Episode 33: (Sweetie Belle Arc) Day 2: 1st Trial – Beginning
Scene 33.0: Ponyville District Court – Defendant's Lobby No. 1, 8:00 AM, Day 62 of 365
As Shadow goes over the evidence he found once again to think many scenarios on how to use them, both Sweetie Belle and Luster are worried as they still don't know who the Prosecutor is as she hasn't arrived in Equestria this morning. Blaze enters the room with a folder in his claws which Shadow is smiling as he knows Blaze succeeded in getting the evidence he needs to shatter Cranky's Testimony when it comes in.
Blaze:
(Smiling, Gives File To Shadow)
Here you go, Shadow.
Shadow:
(Evil Smile)
I knew you'd get it here in time.
Luster:
What is that?
Shadow:
Some evidence that can destroy a certain testimony that we'll encounter.
Blaze:
After you told me about what you found and where to look for it, it was easy.
Luster:
How did you find it so fast, Blaze?
Blaze:
I was Shadow's Judicial Assistant back in the Dragon Lands 5 to 6 years ago.
Luster:
Really? Then why aren't you his assistant now? I could have switched with you if you asked.
Blaze:
Yeah…No! There are 2 reasons why I didn't asked you that. 1 – I had my fill being Shadow's Judicial Assistant.
Luster:
And the second?
Blaze:
(Laughing)
Being Shadow's Assistant is nuts! There's no way I'll go back to that. I was still a baby dragon back then and I thought I was going to get a heart-attack every single time we almost lost. At first it starts normal, then it escalates into the absurd! So…
(Annoyed, Glares At Shadow)
I AN NOT DOING THAT AGAIN!!!
Luster:
(Shocked, Worried)
Doesn't Shadow wins his cases!?
Blaze:
Not all of them, but yeah, he does…by resorting to hat-tricks! He's like a darn fox!! The moment the Prosecutor and even witnesses corner him, he fights back hard!!! But I really hate being cornered like that.
Shadow:
Come on, Blaze! You really love the Turnabouts I pull.
Blaze:
Yeah, I'll admit that you pulling those fast ones were really so much fun, but it also can wreck my nerves, so no! I'm not doing this anymore!
Shadow:
Too bad.
Blaze:
By the way…
Shadow:
Hmm?
Blaze:
Isn't one of your teachers supposed to be here? She's pretty late.
Shadow:
(Worried)
Please don't jinx this for us, Blaze.
Luster:
You don't want one of your teachers here, Shadow?
Blaze:
Yeah. Without her, we would have never won those trials.
???:
(Alluring Sexy & Refined Ladylike Voice)
I agree. My little Shadow would never win those trials without my guidance.
Shadow jumps, screams and hides behind the sofa as soon as he hears that familiar voice; he looks and see the mare wearing a Dark Violet Fedora Hat and Trench Coat being accompanied by Rarity who gives Shadow a look of concern and annoyance as he is behaving odd and rude.
Shadow:
(Spooked, Nervous, Worried, High Pitched Voice)
My Lady!!!
(Clears Throat, Spooked, Nervous, Worried, Normal Voice, Maintaining Composure)
My Lady? Why are you here?
???:
Why my Little Shadow! You already know that answer. But if you want to hear a different one, I'm here to see and support my good friend and fan, Rarity in her time of need as her sister is in dire straights.
Shadow:
Fan? Oh, yeah…I forgot you are a famous writer here in Equestria. What was the name of your series? Oh, yes! The Adventures of Shadow Spade.
Luster:
(Surprised)
She's the writer of Shadow Spade!? And judging by the way you are behaving…She's an Ancient.
Shadow:
Yep. She is an Ancient. How did you know?
Luster:
When Blaze asked if your teacher would be here, you told him to not jinx this. Then I remembered that you behave differently when you describe teachers from the Chaotic Void. If this is really one of them and the writer of Shadow Spade, she must be one heck of a detective which means she knows things you are ashamed of anycreature finding out.
Shadow:
(Annoyed, Face-Hoof)
Yeah, pretty much.
Luster:
You know who we are, my lady. So what is your name? Your book seems to omit it.
