Episode 36: (Sweetie Belle Arc) Day 3: 2nd Trial

Scene 36.0: Ponyville District Court – Defendant's Lobby No. 1, 8:00 AM, Day 63 of 365

Shadow is fast asleep wearing an eye-mask and snoring like a lazy-bum since he got there which annoys everycreature, as they think he isn't taking the situation seriously on how sloppy he was sleeping, that they compare him to Rainbow Dash on how she sleeps. Annoyed by this, Luster walks to Shadow, pulls his ear using her unicorn magic and screams into it.

Luster:

WAKE UP!!!

Shadow:

(Furious)

LUSTER!!! What's the big idea!?

Luster:

That's what we want to know!!! Why are you so darn laid back and relaxed while things might go south if we screw up today!?

Shadow:

I overused my eyes yesterday and I thought I was going to get some of my strength back with a little rest. Looks like that wasn't the case since I'm still recovering.

Lady Shadow:

You should have returned to the Chaotic Void if you have gotten yourself in that situation. But judging your current condition, you got to the point that you are not strong enough to go there. What color are your eyes at the moment?

Shadow:

Bloodshot.

Lady Shadow:

Eeewww. Looks like you really overdid it. How are your Symbiote and Chaos Field doing in your current condition?

Shadow:

They are trying to keep me stable, but that will not last if I overdo it today.

Rarity:

We should postpone the trial then, darling. We don't want you to get hurt.

Shadow:

No. We can win this today if we try.

Lady Shadow:

My darling boy is right. I have foreseen 3 different outcomes today. If you postpone it, Sweetie Belle will get the Guilty Verdict by default.

Shadow:

You are saying that I won't be able to do the trial tomorrow?

Lady Shadow:

That's correct. Your body right now is at its limits. Today you will overexert yourself. Whether or not it will before or after the verdict is yet to be determined.

Shadow:

So I need to thread carefully.

(Exhausted Sighs)

I'll be careful then. Luster. I'm going to need your support now more than ever.

Luster:

Should we be worried?

Blaze:

Yeah. I've never seen you this worn out before. Are you sure you will be alright?

Shadow:

If things goes well, I'll be taking a vacation in the Chaotic Void after today. I'll be back in 2 to 3 days once I'm at 300%.

Sweetie Belle:

Don't you mean 100%?

Shadow:

Nope – 300 because of not only me, but my Symbiote and Chaos Field as well. I'm sharing my body with both my Chaos Magic and Symbiote as a Fail Safe. You might consider the Symbiote a parasite, but it is actually normal for anyone from the void to have one since our Chaos Field is pretty hectic. The Symbiote is a means to keep it under control if my body goes through overexertion.

Luster:

Like you are going through right now?

Shadow:

Yeah, pretty much. Sorry but I will be using this eye-mask for the whole day. My eyes have been hurting ever since this morning.

Starlight:

I'll tell Judge Neighsay about your eyes so he doesn't think you are mocking him by wearing that.

Shadow:

Thanks, Starlight.

Luster:

So what's the plan?

Shadow:

I'm sure Octavia will be the witness today. Knowing Fraulein she must be aware that we didn't check the assault victim, so I doubt he or she will give their testimony today.

Luster:

So this will be a short trial day.

Shadow:

No. We do have a pair of "Special witnesses".

Luster:

(Surprised)

You will have "Them" today!?

Shadow:

Since I'm in this condition we have no choice but to get Sweetie Belle acquitted today. So I will have to do this strategically if I'm to succeed.

Luster:

How will you do that?

Shadow:

There are a few ways to do that – Give Fraulein a False Sense of Security or Push her Hard to the point that she'll try something only her father would do.

Blaze:

You think that will happen?

Shadow:

I don't know. Fraulein seems to act like Jonamac, but at the same time…she's not acting like him. What is her game? I can't figure her out.

Blaze:

Maybe since you were her boyfriend, she must know how you tick better than anycreature thinks…even yourself.

Shadow:

There's a good chance that's what it is, but that leaves one big question to that idea, Blaze.

Blaze:

What?

Shadow:

If that's the case then why? Why be this way when I saved her from her own dark future?

Blaze:

I think there's a reason on why she is acting that way.

Shadow:

Sadly I can't think of any on why—

(Surprised)

Now that I think about it…there is a reason for it.

