Oh, how this infernal heat is unbearable. So stifling, so cramping. But... at the same time, I feel cold, as if the heat of the room is evenly balanced with that chilling guilt in my heart. That must be why this is the detention center, a simple atmospheric spell would cure this, but there's no need: I deserve this, after all.

Then again, I suppose there's no use in hating myself, those ponies seemed to forgive me pretty quickly... in spite of what I did. Except for Rainbow, but that was to be expected, she was almost banished because of me.

Of all the ways this could have gone, actually succeeding in framing an innocent pony for what turned out to be an accident really would have been the worst possible way. This is actually a relief, if this is the amount of guilt I feel after losing... I can't imagine what it would have been like for me these next few years if I had won.

Oh, I'm glad he came back to say goodbye, I hope he could tell how much it meant. He gave me another chance in life, after all, the very least I could do was to thank him. He proved I was innocent, when even I, myself, thought I was guilty. He saved my life... is this what it's like to have a true, true friend?

I like it. It's like a drink of lemonade for the soul, I guess. I want to give him a hug, and I hate it when ponies get in my space!

Or... do I?

Maybe that's just another pointless barrier I had set up, to keep others from seeing who I am-- no, was. I feel... oddly free, despite my incarceration. I was honestly trying not to laugh when that obnoxiously innocent pink pony kept on blabbering, maybe I could work with her? No doubt she's already planning a "Learned Your Lesson" party for me...

Ah, who am I kidding? He knows what it meant, he couldn't help knowing: I came clean in front of everypony, and... I removed my shields.

For the first time in my life, I took down what I thought was protecting me, when all they were doing was holding all my insecurities in, and making me absolutely miserable. All that safety up, to protect something more deadly than any criticism I would've received... wow... looking back on my life, I can't believe what a fool I was.

I need to do something to amend my mistakes. I helped with Mr. Control's little sister, but... is that all I can do? Save one pony? I know I can save more, one way or another. I need to redeem myself in the eyes of the world.

I- I'll have to forgive myself, first. But I'm not worried... there's going to be plenty of time for that...

I wonder... he said my talent is something I could use by putting it to good use. What could I use it for? The police force has enough detectives, and writing isn't really my style.

Psychology? No, I don't have the patience for that. I have enough problems fighting my own demons: they wouldn't shut up...

Wait, wouldn't?

My... my conscience... it's clear! I'm able to think about something besides hiding myself, for the first time since... before I remember! I almost feel as if I could fly! Better not try, though, I'll settle for giggling in mirth. As I've... apparently been doing?

Heh, how odd I must look sitting here, rotting in a prison cell, acting all giddy. If only there was a way to tell those walking by my whole story, without risking my featherbrain cellmate playing that harmonica the whole time. Thankfully, she'll be out before me, so I hope I'll get a better chance then. That careless, arrogant pigeon should have stayed in the Griffon Kingdom, where she'd at least have been criticized by her own kind.

But then, even she'd had a part to play in this: without her slip-up, that poor Pegasus might have been convicted sooner. Justice was served, in spite of her...

Plus... who am I to judge for stupidity?

Nevertheless, in three short years, I'll be out of this place. What should I do? Baker? Chef? Librarian? There aren't many jobs that require an eye for detail...

Wait...

Oh... my...

Of course!

The dark-grey Unicorn mare brushed a single, lingering brown lock out of her eyes, and looked up into her cell's mirror: her reflection stared back at her, filled with determination, and perseverance. She knew what she had to do...

Phoenix Wright, your efforts have not been in vain... Justice will continue to be served in Equestria, and I'll do my best to help!

"OBJECTION!"

The room shook as Sonata's voice echoed around like a gunshot. She smiled inwardly as her façade remained grim: basking in the refreshing glow of finally being able to lash out at the witness in question. Her presence equaled that of the judge, and her voice easily dominated all ears.

"His statement is self-contradicting! How could the witness have seen the defendant just standing innocently outside the scene of the burglary at 7:30, when it was clearly established that he, himself was at the party at 8:17? Nopony can run all the way across Canterlot, in the space of forty-seven minutes!"

She heard the murmur of the jury, and let her smile creep onto the outside as the judge contemplated her point. The witness was visibly sweating from his brow, and his eyes seemed unfocused: signifying that she was on the right track. She'd have this dolt in his proper place before the hour had passed. And another clumsy witness for the defense would be undone by her.

'Sonata Storm... Ace Attorney for the Prosecution...' She thought. 'I knew I'd like the sound of that...'

Author's Notes:

So, yeah, you can probably guess what inspired this...

I hope you all enjoy this little doodle!

Until Next Time, God Bless You!

~Amethyst Dawn.