??? (Ancient Alicorn Of Chaotic Nature):
I am the Ancient Alicorn of Chaotic Nature. Behold Darling For I Am The Pinnacle Of Beauty And Grace, For My Name Is…
(Smug Smile)
…"Not Important"!
Luster:
(Furious, Hiding Fury Behind Forced Smile)
I…see…Will you excuse me? I need to powder my nose. I'll be right back.
As Luster leaves the lobby, everycreature could easily tell she was furious as she slightly slams the door on her way out as "Lady Shadow" smiles evilly as she says out loud: "She's Miffed." and everycreature replies: "Ya Think!?" as Luster arrives on an isolated location of the courthouse, creates a Soundproof Barrier that Twilight taught her in order to talk in the library without disturbing anycreature. As soon as she sees that she is alone just to make sure, she screams as hard she can on how downright annoying the Ancients always uses the excuse that they are "Not Important" as she knows they are toying with all who asks their names. As she returns, Luster notices that "Lady Shadow" is smiling smugly at her as she knows that the Ancient realizes on what Luster did and this annoys her completely.
??? (Ancient Alicorn Of Chaotic Nature):
(Smug Smile)
Finished Venting, Darling?
Luster:
(Clears Throat, Annoyed)
So…what should we call you? Since you look nothing like your character and I guess we can't call you "Shadow Spade".
Lady Shadow (Ancient Alicorn Of Chaotic Nature):
I'm not A.K. Yearling! I don't base my character with my life story. That's an autobiography disguised as an adventure story, Darling. Since you need to call me something, just call me "Lady Shadow". I never wanted anyone to think me and my character are one and the same, but since my Precious, Wonderful, Adorable, Lovable Little Shadow whom I love like a son needs me, I'm willing to be called the most heinous things just so I can see this cute little thing.
Shadow:
Since you are here, that means this trial is going to be one of my hardest.
Lady Shadow:
(Serious Expression)
Not only that…this trial will create many possible alternate timelines for you to walk. If things goes well, the path will be set. But lose and the path…the timeline created for it…will breed tragedies all over the world like never before. For the Prosecutor is one that holds the same values as Jonamac.
Shadow:
(Surprised)
You don't mean…?
Lady Shadow:
Beware my child. This will be far harder than Jonamac that will send the entire gallery into a frenzy.
Shadow:
A Frenzy Of Fear…Or A Frenzy Of Laughter?
Lady Shadow:
I'm not going to lie…
(Smug Laughter)
…It will be both.
Everycreature:
(Worried)
That's not good.
Rarity:
Do not worry, darling. If my friend really taught Shadow to be a Defense Attorney, we should not worry. I believe Shadow will get Sweetie out of this safe and sound.
Lady Shadow:
(Disappointed Sigh)
I taught him to be a detective, but being a defense attorney is a close second.
Rarity:
I believe in Shadow just as much as I believed in Clyde.
Lady Shadow:
I still remember the time the three of us were traveling together. Those were good times.
Sweetie Belle:
So she is the one you would talk about? And she's an Ancient? Are you hiding your horn and wings under that outfit?
Lady Shadow:
(Removes Hat & Coat, Anthropomorphic Alicorn Form & Ancient Colors)
Like what you see, darling?
Sweetie Belle:
(Impressed)
Wow! You look like Shadow and that other Ancient!
Lady Shadow:
(Wears Hat & Coat, Reverts To Unicorn Pony Form & Equestrian Colors)
My Older Brother and My Darling Son!
Shadow:
(Sighs)
My Lady here is one of my first mother figures after my mother passed away. I'll admit that my father figures are Jerks—
Everycreature:
Like you?
Shadow:
(Annoyed)
AS I WAS SAYING!!!
(Clears Throat)
My Father Figures are Jerks, but they instilled in me many values. As for my Mother Figures…they instilled in me hope for a better tomorrow. And in order to achieve what they want, I needed their wisdom.
(Thinking)
They also instilled in me a great fear of them.
Luster:
(Annoyed Stare)
Didn't you want their wisdom to get even with your father?
Shadow:
(Clears Throat)
It's a "I Scratch Their Back, They Scratch Mine" situation, Luster. The point is…without these skills, I would never have made it this far.