Lady Shadow:

(Proud Smile)

You are on the right track, my dear child.

Luster:

(Surprised)

He is!? What is it then!?

Shadow:

(Smiling)

Now that would be telling Luster and I don't do spoilers. Let's think of a new plan of action now that I know what to do with this new revelation.

As Shadow tells Luster his plans for the trial and they are all surprised on how he plans on going about it, but after hearing his plan, Blaze and Lady Shadow are worried on details of it as it leaves room to him if he is unable to continue due to his current condition, however the one that will take his place will have an easy day tomorrow as the groundwork he will place will assist his replacement; they are hoping that is not the case.

Scene 36.1: Ponyville District Court – Courtroom No. 4, 9:00 AM

Phase 1:

Opening Statement

In the courtroom, Shadow and Luster are ready to face-off against Fraulein and Fenrir as Judge Neighsay begins the trial.

Judge Neighsay:

(Slams 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.

Fraulein:

(Glare)

.........…

Judge Neighsay:

It seems the Prosecution is ready as well.

Luster:

(Whispering)

Looks like Fraulein has got Chancellor Neighsay whipped to the point that a simple glare has him quivering in his horseshoes.

Shadow:

(Sad Sigh)

Oh, Dear…

Judge Neighsay:

So what has happened to your eyes is true. Are sure you will be alright, Platinum Shadow?

Shadow:

I'll be fine, your honor. There is nothing to worry about, so we can continue the trial as normal.

Judge Neighsay:

Very well. Ms. Fraulein. Your opening statement.

Fraulein:

Are you sure I should do it? You looked like you can do it better than me yesterday. It would be a shame if I screwed up when you can do it better than me.

Judge Neighsay:

Well…since you put it that way…

Luster:

(Annoyed, Whispering)

Again!? I'm already losing respect for Neighsay.

Shadow:

Oh, Dear…

Judge Neighsay:

Yesterday we were unable to establish either a motive or decisive evidence to prove that the defendant was the one behind these crimes and uncovered that one of the witnesses was committing fraud and framing the defendant for a crime she didn't commit. Today we will get to the bottom of these crimes. Is the Prosecution ready to present the first witness?

Fraulein:

The Prosecution would like to call the investigator in-charge of this case – Captain Tempest Shadow.

Luster:

(Whispering)

I thought Octavia was going to be the first one.

Shadow:

(Whispering)

Yesterday Captain Tempest didn't give her testimony. Usually the Investigator in-charge is the very first witness on the stand. I can think of 2 reasons why she didn't. 1 – She wasn't confident with the evidence yesterday was enough to get a definitive verdict; or 2 – she didn't want to indict Sweetie Belle.

Luster:

I think the former. There's no way she'd go for the later…publicly.

Shadow:

True. But that won't stop me from asking her why now.

Phase 2:

Investigator's Report 1, 2 & 3

At the witness stand, Captain Tempest Shadow is staring coldly at at the court.

Fraulein:

Please state your name and occupation to the court.

Tempest:

Tempest Shadow. Captain of the Royal Guard in Ponyville and the Lead Investigator for this case.

Shadow:

(Thinking)

Not disclosing your real name, huh, Captain? Looks like Fraulein is going to let it slide. I'd be a jerk if I push to tell it, but there's one thing I find annoying here.

(Out Loud)

– OBJECTION!! –

Captain Tempest. Why didn't you testified yesterday? It is the lead investigator's duty to relay the court on what happened on those accounts.

Tempest:

The evidence we gathered were labeled as inconclusive since our forensic department are still greenhorns and not used to dealing with a situation as big as this. They have mostly dealt with small easy to handle cases, but this one is different and couldn't handle the stress.

Fraulein:

I agree. I interviewed them myself. They really are a motley bunch and it was no wonder that they were unable to produce any sort of viable evidence for yesterday's trial. So I was able to show them how to do the job properly with my very own brand of "Throughout Forensic Investigation Skills".

(Evil Smug Sinister Chuckle)

Fenrir:

(Ashamed Sigh)

.........…

Shadow:

(Worried, Gulp)

I…I see.

(Thinking)

I now feel really sorry for them judging by Fen's reaction.

(Clears Throat, Out Loud, Regains Composure)

So you being here today and now means you have everything in order?

