PRESENT TIME (TWO YEARS LATER, SEVENTEEN YEARS AFTER GRADUATION)

“You overgrown foal!”

“Stubborn mule!”

“Stupid jackass!”

“ENOUGH! You all need to shut it,” Brian yelled “What we have here is a failure to communicate. You came here to solve a problem and act like children! If you're so adamant about fighting, there's a perfect arena in R&D and if you formed a line, I'll take you one by one.”

“Sorry, Prince Dragnov. We'll find a way to solve the problem differently,” one of the citizens said

“When you have a problem, especially in your case that involves a tree that has been on the property longer then you, it needs some kind of compromise. Each of you can take fruit, but allow it to regrow and don't take more then you need. That should solve the problem,” Brian suggested

“Thank you for the help. We'll make sure to split the fruit evenly,” they said before leaving

“Princesses, Prince Dragnov, we have a problem,” one of the Solar guards said entering the throne room

“What kind of problem,” Celestia asked

“We just caught a fugitive. But it's his crime that is the problem,” the guard replied

“I'll take point on this. I have a bad feeling about this.”

Brian followed the guard outside before speaking his mind.

“What is the crime,” Brian asked

“It's, it's,” the guard stuttered

“Spit it out please.”

“Bodies. Death,” the guard replied vaguely

“In other words, you caught a murderer who has at least two deaths attributed to him,” Brian simplified causing the guard to nod in response “Direct me to where the bodies were found.”

“In Ponyville. Guards are at the location,” the guard replied

Brian left the castle and flew home where he found the house easily. Surrounding the house was half a dozen guards and most of the citizens of Ponyville. Quickly landing, he rushed over to the house to see everything.

“Step aside please,” Brian directed the guard

“Of course sir,” the guard replied

Upon walking in, there was a table with various papers strewn over it next to a bed with a giant pit in the center of the room. Inside the pit was the complete skeletons of two ponies buried side-by-side.

“Brian, what is it,” Celestia asked entering the house

“Bodies. Two of them. Fetch Nurse Redheart or any medical professional.”

A short time later, a red pony with a green mane and a skull cutie mark arrived with Celestia with him.

“You called? I'm Dead Ringer, Ponyville’s coroner,” he said

“Prince Brian Dragnov. We have two skeletons inside the house in a pit.”

“Let's see, two females. I'll know more once we extract them and examine them in the lab,” Ringer said

After Celestia summoned two tables, Brian and Dead Ringer carefully lifted the bones out of the pit and put them on the table, taking care to assemble them exactly.

Once at the lab, the bodies were examined closely and were determined to have died due to blunt force trauma to the back of the head, followed by numerous cuts into the bones.

“So, our victims were killed and then eaten? I never thought cannibalism would be present,” Brian said

“This is the first time I've seen a case of cannibalism. There have been plenty of deaths I've worked on, though,” Dead Ringer answered “What is going to happen to the perpetrator?”

“He'll face a jury of his own peers; namely Ponyville citizens. If they find him guilty, he will be executed.”

“Seems harsh, but at least it's being left up to others,” Ringer said

“If I wanted to, I could easily play judge, jury and executioner. The citizens need to have a say in what happens and I will play judge to make sure the trial is fair and if necessary will carry out the killing.”

“But killing him makes you no better, prince or not,” Ringer retorted

“Normally I would agree, but considering I was human before I came here, I would argue differently. While we could throw him in a dungeon for life, many citizens would hate the fact that after killing multiple people, he is still alive. The last thing we need is vigilante justice.”

“I see your point,” Ringer said nodding in agreement

The next day, Brian went back to the crime scene to see if there was anything more. He saw the table and didn't originally pay attention to the contents as the bodies were more important. This time with no distractions, he started reading through the papers and found nothing of interest until two stuck out.

Sisters seem to always be friends
Never holding each other down
Only showing love to one another
While not caring about others
Seems to be what life entails
Holding on to everything and not giving
One day it will come back
Will it be by self or others
Either way there will be only one end
Rapture

“Lets see; Sierra, November, Oscar, Whiskey; Sierra, Hotel, Oscar, Whiskey, Echo, Romeo…Snow Shower. Might be one of the victims. Best to check the other,” Brian said out loud

Residents seem to fear the unknown
And nothing will ever change
It will always end the same way
Never say I did not warn you
Dreams come and go
Reminding us of past mistakes
Only to have them occur again
People never think of anyone but themselves
Luck is for those who don't believe in fate
Interesting that it still is used
Love comes and goes
Losers will never get the victory they deserve
Yet things can get better if they try

“Again, let's see. Romeo, Alpha, India, November, Delta, Romeo, Oscar, Papa; Lima, India, Lima, Lima, Yankee…Raindrop Lilly. Such a shame for these two to die this way.”

After finishing up, Brian grabbed the two papers and stored them in his saddlebags before heading to see Celestia to report the findings. Upon arriving and entering the throne room, he was surprised to see Dead Ringer going over his report.