Lady Shadow:
I'm happy you feel that way, my boy. But do not place too much faith in us. Skill alone will not save Sweetie Belle or the future of Equestria. In order to win this trial, you will need more than evidence and wit.
Shadow:
Another life lesson. Well, I'll figure it out before the trial ends.
Lady Shadow:
You will. I have foreseen it.
Shadow:
Alright. I'll need to review the court record and the evidence Blaze brought me.
Luster:
What about the Prosecutor?
Blaze:
She still isn't here. I heard a rumor that her train is running late.
Luster:
I was asking Lady Shadow. I get the feeling you know her identity.
Lady Shadow:
(Evil Smile)
Now that would be telling, Luster and as a World Renowned Writer and Ancient: I Don't Do Spoilers! Speaking of being a World Renowned Writer, I heard that the Married Couple of A.K. Yearling and Q.Q. Martingale better known as Daring Doo and Doctor Caballeron, got upstaged by Ahuizotl yet again! Meanwhile my Shadow Spade Books are still best sellers!
(Laughing Maniacally)
Everycreature sighs annoyingly as Shadow keeps studying the court record as he knows how difficult Jonamac was; and if this Prosecutor is as relentless as Jonamac was, then this would be his most difficult trial yet as this Prosecutor might be a former student or somecreature connected to him that is young and probably far more ruthless than Jonamac himself.
Scene 33.1: Ponyville District Court – Courtroom No. 4, 9:00 AM
Phase 1:
Opening Statements
As everycreature are seated to take part and/or witness the trial, they all notice that the Prosecutor hasn't arrived yet that Shadow and Sweetie Belle will win the trial by default as Chancellor Neighsay or on this occasion Judge Neighsay begins the proceedings.
Judge Neighsay:
(Pounds Gavel)
Court is now in session for the trial of Sweetie Belle. Are the Defense and Prosecution ready?
Shadow:
The defense is ready, your honor.
Judge Neighsay:
Platinum Shadow. We meet again. I hope you will follow the rules, ethics and moral codes of my court.
Shadow:
(Annoyed, Thinking)
Ah, [Censored]! Here we go Again! Always a stricter for the rules.
(Out Loud)
Worry not, your honor. I have been a defense attorney for 8 years now. I know how to follow the rules and behave accordingly.
Judge Neighsay:
I will hold you to that.
(Notices Prosecutor Not At Her Table)
Looks like the Prosecution is late. We will wait 10 minutes. If she isn't here by then, the accuse will be getting her acquittal by default.
Shadow:
...…
Judge Neighsay:
Nothing to say, Platinum Shadow?
Shadow:
It's a "Damned If I Do, Damned If I Don't" Situation, your honor. If she gets acquitted by default, she won't need to go through this any longer. But…winning this trial by default will not exonerate my client as everyone will still think she still is guilty. I want the Prosecutor to be here so I can prove without a shadow of a doubt that Sweetie Belle is innocent from all of these accusations. That is why we should wait for the Prosecutor to be here no matter the time limit or reschedule the trial for tomorrow.
Judge Neighsay:
I see. I understand your argument. Very well. If the Prosecutor is not here in the time I have allowed, then I will reschedule the trial for tomorrow.
???:
(Amused Chuckle)
Always thinking of the long term ramifications, My Liebling [Darling] Shadow.
Judge Neighsay:
Who said that?
???:
Over here, your honor.
Suddenly everyone sees who the Prosecutor is as they direct their sights to her table which catches everyone off-guard due to her Vampire-Like outfit; but the ones who are mostly in complete disbelief are the Apple Family who are there to provide support for Sweetie Belle, but when they look at Fraulein, they see countless similarities to Granny Smith in her mane style, but instead of being 2 braids, it's a long one that reaches her lower chest near her solar plexus and her hands are as sharp as claws; her eyes scare them as it looks like that of a snake; her fur, ears and fangs are as spiky as that of a Lýkos just like Fen which so happens to be by her side as Fraulein notices the Apples looking at her which annoys her considerably.
Judge Neighsay:
Are you the Prosecutor? Why are you late?
Fraulein:
My name is Prosecutor Vanitas Von Fraulein and you already know my Judicial Assistant, Prince Fenrir Lýkos. I arrived in Ponyville about 3 hours ago.
