidently knocked over a can of disinfectant spray. As he cursed himself in his mind, it was too late to do anything. The can fell to the ground with a loud sound.

That was when Phyllis looked to the entrance and saw him. Her red, puffy, tear stained face locked eyes with one of her employees.

There was no use hiding now. He was caught. He was caught spying on his boss, who was having an emotional moment. There was nothing he could do now, but accept the consequences. With a big sigh, he showed himself.

"Hello, Mrs. Cloverleaf. Am I interrupting something?" He asked, sounding as sincere and honest as he could.

She, however, did not look happy to see him. She gave him a serious glare. "Were you spying on me just now?" She asked in a low, angry tone.

He breathed through his nostrils. "In a way, yes." He said ashamedly, while rubbing his front leg with his other.

She stood up from her seat and walked toward him. Even if she was shorter than him in height, her intimidation skills were far bigger than he was. When she was face to face with him, he stood his ground. He was terrified he was gonna lose his job, but he wasn't gonna back down like Kodiak did.

"May I ask why?" She asked him, still looking angry.

"I heard you crying."

"So, that's what makes you spy on me? What? Did you want to make me feel even worse?" She asked, her throat choking on a sob.

Reggie shook his head. "No, not at all, Mrs. Cloverleaf."

"Then what?!"

"I just wanted to check on you. To see if you were okay."

The two were silent for a minute. Nothing but the intense air between them. Reggie stood his ground, while Phyllis looked at him in anger. He knew now he was probably going to get fired. It was a nice job he had. He was here for a while, made good money, but now it looked like it was coming to an end. He was about to accept his fate, when he heard her ask an odd question.

"You really do?" She asked him, not changing her intimidating look.

He was surprised when she asked him that. He totally expected her to fire him on the spot. It was weird to say the very least.

He nodded his head. "Yes. You're my boss. I owe you so much for giving me this job. And, if you're feeling sad and depressed, I just want to know if you need to talk with somepony. You can do that with me, Mrs. Cloverleaf."

Phyllis thought about it in her head for a minute. She was miserable all night last night and all of today. Nothing but misery and woe in her mind and heart. Should she talk about it? Even if she didn't know TOO much about Reggie, he did come across very sincere and honest with him.

You won't do it. You know you can't talk about your feelings. Remember what you told Sprout, right?

She closed her eyes hard and breathed heavily. That caused Reggie to give her a concerned look. Something was seriously not right with her.

Never let them see that they get to you.

Fuck you Phyllis said to the thoughts in her head. She may have listened to them with Kodiak, but that was the only time. She was gonna listen to her own thoughts. Not, whatever this was.

"Mrs. Cloverleaf?" Reggie asked, again showing concern for his boss.

Phyllis then took a relaxing breath through her nose. She knew what she was gonna do now.

"Well, Reggie, if what you're saying is true, then how about we talk over a drink?" She asked him out of nowhere, causing Reggie to blush in surprise.

"W-What?" He asked, sounding confused.

"I admit. My day has been terrible. I could use a drink to drown out my sorrows. Maybe even talk a little about them. So, if you're serious, then come join me at The Maretime Bay Tavern." She said, sounding as serious as ever.

Reggie couldn't believe this. Did his boss just ask him out on a date? Well, not really ask, as it was an offer. But still, he was going to have a drink with his boss? If Reggie was one thing, it was a professional. He would never DARE cause uncomfortness around his other coworkers. He would never let his personal feelings get in the way of his work schedule.

However, this was still his boss. What she wants, he does. And, if she wants a drink with him, he has to do it. He was still here at Canterlogic. And, if he was here with her, he does what she says. She's his boss. That's how it is.

Reggie gave an uncomfortable sigh. "O-Okay, Mrs. Cloverleaf. I-I'll join you. I could use a drink myself." He said.

Phyllis gave a smile. Something he looked happy to see. "Good. I'll wait for you at the front entrance."

Reggie nodded. "Okay. Just let me put my cart back." He said, now walking out of her office to push his cart toward the custodial closet. As he did so, he couldn't help but think to himself:

What have I gotten myself into?

When that was done, he closed the closet door, and proceeded to the front entrance of Canterlogic. There she stood with her purse draped over her shoulder. There was that smile again. That smile that he liked seeing whenever she passed him in the halls where he cleaned. It was a nice smile.

He gave a smile back to her. She motioned for him to join her, as they walked out of the front door toward the Maretime Bay Tavern. Hopefully, this wouldn't end with something completely uncomfortable and awkward.