Tempest:

Yes and that is why I will tell the court a more accurate depiction of what happened on 3 of the 4 Crime Scenes.

Shadow:

Just 3? Why not the 4th is included?

Tempest:

The Assault Victim is being too dramatic and won't let us investigate his home, so we can't have him here today. He lives near the Ponyville Classical Arts Theater.

Shadow:

Is he one of the owners?

Tempest:

No, he's a patron that has been going there ever since he moved to Ponyville. If today we can't reach a verdict, we will need a court order to conduct a search of his premises.

Judge Neighsay:

I will grant the request only if the trial doesn't reach a conclusion today.

Tempest:

Thank you, your honor.

Shadow:

(Thinking)

So it's a "He" living near the Ponyville Classical Arts Theater, is a patron and refuses to be investigated. I get the feeling he might be the one framing Sweetie Belle. Those who have the most to hide are always the ones behind the most nefarious of acts.

Fraulein:

Captain. Would you tell us, in your own words, the accounts of what you found?

Tempest:

Yes, Ma'am. But first I will recap on all that we found, then I will move on my testimony.

Official Report

Tempest:

On the day of the incident, 5 Locations were attacked – Sugarcube Corner, The Home of Mr. and Mrs. Donkey, Ponyville Classical Arts Theater, The Victim's Home near the Theater and Dr. Hooves' Laboratory. However, Dr. Hooves is not pressing charges so his laboratory will not undergo any deep investigations; but if he submits any evidence to us, we will conduct our analysis and determine if it is viable for this trial.

Fraulein:

That explains the evidence Platinum Shadow presented yesterday came from.

Tempest:

Yes and by order of Princess Twilight Sparkle I am not allowed to divulge the identity of the one approving the evidence.

Fraulein:

If the Forensic Investigator is that trustworthy and important, I will not dive into their identity, but be forewarned that if said Forensic Investigator is involved in illicit acts, I will make sure they pay dearly in their own trial.

Tempest:

Very well. Let's start with The Home of Mr. and Mrs. Donkey. As the court now knows, Cranky Donkey's Wagon was destroyed by his wife, Matilda Donkey. They reported that it was destroyed between 10 to 11 PM and around Midnight, a strange looking pony appeared with a strange glow on its body. After returning and reviewing the area for a second time yesterday, we did find some traces of the defendant's hoof-prints and magical essence, but it is too minute to reach a conclusive identification. The traces were found a few feet away from the wagon and it is not enough to indict the defendant for the destruction of the wagon even if that pony really was her that night.

Shadow:

I did prove she didn't do it, so please refrain from trying to accuse her of that by returning to that situation.

Tempest:

Sorry if you think that, but I was trying to assure the court that she is innocent for that. Next up – The Sugarcube Corner Incident. Everything here was a mess, so gathering evidence was a little too tenuous. Fortunately we were able to gather enough of it when we went back there yesterday. Aside from the baked goods plastered all over the shop, we found many items that can work in this trial now. I will not go into details on the evidence since they will be presented during today's trial. But we did find conclusive evidence that she was there and how she got in the shop while it was fully closed.

Shadow:

(Thinking)

I knew that Fraulein was going to revisit the Sugarcube Corner Evidence. I hope the testimony that Pinkamena and Cheese Sandwich gave yesterday doesn't comeback to bite us in the flank.

Tempest:

Last but not least – Ponyville Classical Arts Theater and The Victim's Home near the Theater. Due to the Victim being uncooperative in at the moment, we cannot discuss this today, so we will just talk about the theater situation.

Fraulein:

Very well. Captain? Please give the court the accounts that has transpired there.

Witness Testimony & Cross-Examination

Tempest:

After what happened at Sugarcube Corner, the culprit went to the Classical Arts Theater.

Records show that Sweetie Belle has been given the keys in order to do some cleaning and rearranging there.

Also the locks for the Theater are not only unlocked by key, but there are a few locks with numeric passwords.

The passwords are only known by the owners and senior staff which Sweetie Belle is part of due to the owners being close to her older sister, Rarity.

We analyzed the whole building and found that none could have committed the destruction of the theater other than Sweetie Belle.

Fraulein:

The Prosecution would like to present a special evidence from the theater.