Judge Neighsay:
But the train hasn't arrived yet!
Fraulein:
(Evil Smile, Wiggles Index Claw)
Tut-tut-tut! Princess Twilight Sparkle brought me here herself by her Pegasus Carriage. After I arrived in Ponyville, I reviewed the case files, arrived in the courthouse on time and waited in the gallery to see how my former mate would react that he could win by default.
(Glares At Shadow, Glowing Red Eyes)
I never expected him to say those things so easily. You've grown a lot, Shadow. Don't you think for a second I am that same defenseless little filly you knew long ago.
Shadow:
(Disappointed Sigh)
I never thought I'd see you again…and worst off…I never thought you'd adopt your father's draconian ideology.
Fraulein:
I cut ties with him. I don't do this like he did. I do this just to set things right with the world by condemning the guilty to get their comeuppance that they deserve. I do not send the innocent to their death, something that despicable Jonamac loved to do.
Shadow:
You win this trial, you will be no different than him. Like Father Like Daughter as they say.
Fraulein:
Talk about The Pot Calling The Kettle Black, Son of Jack-Of-All-Trades.
Shadow:
If you think that's a pwn, you have another thing coming.
Fraulein:
(Annoyed Glare)
I see you learned things you weren't expecting from him. Too bad my father has no such redeeming history. Jonamac will always be a monster in my eyes for the betrayal he did to me and my mother. I'm hoping he's suffering right now in the Hades where he belongs. Tartarus Be Damned. True suffering can only be found in Hades where the accused in this case will be once she is found guilty.
Judge Neighsay:
Enough! Your personal squabble has no place in my court! Allow me to ask again: Are the Defense and Prosecution ready?
Shadow:
The Defense is ready, your honor.
Fraulein:
...…
Judge Neighsay:
(Annoyed)
Didn't the Prosecution hear me!?
Fraulein:
Permission to speak freely, your honor?
Judge Neighsay:
You may.
Fraulein:
(Demonic Glare)
Are you yourself ready, your honor?
Judge Neighsay:
(Surprised, Spooked, Nervous)
What ever do you mean, Ms. Fraulein?
Fraulein:
Just answer the question.
Judge Neighsay:
Well…I…I—
Fraulein:
(Slams On Table, Furious)
FOOL!!! How do you expect everycreature to be ready if you yourself aren't ready!?
Judge Neighsay:
Forgive me, my dear. I'll be careful in making such unreasonable demand next time.
Fraulein:
(Cocky Evil Smile)
So long you understand, your honor.
Luster:
(Annoyed)
HEY!!! YOU CAN'T DO THAT!!! THAT'S A VIOLATION OF ETHICS!!!
Shadow:
Let it slide, Luster.
Luster:
But Shadow—
Shadow:
Expect this type of shenanigans in the courtroom a lot from the Prosecution's Side, especially if they are International Prosecutors like her.
Luster:
(Worried)
International Prosecutors are a scary bunch, huh?
Shadow:
(Face-Hoof)
You have no idea…
Judge Neighsay:
Ms. Fraulein. Your Opening Statement.
Fraulein:
Waste of time. Let's move on to the Testimony and Cross-Examination.
Judge Neighsay:
Now see here! Not everycreature here are aware of what happened. It is the Duty of the Prosecutor to give the Opening Statement for everycreature to understand the situation.
Fraulein:
I know that is the case but…this courtroom is your domain, your honor. If me, a Lowly Prosecutor were to give the Opening Statement, it would take away the limelight from you and make us, the attorneys will steal the show from you, the ruler of the final fate of the accused. If you were to make the Opening Statement, you would be the first judge in the history of Equestria to do so. With your current fame as Chancellor Neighsay, as Judge Neighsay, you will outshine even the Elements of Harmony.
Luster:
(Whispering To Shadow)
There's no way he'll fall for that.
Shadow:
(Whispering To Luster)
Wait for it…
Judge Neighsay:
Well if you say so, how can I say no to that? Thank you, Prosecutor Fraulein.
Luster:
(Shocked)
WHAT THE!?!?!? WHY IS THIS HAPPENING!?!?!?