Oh, how wrong they would be.

"That was so much fun, Sprouty." Izzy said happily while they stood at the back entrance of Bella and Vinny's home. He had just gotten done showing her around Bella's garden.

He smiled. "Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it, Izzy." He said, sounding appreciative of her.

“You know so much about flowers and gardening.” She said to him.

“Well, my I’m named after a flower. Cloverleaf, ya know.” He said with a grin.

“Yeah, and your Mom is too.” Izzy blurted out. When she did that, she saw Sprout’s face looking bummed and depressed again. She felt confused. Did she say something wrong?

“Hey, are you okay?” She asked sincerely.

Sprout softly grunted a little bit. “I made the biggest mistake of my life listening to her. Me listening to her turned me into a dictator.” He said in a self loathing manner.

“Sprouty…” Izzy began, before he cut her off.

“I’ve lived my whole life trying to be like her. I didn’t realize how bad of an idea that was until it was too late. Worse, I took my friendships with Hitch and Sunny for granted. All because I chose to listen to her.” He said, sounding sad.

Izzy knew from earlier that he still felt tremendous guilt for everything that happened during his emperor run. Now, it involved his mother too. After she ran into her before coming here, she also saw how much pain and suffering Phyllis was going through right now.

His mother clearly loved him. With all her heart. If only she knew what that was like.

Maybe he’s understand if she told him about her.

Izzy sighed sadly. “Your Mom loves you, Sprouty. I spoke with her earlier before I came to see you. She’s really depressed.”

Sprout looked at her in disbelief. “She’s depressed, huh? Well, how do you think I feel? In the past few days, I’ve been accused of murder, assaulted, spat on, and now, the biggest one of all, apparently I have a big brother out there. Some guy who brutally murdered a mare that I’m being blamed for. So, who’s more depressed, Izzy?” He ranted in anger at her.

“If only I knew.” She said sadly.

Sprout looked confused when she said that. “What are you talking about?”

“If only I knew how much MY Mom loved me.” She said, causing Sprout to look very surprised.

“What?” He asked.

Izzy nodded. “I’m an orphan.” She said, looking at the ground dejectedly. Sprout’s face changed to a sympathetic one. He had no idea.

“Alphabittle and his ex-wife raised me and 7 other foals in an orphanage together. I know that they’re my family in spirit. But, I always have this thought in the back of my head about why my Mom gave me up. I wonder if she ever loved me. If she even wanted me.” She said, now getting emotional.

Sprout now felt like shit. Here she was, trying to make him feel better, he yells at her about how depressed he felt, and now finds out that she had a pretty rough foalhood. Not knowing who your parents are is tough for anypony to live with. He sighed in guilt.

He put his hoof on her shoulder, causing her to look at him.

“I’m sorry, Izzy. I didn’t know.” He said in a compassionate tone. Izzy blushed a little when she saw his hoof touching her. Light tears touched her face, before she quickly wiped them away.

“I guess I’m not the only one with problems. We all have them, don’t we?” He asked, now sitting next to her.

Izzy nodded. “Yeah.”

The two were silent again for a few minutes, before Sprout broke it again.

“Why would my Mom lie to me all these years? Why would she not tell me about whoever my brother is?” He asked out loud.

Now Izzy put her hoof on his shoulder. Admittedly, he looked flushed when she did that too.

“Your Mom probably had a reason. Maybe, she just wanted to protect you.” She said compassionately.

“I doubt it.” Sprout said.

The two of them looked to the sky and now saw it was getting late. Izzy felt she should be heading home now. Sunny probably was wondering where she was. And Sprout wanted to hit the sack too. He’s had a long day today.

“I guess, I should get going now.” Izzy said, standing up.

Sprout nodded. “Yeah. I’m getting kinda tired. Thanks for stopping by, Izzy. I guess I really needed some support. I’m glad it was from you.” He told her, causing her to blush again with a giggle.

“No problem, Sprouty.” She said, before she happily gasped. She just got an idea in her head.

“Hey, do you wanna do something tomorrow?” She asked, sounding excited.

Sprout looked surprised to hear that. “You wanna hang out tomorrow? Where?” He asked her.

“How about we go to Sunny’s smoothie stand and get a smoothie together?” She asked.

He flinched a little bit when she asked that. On one hoof, a mare asked to spend some time with him? As in, like a date? As in, somepony was interested in him? A pretty mare was interested in him?

Wait, why did I just think that? He asked himself. He quickly shook that thought out of his head.

