Judge: This court finds the defendant, Rainbow Dash…
Guilty
Twilight: No…
Trixie: Ha. Too bad Mr. Wrong.
Phoenix: …
Ponyville District Court
June 11, 10:28AM
Phoenix: I…Lost.
I told her I’d get her out of this mess… I couldn’t do it.
I failed her. Not just her, but Twilight and all of her friends too.
All that evidence I found. I was sure it would fit into this somewhere.
No, I know it fits in somewhere, but where?
No matter what way I look at it, I can’t place it.
Cruise Control was my go-to suspect for this, but he has a rock solid alibi.
And then there’s…* Gulp * Gilda. She makes Franziska look tame.
Still though, she answered a few questions I’ve been thinking about,
mainly the kicked up dirt and that bag.
But nothing she said answered the question of that stick.
Maybe it’s nothing. Perhaps it was there before the time of the murder.
Even with Gilda’s testimony, we only found out who she was and that
she committed a few different crimes.
We’re right back to where we were yesterday; out of alternatives
and with no other way to prove Rainbow Dash’s innocence.
I’m almost certain that it was the second bolt, but I can’t nail that down either, not with Trixie blocking me at every possible chance.
I needed more time, more information.
Regardless, I-
(Enter Twilight Sparkle)
Phoenix: !!
Twilight: …
Phoenix: Twilight, I-
Twilight: It’s all right Phoenix… You don’t need to say anything…
You did what you could. It…It just wasn’t enough…
Phoenix: Twilight, I really am sorry. I know how I said I’d get Rainbow Dash acquitted for this.
It was probably just that I didn’t have enough time to-
Twilight: Yeah, I know; get enough evidence. I brought you in too late and now I bet you just can’t wait to go home.
It’s all my fault in the end…
Phoenix: N-No! It’s not like that at all!
You didn’t do anything wrong Twil-
Twilight: Just save it, Phoenix! I’m done hearing what you have to say.
And you can forget about asking me to send you back! Have some other pony do it.
My magic hasn’t recovered yet and I don’t feel like speaking to you yet anyway!
Phoenix: But Twilight…
Twilight: I said save it!
(Exit Twilight)
Phoenix: (She really seems upset, not that I can blame her. I’d be pretty bent out of shape if my best friend were found guilty.)
(To be honest, I know exactly how she’s feeling about this. To have a best friend accused of a crime they didn’t commit.)
(It’s rough, no doubt about that.)
(Enter Applejack and Rarity)
Applejack: Hey, Pard’ner!
Phoenix: Huh?
(Applejack hits Phoenix on the back of the head)
Ouch! Hey! What was that for!?
Applejack: Just what in the hay happened in there?
Ah thought you’d said you get Rainbow out of this here mess!
Phoenix: And I thought you wanting to “knock me upside ma’ head” was a figure of speech.
Applejack: Ah’m always sticking to ma’ word, which is far from what you said you’d be doin’.
Phoenix: Look, I tried, really I did. I just couldn’t-
Rarity: Applejack, that’s a bit much isn’t it? Sure he failed, but that doesn’t give you the right to attack him.
Phoenix: Oh, hi Rarity.
Rarity: Hello Mr. Wright.
Applejack: Ah can’t believe this! You don’t even seem a tab bit mad at this here tall blue snake in the grass.
He says he does this for a livin’ and he can’t even help Rainbow? Sure stirs me up a bit.
Rarity: Though I’m not thoroughly impressed with his performance and I am rather distraught over Rainbow,
I’m not entirely going to throw him out for who he is nor am I going to make a scene expressing my feelings.
It’d be so unladylike of me to display such scene.
Phoenix: (From what I heard about the post office incident, that last statement seems a little contradictory.)
Thanks for that, Rarity. I’m curious though.
What did you think of the trial? I see you made it this time around.
I know it didn’t end well but I’d like to hear your thoughts on it.
Rarity: I can’t say that I have much to say other than you did what you could.
Also, though you may be a sharp dressed man, you’re a less than desirable lawyer. Not saying it’s easy being a lawyer,
just that perhaps someone from Equestria would be more suited for the job.