Shadow:
(Annoyed Sigh)
Told you that International Prosecutors are something.
Luster:
(Annoyed)
They are something alright, but I was taught that if you have nothing nice to say, I should say nothing.
Judge Neighsay:
2 nights ago, the accused committed multiple property destruction which includes Vandalism, Arson, Larceny, Mischief, Trespass, Shoplifting and worst of all…Assault with the victim identifying the accused as the one who attacked her. This trial will determine if the defendant is in reality the one behind these crimes. Is the Prosecution ready to call its first witness?
Fraulein:
The Prosecution would like to call Cranky Doodle Donkey and Matilda Donkey to the stand.
Luster:
So they are the first ones. Will we be alright?
Shadow:
(Smiling)
Yeah. I was hoping for them being the first. This will be easy.
Phase 2:
The Case Of Cranky & Matilda
As both Cranky and Matilda are in the stand, Cranky looks cranky (No Pun Intended Readers) and Matilda looks sad and worried which peaks everycreature's interest, but mostly Shadow's.
Fraulein:
Please state your names and occupation to the court.
Cranky:
I'm Cranky Donkey and this is my wife, Matilda Donkey.
Matilda:
We're retired and living in our home, a cottage outside Ponyville.
Fraulein:
(Annoyed, Holding Papers)
I know I said to state your names, but when a Prosecutor asks your names, you need to say your full names, middle names included. Unless you want to suffer a penalty, you will disclose your entire name…ALL OF IT!!!
(Demonic Glare At Cranky)
Understand?
Cranky:
(Spooked)
Cranky Doodle Donkey, Ma'am! Sorry, but I don't like anycreature calling me Doodle, except for my wife.
Fraulein:
I'm can imagine since Doodle rhymes with Noodle and Males your age hate being called a "Wet Noodle" which is a synonym to—
Everycreature:
(Furious)
HEYHEYHEY!!! THERE ARE CHILDREN HERE!!!
Fraulein:
(Evil Smile)
Does it help for me to say that "I'm Sorry For Not Being Sorry"?
Everycreature:
(Furious)
YOU JERK!!!
Shadow, Fenrir:
(Laughing)
That's a Good One!
Everycreature:
(Furious)
YOU PERVERTS!!!
Judge Neighsay:
(Slam Gavel)
Order! Order!! Order!!! Ms. Fraulein! I will not tolerate such perverted comments in my court!! And as for the two of you: Platinum Shadow and Prince Fenrir! You should be ashamed of yourselves!!! Laughing at something so vulgar!!!
Shadow, Fenrir:
Apologies, your honor. It won't happen again.
Fraulein:
Don't make promises you can't keep, boys. You taught me that better than anyone, Shadow. Also…you are both wimps caving to him like that.
Judge Neighsay:
Ms. Fraulein.
Fraulein:
Very Well. Mr. and Mrs. Donkey? Would you tell us, in your own words, the accounts of what happened to you?
Witness Testimony & Cross-Examination
Cranky:
It all happened 2 nights ago…
Matilda and I were calling it a night after a day of cleaning our home.
Once we went to bed and were asleep, we heard a loud crash…
I rushed out and saw my wagon, completely torn apart!
And the one standing there was her! Sweetie Belle, Laughing Like A Hoodlum!
Her Prints can be found all over my wagon!
Matilda:
(Saddened – Reacting To Cranky's Last Statement)
...…
Shadow:
(Notices Matilda's Reaction, Curious Look, Thinking)
That last part…Looks like Matilda didn't like what Cranky said there.
Fraulein:
(Notices Matilda's Reaction, Closes Eyes)
I see. Is that all? You did not leave anything out?
Cranky:
I told you everything that happened.
Fraulein:
Very well. Shadow. You may begin your cross-examination.
Shadow:
(Out Loud)
Gladly. 2 nights ago? Just like the other incidents around town?
Cranky:
I don't care about the other incidents! I only care for my wagon!
Fraulein:
If you well remember, when I was framed for a crime I didn't commit, Shadow; there was another incident that happened at the same time. Did I looked like I care for that during my situation?
Shadow:
Good Point. Alright, next question. You cleaned your house and it took you all day?