(Presents Colored Picture)

Judge Neighsay:

What is this?

Fraulein:

The theater has been broken into for almost 2 weeks now that the owners decided to place a special security camera there that takes a unique picture of the trespasser. Originally the owners used a normal camera, but the culprit breaking in there knows how to hide from the camera. So they went to Dr. Hooves to create a special camera for them – A Magical Signature Camera. This is a unique camera that takes a snapshot of anycreature in the room. Think of it like a heat detector, but instead of going off due to heat, it goes off because of magical energy. We also have on record of the Magical Signature of the one in the picture. It belongs to the Defendant –

(Points At Sweetie Belle)

Sweetie Belle!!!

Luster:

(Shocked)

NANI!?!?!?

Shadow:

(Annoyed)

Darn! I forgot that I helped doc in making that! I knew we needed to make it for someone, but I never bothered asking who. That's why I missed it when we went investigating there yesterday.

{Magical Signature Picture Added To The Court Record}

(Thinking, Surprised, Removes Eye-Mask Slightly)

Huh!? What are these small lights? Are these—? I don't think I can use that as an excuse to divert the attention away from this without sounding like I'm desperate. I can't defend Sweetie Belle with this picture unless I find something off with it. Does some of the evidence I have can disqualify this picture. No, not at the moment. I need to get more out of the Captain before presenting my counterargument on why this isn't Sweetie Belle.

(Out Loud, Puts Back Eye-Mask)

I would like to start my Cross-Examination now, your honor.

Judge Neighsay:

Very well, the defense may begin the Cross-Examination.

Shadow:

(Thinking)

I better make this count or the trial will end here and now. I only need to press on 1 part of her testimony in order to make this whole thing collapse. I better make this count.

Luster:

Good Luck, Shadow.

Shadow:

(Out Loud)

– HOLD IT!! –

Aside from the picture, what else made you conclude that none could have committed the destruction of the theater other than Sweetie Belle?

Tempest:

Aside from the picture we found her magical essence along with her hoof-prints as well as some leftover cake frosting from Sugarcube Corner.

Shadow:

And do you have a motive on why she would do that?

Tempest:

Sometimes you don't need a motive to destroy the property belonging to somecreature else. Destroying things always bring amusement to the destroyer no matter who suffers in the end and in the long run.

Shadow:

Let me repeat myself – aside from her prints, cake frosting and her magical essence, what else do you have to say she's behind it?

Tempest:

The Theater's Costumes. Most of them were damaged including her own which she made by hoof.

Shadow:

Even the ones she made?

Tempest:

Yes. I heard that after Rarity left Ponyville and left Carousel Boutique to Yona and Sandbar in their care, Sweetie Belle would go there occasionally in order to improve on her dressmaking skills in order to make her older sister proud.

Shadow:

How badly damaged were the costumes?

Tempest:

All costumes were too damaged, but the ones she made were completely destroyed. It looked like she really resented her own hard work.

Luster:

(Surprised, Whispering)

Shadow!

Shadow:

(Smiling, Whispering)

I knew it! This is where we turn this around!

(Out Loud)

Your Honor! The defense would like the witness to amend her testimony.

Fraulein:

– OBJECTION!! –

That's too much information. Pick only 1 of the witnesses statement to add. We don't want the testimony to be a convoluted mess.

Judge Neighsay:

Objection Sustained. I agree with the prosecution. Platinum Shadow – Choose which one and only one of the statements made by Captain Tempest to add to the testimony.

Shadow:

Very Well. I choose the details concerning on how badly damaged the costumes are.

Judge Neighsay:

Very well. Witness, please amend your testimony to add the details of the costumes.

Tempest:

Yes, your honor.

After what happened at Sugarcube Corner, the culprit went to the Classical Arts Theater.

Records show that Sweetie Belle has been given the keys in order to do some cleaning and rearranging there.

Also the locks for the Theater are not only unlocked by key, but there are a few locks with numeric passwords.

The passwords are only known by the owners and senior staff which Sweetie Belle is part of due to the owners being close to her older sister, Rarity.

We analyzed the whole building and found that none could have committed the destruction of the theater other than Sweetie Belle.