Phoenix: I can’t argue with you there. Coming into this, I had no knowledge of how this place was run.
Though I wasn’t the first lawyer asked to take the case. Twilight tried to get a number of other lawyers to accept the case.
From what I was told, murder almost never occurs in Equestria. As soon as “murder” was brought up, they declined.
I was the only one with any experience in the first place. Even now I’m a bit shady on the detail of how they found out about me.
Also, I am a decent lawyer, however this has to be the most oddball case I’d ever taken on. You can’t expect it to be flawless.
Rarity: Speaking of Twilight, where is she? I haven’t seen her since the trail ended.
Phoenix: Twilight…She…
Rarity: What is it dear? Do you know where she is?
Phoenix: She spoke with me briefly, than ran off…
Rarity: Oh my. We must go look for her, Applejack.
Applejack: What in tarnation did ya’ say to her? It better have not been yer doin’, otherwise I’ll have to knock ya’ again.
Phoenix: N-Nothing! She just seems to be a bit shaken up by the trail is all.
Applejack: Ah suppose we all are…
…
Sorry for going at ya’ like that. Ya did try yer’ very best ah suppose. Gota give ya that one.
Phoenix: Thanks, Applejack. You two go on ahead. I need to ask the judge something before I go.
Applejack: Alright, pard’ner. You take care now and let us know if ya find Twi.
Phoenix: Will do.
(Exit Applejack)
Oh, Rarity, before you go. I need to ask you to do something.
Rarity: Yes, darling? What is it?
Phoenix: Before the trail, Rainbow Dash was giving Fluttershy a hard time about her testimony yesterday.
Even if I hardly know Rainbow, I don’t think she’d do something like that normally.
Rarity: You know, that does sound rather odd. It seems rather unbecoming of Rainbow to go against her loyalty to her
friends so quickly.
Phoenix: She really took her anger out on her this morning. Fluttershy ran off after that.
Rarity: Oh my! Do you know where she went?
Phoenix: No. That’s exactly what I’d like you to do.
I’d really like to talk to her about that before I leave this world.
Rarity: Well, sounds like a reasonable task. OK Mr. Wright.
Phoenix: Thanks again, Rarity.
Rarity: Not a problem dear. Goodbye.
Phoenix: Goodbye.
(Exit Rarity)
(I should probably go after Twilight after I speak with the judge.)
(Regardless of who sends me back, I don’t want to leave on a sour note.)
(Enter Trixie)
Trixie: Oh, look; it’s Mr. Wrong contemplating his choice of career.
Trixie knew she was good, but she didn’t expect such an easy challenge from someone from a completely different world.
Trixie expected you’d at least put up a fight.
Phoenix: Trixie, the trail is over, what do you want? You’ve already won.
Trixie: The Great and Power Trixie only wanted to console the loser of this terrible excuse for a trail.
Trixie would say losers but, seeing as one third of the group is here, another is headed off to get a rather strong tan,
and the last is probably crying her little eyes out after losing one off her fwiends, she’ll have to settle with you.
Phoenix: Console? I think you just came over her to rub it in my face.
Trixie: Whatever do you mean?
Phoenix: You know exactly what I mean. You wouldn’t go out of your way to make insults unless you wanted to rub it in.
Trixie: Really now, It’s rude to think that by The Great and Power Trixie gracing such an ingrate with her presence
would be such a blatant and shamless way of boasting her victory to the defeated party.
Phoenix: Let me ask you this Trixie; Why are you always so heartless to everyone?
Trixie: Heartless? Ha. What’s heartless is defending a murder. In any case, Trixie does not need to share her endless wisdom with
the likes of you.
Phoenix: She didn’t do it.
Trixie: Oh, Trixie’s sorry. Is the judge’s verdict not clear enough for you? Was Trixie’s evidence not definitive enough for you?
You really must be deaf if the message of Rainbow Trashes banishment didn’t come across to you yet.
Phoenix: I heard the verdict, and it’s wrong.