“Brian, you're just in time. Dead Ringer was letting my sister and I know how our two victims died,” Celestia said

“I might have an answer as to their names. Raindrop Lilly and Snow Shower. Take a look at these,” Brian said handing them the papers

“You're right. The names were cleverly hidden in the text. Most would have thought of this as nonsense,” Luna said

“With this knowledge, we will bring the perpetrator to Ponyville to stand trial for his crimes,” Celestia said

“I'll take the role of judge, and if deemed necessary; executioner,” Brian decided

“Are you sure about carrying out a person's death,” Celestia asked

“I'm sure. It's only if necessary.”

Following the meeting, Brian ordered the guards to grab the prisoner and bring him to Ponyville in chains. The princess would arrive in a carriage with Brian, while their guest would be on a chariot with a guard. Upon landing, Mayor Mare had the podium for her speeches repurposed for the trial as all of Ponyville was gathered.

“In order to make this official, my recorder will be writing everything down,” Mayer Mare said motioning to her right “This is Scribe.”

“Alright. We are gathered here for the trial on this day, September 1, 2035. I, Brian Dragnov will preside over this as judge. To the defendant; do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,” Brian asked

“Yeah, sure, whatever,” the prisoner said sarcastically

“Very well. Please state your name for the record.”

“Jack the Ripper,” the prisoner said

“Thank you ‘Jack’. You are accused of the murder, and subsequent mutilation of the mares Snow Shower and Raindrop Lilly. How do you pled,” Brian asked as ‘Jack’ started laughing

“Those two weren't the only ones. I killed about a dozen more after I raped them,” ‘Jack’ said

“Well, we now have you charged for a total of fourteen rapes and murders. I'd recommend you not incriminate yourself further. I now turn to the jury; everyone in Ponyville for the verdict.”

“Guilty!”

“He deserves death!”

“Well, the jury reached a guilty verdict. I, Brian Dragnov hereby announce the defendant, ‘Jack the Ripper’ will face the death penalty carried out by myself. Discord, a little help?”

“This what you need,” Discord asked passing Brian a capsule

“Perfect. Open up and bite down on your last meal,” Brian directed

‘Jack’ obliged and upon having the capsule in his mouth, bit down. With moments his body started to foam at the mouth and he slumped to the ground, dead.

“Execution for ‘Jack the Ripper’ was carried out at 1300, or 1pm on September 1, 2035,” Brian said as Scribe wrote everything down

“What about the bodies,” Mayor Mare asked

“For the two that were found, Raindrop Lilly and Snow Shower, they can be given a proper burial. As we do not know anything about the other victims, that will remain unsolved. As for ‘Jack’ here; instant cremation,” Brian replied

Using his magic, Brian formed a bubble around Jack and held up a hoof with Hellfire and incinerated the body before extinguishing the flames.

“What was that you used,” Celestia whispered

“Not here. Go to my house and I'll explain,” Brian whispered back

Brian and company, including both princesses and Twilight and the others headed into his house, specifically to the R&D room to talk privately. Octavia and his daughters were next to him as everyone seemed to have the same question.

“So, what did you use? That wasn't normal,” Twilight asked

“This is a cyanide capsule I used. It's sitting in a sealed container to protect us. Simply put, it caused his body to stop functioning and die. At home there were spies and others who would carry a capsule in case they were captured. All one needs to do is bite down and the poison is released. It was the quickest and most humane of execution methods.”

“Why was that best,” Dash asked

“At home there were five methods of execution: hanging, firing squad, gas chamber, lethal injection and electrocution. Each of them would be carried out in private and may be considered slightly gruesome. This was the best way that wasn't as bad."

“What do the others consist of? It's for educational purposes of course,” Twilight asked

“Electrocution is just that, high voltage used to kill. Hanging is a rope around the neck. In other words; a long drop and a short stop. Firing squad is about five volunteers with rifles, four with blanks with the last being live handed out randomly and fired all at once so no one can claim ownership of actually killing. The gas chamber is self explanatory and finally, lethal injection is a combination of drugs that are designed to kill the person,” Brian explained

“Yikes. I wouldn’t have thought humans could be so cruel,” Rarity said

“That's why I chose I different method. We could have locked Jack up for life but he'd have to be taken care of the rest of his life and the possibility of vigilante justice is present.”

“Well, I hope the two that were killed will be at peace now that their killer is dead,” Fluttershy said

“Agreed. At home I studied Criminal Justice but wanted to get into Forensic Science. This was the first actual death I worked along with playing judge.”

“You never did this before? Why is that,” Applejack asked

“It's not something most people are permitted. Typically you have to be an expert in the field and I'm not. Here, the rules can be bent as no one but me knows about home.”

“I'm glad everything worked out okay. Hopefully the court case you assisted with was solved peacefully,” Celestia said

“Same here. I'm not one to yell and that was the first time that both parties wanted to solve the problem with fighting.”