– All costumes were too damaged, but the ones she made were completely destroyed. It looked like she really resented her own hard work. –

Shadow:

– OBJECTION!! –

Thank you for that testimony just now, Captain. You just proved without a doubt that Sweetie Belle wasn't the one behind the attack of the Theater.

Tempest:

(Glares At Shadow)

Why do you say that?

Shadow:

Allow me to present evidence and testimony we got from the Cake Twins.

{Present Candy Cane Pony Figure Picture}

– TAKE THAT!! –

Take a good look at this picture. This is the Candy Cane Pony Figure that acts like a sign for Sugarcube Corner.

Fraulein:

(Furious Glare)

What does that has to do with this situation?

Shadow:

Allow me to read the testimony presented to me by the Cake Twins…

***

Pound:

A few years back, a storm destroyed it. Sweetie Belle along with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo fixed it. She spent days working on it nonstop. If she was behind this, why would she destroy one of the pieces she slaved over for days just to destroy it like this?

***

Shadow:

We all know that Sweetie Belle takes great amount of pride when working on her craft either for herself or giving it to others, just like her older sister. So why would she go as far to destroy something she considers sacred to her!?

Tempest:

(Shocked)

NANI!?!?!?

Shadow:

There's also the fact that if her creation is something that didn't come out right, she wouldn't destroy it either. She would keep it around in order to improve on it, because just like her older sister, she's a Perfectionist! Allow me to ask yet again – Are you sure that none could have committed the destruction of the theater other than Sweetie Belle?

Tempest:

Well…I…

Fraulein:

(Demonic Glare & Growl, Glowing Red Eyes)

– SCHWEIGEN, HEIDEN!! [SILENCE, HEATHEN!!] –

Well played, Meine Lieber Platin-Schatten [My Darling Platinum Shadow]. BUT! You are overlooking a few very important points.

Shadow:

And those are?

Fraulein:

The keys and the numeric locks whose passwords are only known to the owners and senior staff. After looking at the keys, there are only 2 sets – The Main Keys and the Backup Keys if one of the 6 Keys goes missing. Then we have the numeric locks that are only known to the owners and senior staff as well. The passwords for these locks are changed once a week. As we stated and I will repeat myself – the owners and senior staff are the only ones aware of the passwords and changes to it.

Shadow:

What about the trespasser that has been showing up for almost 2 weeks? How did they get in if those locks are there!?

Fraulein:

(Evil Snickers Escalates To Maniacal Laughter)

Unfortunately I cannot answer that since I do not know all of the details. How about I summon the next witness to answer that for me and shed the light of truth to this conundrum?

Shadow:

You mean…

Fraulein:

Your honor! I will like to call one of the owners of the Ponyville Classical Arts Theater, Octavia Melody to the stand.

Luster:

(Whispering)

Looks like this will be a hard one if we make Octavia angry.

Shadow:

(Whispering)

Luckily while I'm blindfolded like this, I can hear things better. So I'll stop my line of questioning once I notice I pushed her a little too hard.

Luster:

I hope so.

Phase 3:

The Case Of Octavia Melody

At the witness stand is Octavia and surprisingly as well is Vinyl Scratch also known as DJ Pon-3 there beside her listening to her beats.

Fraulein:

Please state your names and occupation to the court.

Octavia:

I'm Octavia Melody, one of the owners of the Ponyville Classical Arts Theater and this is my roommate, Vinyl Scratch also known as DJ Pon-3 and she is also one of the owners of the theater.

Judge Neighsay:

Would Ms. Scratch removes her headset and pay attention to the proceedings?

Octavia:

Trust me, your honor, you don't want that. Besides she can read our lips, so it won't be a problem.

Shadow:

I can attest to her claims your honor. She is that versatile and I work for both of them from time to time, so I know this as a fact.

Judge Neighsay:

It goes against my better judgment but very well, I will make an exception just this once.

Witness Testimony & Cross-Examination

Octavia:

I met up with Sweetie Belle a day before the incident in order to give her the keys and the passwords.

The keys I gave her were the backups because she promised that she would help with a special event next week.

I don't want to believe it, but…

(Saddened) The only one that could have gotten in that night was Sweetie Belle.

Fraulein:

One last question – When were the locks placed in the theater?

Octavia:

Around a few days ago at the same time I asked Dr. Hooves to place a camera to make sure to catch the culprit who has been sneaking into the theater. Since then the culprit never showed up again.