Trixie: Then do something about it. Oh wait, that’s right. You can’t. The case has been closed. Game, set, and match.
Phoenix: Don’t you have anything better to do, Trixie? Don’t have to get back to your family and friends in Canterlot
or something?
Trixie: U-uh…
Phoenix: …
Trixie: …
Phoenix: Well?
Trixie: Shut your mouth! I’ll have you know I’m a rather busy mare in Canterlot so yes, I do have places to be.
Phoenix: (Woah. She did a complete 180 there; straight from the boastful and obnoxious Trixie to the)
(defensive and snappy Trixie. Must have hit a bad chord.)
(…)
(Maybe I went a tad too far. Regardless, it got her to be quiet.)
…
Trixie: Well, it has been fun, Mr. Wrong, but Trixie must now take her leave. Hope to meet you in court again
so she may make a fool out of you once more. Ciao.
(Exit Trixie)
Phoenix: (I’m glad she left when she did, she really knows how to get under your skin)
(This place…It’s so familiar yet so different, so new yet so similar.)
(I feel so…lost. Isn’t this place the same only with talking equines? I’ve never been faced with challenges)
(like these before and yet, it’s what I deal with on a daily basis in my world…)
(…)
(I really wish I could speak with Mia right now. She’d know just what to say and exactly where to guide me.)
(Enter Judge)
Phoenix: !!
Judge: Oh, Mr. Wright. Good to see you.
Phoenix: Oh, hey Judge. I actually wanted to speak with you. Do you have a minute?
Judge: Sure thing, but could we do it outside? I’m rather tired being in this courtroom so much and would I’d
also like you to accompany me around town anyway.
Phoenix: (I can agree with the not wanting to be here part. I’m getting sick of being in this court too.)
Yeah, that’d be fine.
(Exit Phoenix and Judge)
Ponyville
June 11, 10:50AM
Judge: Oh! Look at this, Mr. Wright!
Phoenix: Yes judge, it’s all very colorful and-
Judge: No, wait! What’s over there?!
Phoenix: H-hey! Slow down!
Judge: Look at this one over here! She’s selling flowers!
Phoenix: Yes yes, I know judge. Believe me, I’m as excited as you but-
Judge: Do you think you could buy me a flower, Mr. Wright? I’d like to bring it back with me and put it in a vase.
Phoenix: (Oh your honor… What shame will you bring back with you…)
S-sure.
Hey miss…uh…
Roseluck: Roseluck.
Phoenix: Roseluck, could I just get a single rose?
Roseluck: Sure thing. That’ll be five bits.
Phoenix: Bits? I…um… Will this cover it? * normal bill *
Roseluck: What’s that?
Phoenix: It’s money.
Roseluck: Sorry sir; no bits, no rose.
Phoenix: Oh. Well, um, sorry about that.
Sorry judge, no rose.
Huh? Judge?
Your honor? Hey! Where are you off to now?!
Judge: Just over here.
Phoenix: You really need to slow down a bit.
Judge: What for? I want to be able to see everything this town has to offer before I return home.
Phoenix: I… guess so.
But your honor, may I ask you a few things real quick? It’s one of the reasons I’m out here with you.
Judge: Sure thing. What are you wondering?
Phoenix: Pertaining to the trail. What did you think of it?
Judge: Oh the trail. It was one of the most interesting and suspenseful cases I’ve presided over in quite some time.
I can’t say I cared much for the prosecutor though. She did put a damper on my enjoyment.
Phoenix: No kidding.
However, I’m more interested in the verdict you gave Rainbow Dash.
Judge: What about it?
Phoenix: Do you really believe Rainbow Dash committed that murder?
Judge: Hmm.
In a way, she seemed rather innocent though the prosecutions evidence was pretty clear-cut.
I kind of wanted you to bring something up to change that around, but nothing of the like came up.
It looked like you were on to something with that second bolt of lightning theory. You just didn’t have enough
decisive evidence for me to make that call or to find that theory viable.
In the end, I had to side with the prosecution.