He then thought on the other hoof now. His name was still in the trenches. What would happen if somepony saw him walking about? Especially, given his past prejudice with unicorns, what would they do if they saw him WITH a unicorn mare? Would they record him again? Would they harass him?

Would they assault him like how those two assholes did? He now felt concerned about that very thought. Even now if Izzy would be with him.

“I don’t know.” He said, rubbing his foreleg nervously. “I don’t want you to have to be involved with anything if ponies do something to me.”

“They won’t.” Izzy said, looking determined. “Not if I have anything to say about it.”

He felt surprised by her response. “Izzy, I just don’t—“

She stopped him mid sentence, putting her hoof to his shoulder again.

“Sprout, listen to me. I don’t care if ponies look at you or me funny. I don’t care if they make comments. No matter what happens, I’m with you. You’re my friend. And friends stick together no matter what.” She told him in a very earnest tone.

Sprout looked at her hoof touching his shoulder. Then back to her. That serious look never wavered. He knew she was serious. Nothing spelled bullshit on her face.

“I want to help my friend.” Izzy continued, now taking her hoof off his shoulder. “I don’t want you being cooped up inside all day, hiding from everypony. I want you to have at least a little bit of fun with your friends. And I know Sunny and Hitch feel the same. So, please Sprouty. Will you join me for a smoothie tomorrow at noon? Please?” She asked him with a hopeful smile.

Sprout was stunned to hear this. He had no idea that ponies, other than his mother and Bella & Vinny, actually truly cared this much about him. He was glad that Hitch and Sunny reconciled with him, but he didn’t think they’d care this much. He especially didn’t know that a unicorn, who he didn’t know that much, could actually care this much. About him. About his well being.

He felt choked up. It was kind of overwhelming to feel this way. He was happy that somepony gave a fuck about him. To the point where they’d accept looks and insults from ponies JUST to help him.

“You really care that much?” Sprout asked, his lip quivering a little bit.

“Uh huh.” Izzy said, now blushing a little bit, while shyly rubbing her foreleg again.

She was hoping he’d give her an answer. The suspense was getting her anxious.

Sprout gave a big breath. “You promise you’ll have my back?”

Izzy nodded.

“Even if a situation may get ugly?”

She nodded again.

He paused for a second before responding. “Okay Izzy. I’ll join you for a smoothie tomorrow.”

Izzy beamed. “Oh, thanks Sprouty.” She said cheerfully, while wrapping her hooves around him in a hug, surprising him again.

She quickly let go and open the screen door to the inside of Bella and Vinny’s home.

“I can’t wait. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She said, before closing the screen door.

As he heard her bid Bella farewell, all Sprout could do was just stand there in shock. Izzy just…hugged him? And she looked excited to see him tomorrow. He couldn’t believe that somepony was looking forward to be meeting with him of all ponies.

He felt a blush rising to his red cheeks. Bella looked at him from inside and just giggled.

*clop*clop*clop*

Zipp heard it. She woke up instantly. She sat up straight in her bed.

She looked to her right and saw that Pipp wasn’t here. She was alone now. Alone in her room.

The hoofsteps were coming from outside her door. There was no other sound that could be heard.

Zipp felt her fear rise. She knew that something didn’t feel right. She felt nervousness in her heart and soul.

As she stood up straight in her bed, she found that she could move her legs and wings. That was a good sign. She used those very legs to get out of her bed and walk toward her door.

Her fear in her heart grew to bigger levels now that she was standing between her room and what that hoofstep sound was.

With a nervous gulp, she turned the doorknob and opened the door. There was Nopony standing there. She almost closed it, until she heard the hoofstep noise again.

She looked to her left. No pony. Then she looked to her right.

She saw a shadowy figure illuminating in the light down the hallway. Something was there. Was it that demon thing she saw from her previous two nightmares?

She shuddered in fear as she walked outside her door. She walked in the direction of where that shadow was. Whatever was there, she knew it wouldn’t be good.

She heard a voice coming from down the hall. She immediately recognized it. It was her again.

“Don’t kill me! Please!” Lilac Summers begged and pleaded with somepony. It sounded like she was literally begging for her life.

Zipp felt her heart rate soar. She flew as fast as she could down the hallway toward the voice. She had to save her. Before it was too late.

“Please, don’t hurt my baby!” She heard Lilac’s voice again, now begging for her missing foal’s life now. There even looked to be pain and suffering in her voice with it as well.