Fraulein:

And the culprit never showed up ever again since?

Octavia:

That's right. I thought that nocreature could get in, but it looks like we were wrong.

Luster:

(Whispering)

This isn't looking good, Shadow.

Shadow:

(Whispering)

I know, but we need to press her for answers and try to get to the bottom of this.

Luster:

Do you think the evidence we got from the theater will help us?

Shadow:

I don't think so. Sure some of the things we found don't fit Sweetie Belle's personality, but knowing Fraulein she'll spin it by saying they are part of the props of something along those lines.

Luster:

And the evidence from Sugarcube Corner?

Shadow:

We can try linking them away to prove Sweetie Belle's innocence, but Fraulein will spin it to her advantage too by saying that what we have is fact that this was all a premeditated attack on all of these locations. Unfortunately trying to say that this is the result of a third party trying to frame her is going to be a little difficult.

Luster:

What do we do now?

Shadow:

We need to find a crack in her testimony. That's the only thing we can do. To an Attorney, The Best Offense Is A Good Defense. We need to press on her testimony until we find a contradiction.

Luster:

But what if we can't find it?

Shadow:

We must find it.

Fraulein:

Your witnesses, Meine Lieber.

Shadow:

(Out Loud)

Ms. Octavia? Prosecutor Fraulein told the court that the keys to the theater are a set of 6 keys and you only made 1 backup set. Is that true?

Octavia:

Yes. A very close friend of mine, Bulk Biceps got me the locks and keys.

Shadow:

And the numeric locks?

Octavia:

Vinyl here made them. She might not look it, but she's a pretty good inventor.

Shadow:

(Confident Smile)

Interesting. And it is her who came up with the passwords sequences for the numeric locks as well?

Octavia:

Yes. She insists that we change the passwords from time to time.

Vinyl Scratch:

(Salutes Shadow, Nods)

.........…

Luster:

(Whispering)

"She insists that we change the passwords from time to time?" I think the reason for that might be connected to her music.

Shadow:

(Whispering)

I wouldn't be surprised, but that would be too easy to crack the numeric locks…unless…

Luster:

Unless Octavia's music is included in it!

Shadow:

(Smiling, Whispering)

You are right, Luster!

(Out Loud)

Your honor! What Ms. Octavia said just now is very important! The defense would request for her to amend her testimony to add that part of the numeric locks! The one that Ms. Vinyl insists that they change the passwords from time to time!

Judge Neighsay:

Witness. Please Amend your testimony to include that part of the testimony.

Octavia:

Yes, your honor.

I met up with Sweetie Belle a day before the incident in order to give her the keys and the passwords.

– Vinyl insists that we change the passwords from time to time. –

The keys I gave her were the backups because she promised that she would help with a special event next week.

I don't want to believe it, but…

(Saddened) The only one that could have gotten in that night was Sweetie Belle.

Shadow:

– HOLD IT!! –

Are the numeric locks been added to the Court Record?

Fraulein:

Not yet since I have been waiting for you to ask for them. Here.

{Numeric Locks Added To The Court Record}

Shadow:

(Removes Eye-Mask, Stares & Play With Locks, Surprised, Thinking)

These locks…We are right! These locks are setup to follow the same details as the music note patterns of both Octavia and Vinyl's styles. Let's see if these sets of patterns work.

(Unlocks Numeric Locks)

Shadow, Luster:

(Thinking Surprised)

I GOT IT!!!

(Out Loud)

– OBJECTION!! –

Are you sure the password of these numeric locks are only known by you and your inner circle?

Vinyl Scratch:

(Nods)

.........…

Octavia:

Do you have proof that anycreature can undo these locks?

Shadow:

Your honor. I would like to ask a volunteer from the gallery to unlock these lock with me giving just 2 hints.

Vinyl Scratch:

(Pulls Down Sunglasses Slightly, Eyebrow Raised, Annoyed "Really?" Stare At Shadow)

.........…

Octavia:

I agree with Vinyl, my dear Shadow. We highly doubt this will work out for them.

Shadow:

We shall see. Will the Prosecution allow it?

Fraulein:

Go ahead.