Phoenix: I’m not going to lie; it’s difficult to find a sturdy brace for the defense to lean on. The bolt of lightning
was the only one I really had. Trixie also had the upper hand having been in Equestria far longer than me.
Judge: I feel like you could have pulled it off if you had a bit more time to find out for sure it was the second that had killed him.
Phoenix: There’s something else I’m curious about.
Judge: What’s that, Mr. Wright?
Phoenix: I’m going to assume that you’ve read up on Equestria’s laws more than me. You must know how it runs.
Judge: That is true. I did brush up on it a bit before the trail began.
Phoenix: I’m wondering, would there be a chance for a re-trail? I feel if I had another shot at it, I’d be able to find
evidence pointing to Rainbows innocence and get her acquitted for this.
Judge: I’m sorry to say, Mr. Wright, but after a verdict has been handed down, that’s the final call.
It wouldn’t matter what anyone did post-trail. Shortly after the verdict is given, the punishment follows suite.
Phoenix: (That’s what Trixie must’ve meant when she said I couldn’t do anything about it now.)
So, there are absolutely no other options?
Judge: I’m afraid not.
Phoenix: …
All right, well that’s all I really wanted to know…
Judge: I know how you must feel, Mr. Wright, but you shouldn’t dwell on this too much.
You’re not able to win every case that comes your way. I suggest taking your mind off things before we go back.
Enjoy what the town has to offer and relax. You did a good job in court today. You deserve a break.
Phoenix: I’m afraid I’m unsure if we’ll get back… I have to go find Twilight and get things worked out with her.
Judge: Um… Twilight?
Phoenix: Oh, my co-counsel.
Judge: Oh, that’s right. The purple mare that almost got held in contempt of court the other day.
Phoenix: Yeah, that’s the one…
Judge: Well good luck with that. I’ll be around town if you need me.
Phoenix: All right. Thanks judge.
Judge: Not a problem, Mr. Wright.
(Exit Judge)
Phoenix: (Well, my best bet is to start at the library. Twilight probably ran there when she left.)
(If she isn’t there… I’m not sure where else to look…)
(I’ll find and I’ll iron this out with her.)
(Exit Phoenix)
Library
June 11, 11:00AM
Phoenix: Hello? Twilight? You here?
(Enter Spike)
Spike: You’re back, Phoenix.
Phoenix: Hello Spike.
Spike: Twilight’s not with you?
Phoenix: I’m afraid not. I was actually hoping to come here and find her.
Spike: Where’d she go, then?
Phoenix: I’m not sure; otherwise I wouldn’t be looking. She left right after the trail. She took Rainbows verdict pretty hard.
Spike: Huh.
Wait, Rainbow was found guilty?!
Phoenix: Yeah…
Spike: I thought you were some big hotshot lawyer guy. Why’d you go and lose like that?
Phoenix: It’s not like I wanted to lose, I just wasn’t able to gather enough evidence to prove court otherwise.
Keep in mind that I was brought in pretty late in the game and also with no previous experience with Equestria.
You’d be surprised how hard it is to build an airtight defense from scratch in just two days under these circumstances.
Spike: I guess you’re right.
Man. It’s going to be pretty hard defending Ponyville without one of the elements of harmony.
Phoenix: Elements? I think Pinkie and AJ mentioned something about that yesterday. What are they exactly?
Spike: Ugh… You really don’t know much do you.
Phoenix: Hey! Cut me some slack. I’m sure it would be pretty hard adapting if I brought you to my world.
Spike: *gulp * Can…Can you do that?!
Phoenix: No, otherwise I wouldn’t need to speak with Twilight.
Spike: Oh yeah. There’s still that problem.
Phoenix: True.
(Where could she have gone? If she’s not here, I can’t imagine anywhere else she would be.)
It’s a bit of a long shot to ask, but have you seen Fluttershy at all today?
Spike: Hmm… Nah, I don’t think so. You should probably check her cottage. She usually doesn’t come around
here too often. As for Twilight, you might be able to check the-
(Enter Twilight)
Woah, speak of the devil. There she is!