“Your Royal Canterlot Voice needs work,” Celestia joked

“It needs to be louder,” Luna added

“That wasn't the intent. I knew the Navy drill instructors at home along with some Marines who taught me. When they yell, you know you're in trouble.”

“Glad we didn't have to hear that. It probably would have terrified the nobles, and the guards,” Luna said

“How did this happen? This is evil,” Twilight asked

“Apparently there are things we do not know,” Fluttershy said

“This may be taken the wrong way, but you and Luna need to get out of the castle and see the citizens more often. It's obvious that there are things under the surface others don’t know about. Rapes and murders take place under your nose and no one seems to notice. Parts of Equestria are filled with undesirables and become areas where dark secrets take place. Sadly it reminds me of home. Drugs were prevalent as were areas that many people refused to enter. Everyone knew what transpired but it swept under the rug so no one cared. Things need to change to get rid of these problems.”

“I know about all of it. They are allowed to do what they want as I am unable to send the guards in. If I do, the citizens will see me as a dictator who uses force,” Celestia said sadly

“You knew about this? How do you let a fucking murderer run around!? That son of a bitch should have died after the first time he did that,” Brian yelled

“I knew about the drugs and had it limited to just that area. Rapes do not seem to happen that often and it is actually rare if someone is killed,” Celestia answered

“And that makes it better? Not many people are raped or are killed. Really? We're celebrating that? Entering that seems like a death sentence because you aren't walking out. Talk about a reality check. The human world is the same way but there are people who try to change that. And you looking like a dictator? Guards take over one area to cleanse it, not the whole town,” he retorted

“I know this looks bad but it is hard to change this,” Luna said

“What would you do to change things,” Celestia asked

“Fix the buildings and repair what's broken. Turn it into a livable area not a dump. Make the residents there think they matter. Try to pay attention to the dark areas. Have guards see what is going on and put a stop to it. Perhaps if we acknowledge the problem it will cause others to take notice and help change things.”

“I'll send my guards to scout out the areas. The Lunar guard are skilled at espionage,” Luna said

“Thank you for the information. We need to be heading back to Canterlot to discuss the issue,” Celestia said “By the way, tomorrow will be when we bury the two bodies.”

“Bye princess. We'll head home ourselves,” Twilight said

“See you all later.”

Later on, Brian was thinking about everything that had transpired over the past few days when his daughter wanted to see him.

“Hey dad, I have something to ask you,” Harmony asked

“What is it?”

“Do you think I'll figure out my cutie mark? Mel's is a musical heart with notes circling it, but I'm almost 18 and don't have it yet. I want to join the guard,” she said

“You'll find it. Which guard are you wanting to go to?”

“Yours. Midnight is the best of the best and I want to go. I already know the training you put the guards through,” she replied

“You've thought about it enough? There are things you may see that will be disturbing. I don't want to cause you any emotional harm with it.”

“I will be alright. Besides I already saw you kill one person,” she said

“That was different. I'm not trying to discourage you but I want you to be safe.”

“Thank you. If I don't get into the guard then I will try either Solar or Lunar. Deal,” she decided

“Deal. Just you know, I'm not training everyone personally any more. My role is that of an adviser and will decide on the six that become the new breed.”

“Thank you again,” she said hugging him

The next day was the burial for the two victims. Surprisingly no one showed up for it. After the holes were dug and the caskets were lowered, Brian took the role of shoveling the dirt into holes by hand. Having buried both his parents, it was sort of calming listening to the sound of dirt hitting the casket.

“I'll finish up for you. You've done enough for today. I'm Grave Digger and you've already my twin brother Dead Ringer,” he said

“Sorry about that. I've buried a few people at home.”

“Who was it, if you don't mind me asking,” Grave asked

“My parents died due to a murder-suicide and another friend of mine died due to a gunshot.”

“Sorry about the loss of your friend and family. Hopefully they are in a better place,” Grave said

“I’d like to hope so. And thank you for the condolences.”

That night Brian entered the dreamscape and ended up having a nightmare due to killing for the first time.

“This is a surprise. You've never had a nightmare before,” Luna said

“That was because I've never killed anyone. Technically, Ignis was in control with Lucy, so I can't count that.”

“Allow me to help rid you of this thought. I can't change what happened but I can help push it to the furthest reaches of your subconscious,” Luna said

“Thank you. I had nightmares after my parents died and before that when a friend passed.”

“Death is a nightmare to some due to the pain it brings. When you've lived as long as I have, you start to understand it.”

“Maybe, but I personally doubt it. I'm human above anything and need to remind myself of that.”

“I hope you are better. Please sleep well and we will see you again soon,” Luna said leaving

Later that night, two figures in black went to the cemetery and headed to one of the newer graves before placing a pair of roses on the tombstone.

“Long time no see, dear. I'm sorry you died in such a horrible way but I hope you are at peace knowing your murderer is dead.”

“We love you mom. I'll keep an eye on dad so he doesn't do anything stupid. We'll visit again soon.”