Shadow calls in a random group of creatures with no connection to each other to work on the numeric locks and as soon as they got there, Shadow gives them all the 2 hints: To Listen To Octavia's and Vinyl's Music and use the tunes they listened to crack the numeric locks. Just like he predicted, the creatures were able undo the locks as the passwords are connected to their musical notes played on certain moments of their music which catches both Octavia and Vinyl off-guard, but quickly smile at each other as they are happy that Sweetie Belle might not be the one behind the vandalism of the theater, but before they can celebrate this turn of events, Fraulein pours a glass of red wine and drink just a sip as she has an amused chuckle as she closes her eyes and plays with it on her claw.

Fraulein:

You done, Meine Lieber? Because you are missed one fact in this testimony – The Keys.

Shadow:

Have you ever heard of "Lockpicks"?

Fraulein:

I saw the locks. They have been tampered with, but not enough to suggest they were picked.

Shadow:

An experienced lockpicker doesn't need to tamper with the locks too much to get them open. By the way…what time was the theater attacked?

Fraulein:

After midnight.

Shadow:

(Confident Smile)

Thank you. Your honor. The defense would like to call a "Pair" of very special witnesses to reveal details on what happened and what they were doing on the night of the incident.

Judge Neighsay:

And these witnesses are?

Luster:

Are you sure about this, Shadow?

Shadow:

(Thinking)

There's no turning back now. We need to do this in order to end this trial here and now. Also…I can already feel my body reaching its limits. It's now or never.

(Out Loud)

The Defense would like to call Spike The Dragon and The Defendant, Sweetie Belle!

Court Gallery:

(Loud Murmurs)

.........…

Fraulein:

The Prosecution will allow this. However we request we take 1 hour recess in order for the Prosecution to gather their testimony. Unless you object, Platin-Schatten.

Shadow:

The Defense has no objections. You may question the witnesses since I already have questioned them myself. It is part of the Disclosure Laws after all.

Luster:

Disclosure Laws apply to this?

Shadow:

There are 2 different types of witnesses in the courtroom – A Lay Witness, the most common type of witness is a creature who watched certain events and describes what they saw. There are 3 types of Lay Witnesses which are the Eyewitness, the Character Witness and the Fact Witness. Although they might not be experts in specific fields, eyewitnesses are crucial to the development of most trial-stage cases. Since eyewitnesses often have special or proprietary knowledge of the events of a case or the actions of its defendant, it is crucial that they provide accurate, measured responses to friendly and unfriendly questions alike. Inadequately prepared eyewitnesses may volunteer unhelpful or damaging information that can ruin weeks or months of case preparation in a single afternoon. Moreover, eyewitnesses who provide misleading or inaccurate information may lay the groundwork for an expensive and time-consuming mistrial. A Character Witness provides testimony that reinforces the defense team's positive "client narrative" and calls into question his or her ability to commit the crime or tort at the heart of the case. A character witness must be careful to provide succinct, specific answers to questions and maintain a consistent story that does not conflict with other aspects of the case at hand. Since I know the situation of all of my clients, I never relied on a Character Witness. The we have the Fact Witnesses who still have an important place in the trial process. Since these individuals report or recount pertinent facts that they experienced, it is especially important that these witnesses remain truthful and credible. And lastly, the Expert Witness is a specialist and is someone who is educated in a certain area. The Expert Witness are usually used as surprise witness and are not bound by Disclosure Law because they generally confine their testimony to a specific area of expertise. Since expert witnesses often speak about complicated or technical subjects that jury members and even judges might not be familiar with, it is crucial for these individuals to be prepared for their depositions. That's why they don't qualify and everyone else does for it before testifying – Expert Witnesses are mostly never at the scene of the crime or are victims of said crime.

Luster:

So Dr. Hooves don't qualify because he's a victim?

Shadow:

Unless he keeps his stance in not pressing charges on Sweetie Belle.

Judge Neighsay:

Platinum Shadow is correct Luster Dawn. Nevertheless…this court will take a full hour recess. Court's Adjourned.

(Slams Gavel)

As they all try to leave, Shadow's body starts acting up that he falls on the ground as he suffers a powerful vertigo, rendering him unconscious but not before bleeding through all of his orifices that he is rushed to the hospital. This forces the trial to end for the day and prematurely. How will Sweetie Belle survive her indictment now that Shadow is out of commission?

To Be Continued…