Zipp doubled what her normal speed was. She had to save that baby. Whoever it was that killed her, she was not gonna let the same thing happen to that baby.

She flew and soared down many hallways, following the cries and screams from Lilac. Finally, she felt the voices were getting closer. She was almost there. She was gonna save her and her baby.

That’s when she saw something truly horrifying. A sight she didn’t want to see. A sight that was in a lot of ways because of her.

It was Sprout Cloverleaf. The stallion she accused of murder in front of the town of Maretime Bay. He was standing there. On a platform.

With a noose around his neck. His hooves tied behind him. She gasped in horror at this sight.

“Sprout!” She yelled, trying to move. However, for some reason, her legs didn’t budge. She was frozen stiff again.

Looking just as terrified as her, Sprout began to beg for his life.

“PLEASE! I DIDN’T DO IT!” He sobbed uncontrollably, before a muzzle was placed over his mouth. His muffled cries couldn’t be heard anymore.

Zipp was crying too now. She was seeing an innocent stallion about to be executed. Hung in front of a massive crowd. Speaking of, this crowd, which just magically appeared in front of her, were cheering and laughing at all of this.

Zipp then looked to her right. Her eyes widened again.

It was Lilac Summers again. She just stood there. Watching this event unfold with any emotion to speak of.

“Do something!” Zipp cried to her. “He’s innocent! He didn’t do it! Please!” She was sobbing to her to help.

Lilac turned her head. Zipp’s terror increased again. As if the execution of Sprout was bad enough.

Half of Lilac’s fave was the bruised side and the other was completely fine. She tilted her head at her.

“Lilac, please! I’m sorry I got it wrong! I’m sorry I messed up! Just please make them stop!” Zipp pleaded with her.

That’s when she heard something coming from underneath her. She froze. She made her eyes move to the ground and saw that they were coming from underneath Lilac.

Then, she saw Lilac begin to go under. As if, she was going to literal Hell itself. Then…she heard that terrifying sound again.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!” Lilac Summers screamed as she was being taken under by whatever the hell was taking her.

Zipp covered her ears again to avoid eardrum damage. The screaming kept getting louder. And louder. And loude—

“—AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!” Zipp Storm woke up screaming in terror.

“Zipp!” Pipp yelled, immediately coming to her bed.

“Zipp. Zipp! Are you okay? Speak to me!” She told her sister, while tears ran down her face.

Then their door burst open. Scaring both of them. Mostly Zipp though.

“Girls? Girls! What happened? Are you okay?” Their mother Queen Haven asked in a scared and concerned motherly tone.

The room was silent for a brief second before Zipp burst into sobs again. Pipp and Haven immediately came over and wrapped their wings around her in comfort, while she cried her eyes out.

As they both consoled her as best they could, all Zipp could do was cry and cry about the horrors she just saw. She saw Lilac Summers being dragged to hell, while Sprout was being executed by a hanging.

And all of it was her fault.

“What have I done?” Zipp asked with a sob, while Haven and Pipp continued their consoling. They both started to think that maybe doing a press conference for the whole world to see might’ve been a bad idea.

And by the whole word to see, that meant the WHOLE WORLD. Seen by everypony.

And that meant….everypony.

Somewhere in Clopton

“Thank you all for being here, and have a nice rest of your evening.” Zipp Storm had just said to an entire audience of Pegasi.

In front of the TV, were two earth ponies. One was a dark peach coated stallion with a short blonde mane. He appeared to be very muscular. As if he hit the gym almost daily. He watched the TV with a deadpan expression.

The other pony there, an earth pony mare, about 3 years younger than him, was sitting in his lap, cuddling his chest. She has a light cherry coat color and long, silky smooth red wine mane. When she looked at the TV, she gave a cocky grin.

“It appears they found the little bitch, huh?” The mare asked, caressing the stallions face with her hoof very gently.

The stallion didn’t even pay no mind to that. He didn’t even appear to feel anything when she showed that affection to him.

“It would appear so.” The stallion said in a cold, and kind of heartless tone.

“I guess you’ll get what you’ve wanted for so long now, right?” She asked, kinda sounding flirty. She appeared to hope this would lead to the bedroom with them.

“Yes. I’ll see my little brother….and my mother real soon. I’m looking forward to it already.” He said, again sounding very apathetic to her.

She gave a romantic sigh as she cuddled into his chest.

“You’re my hero. I’ll always stand by you, Bud Bloomington.” She said, enjoying being in his arms.

Bud just breathed through his nostrils as he continued watching the TV.