Matilda:
(Smiling)
Oh, yes! Doodle and me found many mementos while cleaning the house like our wedding photo, some figurines we got from Pinkie, a number of gifts from our other friends and such.
Shadow:
That's real nice. I'm glad you had a good time. Did either of you cleaned the wagon that day too?
Matilda:
Well yes, we did, but it wasn't destroyed as it was.
Shadow:
(Thinking)
Looks like pressing this topic won't get me anywhere. Might as well press on the other parts of the testimony.
(Out Loud)
So cleaning the house must have been exhausting if you went to sleep once you were done. When did you both went to sleep?
Cranky:
Around 8 PM like always.
Matilda:
Yes, that is our usual bedtime.
Shadow:
(Thinking)
After looking at the timelines of the incidents, it all happened after 11:30 PM. No contradiction there…unless they say differently.
(Out Loud)
At what time did you hear your wagon being destroyed?
Cranky:
About 2 hours later…I think it was around 10:16 in the night.
Shadow:
(Thinking, Surprised)
10:16 PM!? That doesn't fit the timeline! And the first area to be destroyed was Dr. Hooves Lab and what Doc told us yesterday…
***
Scene 33.2: Dr. Hooves' Laboratory, 2:40 AM, Day 61 of 365
Luster:
(Looks Around The Lab)
This place is a mess. Are you sure you don't want to report this, doc?
Dr. Hooves:
If I did, this would make things harder for you in tomorrow's trial, my dear.
Shadow:
You don't mind if we investigate? Since you aren't pressing charges, most evidence we get here will be considered Illegal Evidence since it's not approved by Law Enforcement.
Dr. Hooves:
I understand, but I know somecreature that can help us with that. If you manage to find any evidence that can help you, give it to me in order to talk to my acquaintance to make the evidence viable for the court.
Shadow:
Who is this acquaintance?
Dr. Hooves:
Sorry, my boy. But I made a promise not to reveal their identity.
Shadow:
Alright, I understand. Can we review the security footage?
Dr. Hooves:
But of course.
As Shadow, Luster and Dr. Hooves are reviewing the security footage, they noticed that the picture is nothing but static and white noise, but the timeline in the footage is still visible as it says "11:11 PM" which confirms that the destruction of the properties started on that point in time. Dr. Hooves takes a screenshot of the timeline and tell Shadow & Luster that the reason the picture was as distorted like this was because of a powerful electrical charge that took place in the lab that very moment. Since there wasn't a storm that day, it must have been a powerful magical burst. Since the good doctor setup a defense system to detect whose magic was it that was discharged in his lab and much to their shock, it was Sweetie Belle's Magic. Knowing that this would destroy their case, they decided to not use it in the trial; but Doctor Hooves believes this could be useful if Shadow and Luster finds a specific evidence that can prove the magical energy doesn't belong to Sweetie Belle, so he'll keep it safe for the time being.
***
Shadow:
(Thinking, Smiling)
Looks like now is the time to start fighting back.
(Out Loud)
Your honor! What the witness said just now is very important! The defense request that they add it to the testimony!
Judge Neighsay:
Mr. & Mrs. Donkey. Please amend your testimony to add that time.
Cranky:
Alright.
(New Testimony)
It all happened 2 nights ago…
Matilda and I were calling it a night after a day of cleaning our home.
Once we went to bed and were asleep, we heard a loud crash…
– I think it was around 10:16 in the night. –
I rushed out and saw my wagon, completely torn apart!
And the one standing there was her! Sweetie Belle, Laughing Like A Hoodlum!
Her Prints can be found all over my wagon!
Shadow:
– OBJECTION!!! –
Are you sure about that timeline? Are you sure it was around 10:16 in the night?
Cranky:
(Furious)
Are you calling me a liar!? Sure I do!! I remember it clearly, whippersnapper!
Shadow:
(Confident Smile)
Actually I have evidence to prove that not only the time was off when it happened, but it was you who destroyed your own wagon.
Cranky:
HOW DARE YOU!!!
Shadow:
(Slams Table)
I DARE…
(Points At Cranky)
…BECAUSE I CAN!!!
Fraulein:
(Amused Smile)
That's the Shadow I know. Then you have the evidence to prove it, why not show it?