(Enter Fluttershy)
Phoenix: Make that devils.
Fluttershy: Oh, hi Mr. Phoenix.
Phoenix: Hey there, Fluttershy.
Twilight: …
Phoenix: Hi Twilight.
Twilight: …
Phoenix: Twilight, I-
Twilight: No, I need to say something. I’m sorry Phoenix, for what happened earlier, for what I said.
I just wasn’t prepared for the gravity of the situation. I guess I snapped and took it out on you.
I’m also sorry for doubting your skills yesterday. You’re far more experienced than me
with cases like this and it was still hard for you to hold your own. If I would’ve stepped up in
your stead, it wouldn’t have changed the outcome. I’d end up blaming myself for this…
Phoenix: Twilight, it’s ok. There’s no way either of us could’ve prevented this. I guess it’s what some would call fate.
Twilight: I suppose you’re right…
Phoenix: I’m sorry I couldn’t get her out of this like I promised, but I will promise this.
Twilight: Hmm? What’s that?
Phoenix: That no matter what has happened or what will happen, through thick and thin, she’ll always remember
you has her best friend who was there for her in a time of need. Also, the rest of your friends
have your back. No matter what happens, they’ll be there for you.
Twilight: …
Phoenix: Uh, Twilight?
Twilight: Phoenix…
Phoenix: Yeah?
Twilight: Thank you. For everything you’ve done. For helping me and supporting Rainbow Dash. For never giving
up. Not even in the face of doubt. You’re an honest and smart man with a formidable will for your beliefs.
I have to say I admire the qualities you have. I’m proud to call you a friend.
Phoenix: Twilight…
…
Thank you. I’ll never forget my time you with and your friends.
Twilight: Do… Do you want to be sent back now?
Phoenix: Not quite yet, I’d like to talk to Fluttershy about-
Fluttershy: Rainbow Dash this morning?
Oh…So sorry for interrupting.
Phoenix: No, it’s quite alright.
Fluttershy: Twilight found me at my house and talked with me about her. She said Rainbow would never do anything
like that. Just all the stress had gotten to her and she had to blame it on someone.
Phoenix: Are you alright though? You looked really shaken up before you left.
Fluttershy: Yes, I’m fine now. I know we’re still close friends. Friends forgive and forget.
Phoenix: Alright then, if you’re sure your ok.
Twilight?
Twilight: * Sniff * Yes Phoenix?
Phoenix: I…I think I’m ready to go now…
Twilight: …
Alright then… S-stand over here in front of me…
Phoenix: Goodbye Fluttershy, Spike. If you would, tell the others I said bye.
Spike: Can do, Phoenix! Also, uh…bye * turns away saddened *
Fluttershy: Goodbye Mr. Phoenix. Thank you for everything.
Phoenix: (Time to do this… to end this… to return home…)
You ready, Twilight?
Twilight: Y-yes… I’ll be sending the judge back shortly after you, just as soon as I can gather him up. Also, if you’re feeling nauseous upon arrival, remember to rest and-
Phoenix: Twilight.
Twilight: Yeah, Phoenix?
Phoenix: Never give up hope. You’re strong and your friends need you. Continue to fight for them, now and forever.
Twilight: Will do…
(Spell fires up)
Phoenix: Goodbye, Twilight.
(Spell fires, goes dark)
Twilight: Goodbye, Feenie. I’ll never forget you…
--Black Screen Interlude--
Phoenix: (to self)
And with that, the flash of purple light, I was back in my office. Nothing had changed since my return and it seemed
like I was gone only a few minutes, according to the clock.
So, I continued my work as usual, fighting for justice and defending the innocent. Occasionally, I’d think back on the
events that had transpired in Ponyville, remembering Twilight and her friends. I learned a few things that day.
Maybe it’s that you shouldn’t get too involved in a case, it would make you lose sight of your goal.
or that I can’t win every case I stumble upon.
I think it’s more like this.
There are two things in this world that I believe don’t have a higher impact on society:
The truth within justice and the magic of friendship.
--End--