Shadow:
With Pleasure. First evidence – Doctor Hooves' Lab and Home was the first area in all of Ponyville to be destroyed.
(Shows Screenshot Of Security Footage)
The time stamp in this screenshot is 11:11 PM, meanwhile you claim your wagon was destroyed by Sweetie Belle at 10:16 PM. This picture reveals that your depiction of events is all false!
Fraulein:
– OBJECTION!!! –
(Evil Smile)
You are the one spreading conjecture, my Dear Shadow. What if the defendant decided to go after the wagon before tackling the doctor's home. Also…
(Slams Table, Demonic Glare)
…The Good Doktor isn't pressing charges on this case, which means you are presenting illegal evidence.
Shadow:
You would be right if the evidence wasn't authorized by the Royal Guard.
Fraulein:
Looks like you covered your bases. I redact my Objection just now. Please continue.
Cranky:
HEY! YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE ON MY SIDE!!
Fraulein:
(Deep Demonic Voice)
– SILENCE!!! –
Cranky:
(Spooked)
...…
Fraulein:
(Demonic Glare, Normal Voice)
I'm the side of the courts and 3 others – Me, Myself and I. Me siding with the witness? How do I know the witness isn't doing something nefarious behind my back while giving their testimony? You better be careful, Old Man.
Cranky:
(Gulp)
Shadow:
That was 1 of 3 evidences I will be presenting. Evidence 2 – The amount of Sweetie Belle's Magical Prints on the wagon was so minimal, it seems like it was placed there to incriminate her on purpose.
Cranky:
(Furious)
NOW SEE HERE, WHIPPERSNAPPER!!! I might be an old donkey, but I would never—
Shadow:
Then why during this part of your testimony, your wife was saddened when you said and I quote:
"And the one standing there was her! Sweetie Belle, Laughing Like A Hoodlum!
Her Prints can be found all over my wagon!"?
Cranky:
(Surprised)
WHAT!?
Shadow:
Mr. Donkey. You are framing Sweetie Belle in order for her family to pay for your wagon as your insurance doesn't cover damages. Actually…I have a copy of your insurance contract right here as my third evidence.
(Present Evidence)
– TAKE THAT!!! –
This is what's written here about a week ago. "After reviewing the damages to the insurer's wagon, Mr. Cranky Donkey, the damages are not covered by our company as your contract with us only cover damages over 1,000 Bits. The damages in question are above your contract as the wagon in question is completely a total loss due to water damage, termite infestation and most of the foundation is rotten."
Fraulein:
That's a week old insurance report. It's not valid right now as this was Vandalism, so the insurance should be validated now.
Shadow:
(Confident Smile)
There's more.
Fraulein:
!?
Shadow:
This report I will read to place early in the morning 2 days ago. "After reviewing the destruction of the wagon done due to vandalism, the company will provide 8% funding to help with the repairs, but 92% of the payments must be done by the guilty party." Everycreature thinks just because you have insurance, things would go easy if your stuff gets damaged, robbed or destroyed, but in reality, insurance only pays a fraction of the repairs even if you qualify. You need to pay premium rates to the insurance company once the repairs are finished. If you are paying 200 Bits a year, the premium rates will double the payment an extra 200, making it 400 bits; you can pay it in monthly installments, but if you agree to it and miss a payment, the interest rate will increase.
Cranky:
(Shocked)
WHAT!?
Shadow:
I will tell you what happened –
When you were turned down by your insurance company and you lacked the means to repair it, you decided to frame someone for destroying your wagon in order to restore it. Since Sweetie Belle's arrest went public, you decided to take advantage of it and frame her. You had your wife collect the Magical Prints and frame her for your own misdeeds! That's why she looks so saddened by all of this! She didn't want to do this, but because of her love for you, she had no choice!
(Points At Cranky)
Cranky Donkey! IT WAS YOU!!!
Matilda:
STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!!! It wasn't Doodle who did it! It was…Me!
Everycreature:
(Shocked)
Matilda!?
Fraulein:
(Glowing Demonic Eyes, Scratching Table Furiously)
Explain Yourself, Witness. I just had about enough of this farce and my patience is wearing out considerably.
Cranky:
(Shocked)
Matilda…why?
Matilda:
(Saddened)
That wagon was everything to Doodle. As soon as he couldn't get insurance for his wagon, I decided to frame somecreature for it, but…when I did it, I…started to feel guilty. I thought it was just a simple fix…that what Sweetie Belle was being accused of was going to blow over. Imagine my horror when I found out all that what she is being accused of. I shouldn't have added this to her list of accusations. Please forgive me, Doodle…Sweetie Belle…
Cranky:
(Saddened)
Matilda…You didn't need to do that. If you would have told me how you felt, I would have told you to not bother because I have you. You matter more to me than that old wagon. I wish I made that clear to you years ago…
Matilda:
(Crying, Sad Smile, Kisses & Hugs Cranky)
Oh, Doodle…Thank you…
Judge Neighsay:
Unfortunately Mrs. Donkey, you not only you defamed Sweetie Belle, but you also tried to commit fraud to the insurance company. Bailiff! Please take Mrs. Donkey away to the courthouse's detention center.
Fraulein:
(Demonic Growl & Glowing Red Eyes, Furious, Maintaining Composure)
I will enjoy Prosecuting you for this disgusting behavior and punish you to the highest extent of the law! Take her away!! FEN!!! Remember to get me her files when today's trial is done for the day. I will ask the Princess to grant me permission to prosecute her trial. I will make sure she suffers a fate far worse than the usual Death Penalty I always get the accused.
Fenrir:
Yes, Prosecutor Fraulein.
Fraulein:
I'll make sure you pay for this waste of time!!!
(Smashes Table)
Shadow:
– HOLD IT!!! –
We aren't done yet!
Luster:
But Shadow, Matilda just confessed. What else is there to ask!?
Shadow:
(Serious Stare)
There's one part of the testimony that is bugging me and it coincides with a piece of evidence I didn't tell you about, Luster.
Fraulein, Luster:
What evidence?
Shadow:
Cranky Donkey. There's one part of the testimony is bothering me to no end. You said and I quote –
"And the one standing there was her! Sweetie Belle, Laughing Like A Hoodlum!
Her Prints can be found all over my wagon!"
With Matilda confessing her own crime, I don't think she is capable to laugh the way you described. Would you mind describing that part in better detail? And Matilda? I know you were present, so please, give us more details on that and in exchange, I will be your defense Attorney Matilda.
Cranky:
(Sad Smile)
Thanks, Kid. Alright. Ready, Matilda?
Matilda:
(Sad Smile)
Ready, Doodle.
Cranky:
It all happened 2 nights ago…
Matilda and I were calling it a night after a day of cleaning our home.
Once we went to bed and were asleep, we heard a loud crash…
About 2 hours later…I think it was around 10:16 in the night.
I rushed out and saw my wagon, completely torn apart!
And the one standing there was her! Sweetie Belle, Laughing Like A Hoodlum!
Her Prints can be found all over my wagon!
— Now we all know that Matilda was behind it. —
Matilda:
— But the one you saw laughing wasn't me! That was a strange looking filly! —
— It so happened around midnight, not 10:16. —
— She wasn't alone either. There were other foals with her! —
— They appeared after I finished tearing the wagon apart. —
— They didn't notice me while they were there, so I was able to see them. —
— That filly…didn't look normal… —
Shadow:
A strange looking filly? That matches the evidence I have. During my investigation yesterday, Luster and I found a few hoof-prints in the area and most of them belonged to foals. What did the strange filly looked like?
Fraulein:
We have an artist in the gallery. You can describe what you saw.
Matilda:
Yes.
As Matilda describes what she saw as everycreature are perplexed on what they are seeing. The drawing reveals a little filly unicorn with weird glowing light green lines over her body as well as glowing eyes and aura of the same color which worries Shadow as one of the hoof-prints is a 100% match to Sweetie Belle and even the Magical Prints is 100% that starts to scare him. Shadow believes that this might be a denizen of the Chaotic Void as he knows it's not the Automaton since Shadow, Luster and Dr. Hooves found its destroyed remains where it was supposed to be. He now needs to question both his teacher, "Lady Shadow" and Elric. What will be their answers? And…How will this trial end this day?
To Be Continued…