Day 2, 8:21 AM
Everypony here in this cafe... their eyes make what happened painfully obvious.
Everypony here has a motive now, and nopony is talking.
Surprisingly, this includes Featherweight.
Before I got here, I could hear a faint, distinguished and annoying sound of snoring as I passed by Snips’s home. I seriously thought that those houses were sound-proof. From the looks of it, Snails, Twist, and obviously Grace Lightning aren’t here either. Not even the Crusaders showed up.
Our eyes meet Miss Cheerilee’s, but it doesn’t take a genius to see that she’s full of worry. Ginger’s on Doggy Duty today, so she gets to hold the leash.
As for Featherweight, if I had to guess, he probably received pictures of something happening to his family, and saying he can save them with power if he achieves “promotion”.
I know his family, and they’re the reason he has hope anyway.
*BAM*
Suddenly, his hooves slam on the table he sat at with me and Rumble. “Everypony, can I have your attention, please!”
“No way! Are you gonna give some “Don’t give up” speech to us again!? No! I’m not sticking around for that!” Diamond Tiara began to storm out of the place.
“But it’s important! I know you looked at those photos anyway! I assume everypony received strange photos, right?” His question stopped her, thankfully.
“Yeah, I did! So what? Are you gonna go into our personal lives, ask what our motives are, and start pointing the hoof at me? Huh!? I won’t have it! No! I’ve had enough! I’ll go on my own to find a way out of this place!” Diamond continued to leave, forcefully swinging the door open.
“Dia, wait!” Silver Spoon put a hoof on her friend’s back, stopping her again.
“What?” Tiara asked calmingly.
“We should hear him out.” Silver Spoon suggested, hoping her friend would listen.
“Oh?” Tiara slowly turned her head to Featherweight, “He can’t tell me that daddy is okay with certainty. He doesn’t know. He’s not an alicorn. He’s not some god. Why should I waste a single second of my time to hear something so meaningless?” With those words, Featherweight slumped down to his chair, holding his head with his hooves.
Before Tiara could walk through that door, the ‘class pet’ runs in front of her, ‘barking’ at her. Tiara backs away slowly, hearing that continuous ‘barking’
“She’s saying that even though he doesn’t know, he’s trying to make sure you don’t do anything rash.” Truffle said, giving a self-proclaimed translation of Cheerilee’s words, to which she actually nodded to.
“What!? I-I’m not gonna do anything stupid! Is it wrong to find out if my daddy’s okay!? I WANT TO SEE MY DADDY!”
“You’re right, Diamond. You’re right.” Featherweight rose his head. “I don’t know what anypony’s feeling. But I just don’t want you all to play into his hands.” His tone rose in anger. “Don’t you see!? This is exactly what Monobear wants! He wants us to slaughter each other! No matter how noble it sounds to you, you just can’t kill somepony!”
“He’s right.” I got out of my chair. “I’m just not willing to risk it all, just for some power. I can’t do that. I’m not gonna become the puppet of a teddy bear!”
“But still, if he trapped us here, he’s obviously stronger than us.” Ginger said, voicing her resignation.
“We don’t know yet. There may be some mastermind controlling that damn thing.” I continued, saying what’s also been on my mind lately about Monobear.
“Oh, I already thought of that possibility, Shady.” Rumble sighed. He turned to me and then glanced at everypony else. “I say we redirect our investigation and identify the Mastermind behind that thing.”
“Mastermind? Wow, that thing’s not a live bear?” Dinky’s tone sounded entirely sarcastic, but Rumble took it in stride anyway.
“Yeah... yeah! It’s not gonna be Child’s Play ya know!” Pipsqueak hesitantly showed his enthusiasm.
“Yes! I’ll be sure to make Miss Cheerilee proud!” Truffle put a hoof over his chest, pledging.
“Yeah, way to raise the stakes, huh?” Dinky giggled to herself, but sighed, “But you’re right... mom is strong. She’s clumsy, but strong. She’s fine, I know!”
“Yes. I’m sure if one murder’s gonna occur, then let that one be against the mastermind.”
“Well obviously! I’ll be sure to take the credit though!” Tiara puffed her chest out, but in this case, her arrogance directed towards that bear is reassuring.
I glance at Miss Cheerilee, noticing that she wants to sigh, but decides to smile at us instead.
I’d like to think things are going to be okay, but I can’t help but be worried about Featherweight. He still looks anguished from earlier.
________________________________________________________
9:01 AM
I decide to talk to Featherweight alone, taking him to the alleyway between the Coffee shop and the clothing store, so I can ask him what’s going on. He doesn’t normally let it get to him when somepony decides to not listen to him.
“Shady, be honest with me.” He suddenly looked at me with a kind of emotion I’m not used to seeing from him. “If Miss Cheerilee wasn’t here, how would that have gone?”
“Huh?” I asked, confused by his question.
“I tried to cheer everypony up, but Diamond Tiara is right. If Rumble hadn’t said anything to steer everypony’s emotions elsewhere, directing their anger at the source, then what? What would’ve happened? Give it to me straight.”
I let out the longest exhale ever for the first time in my life. I seriously couldn’t believe what I was hearing. But at the same time, even Diamond Tiara had a point.
“I don’t think it would’ve gone well at all.” I gave a short and sweet opinion, rubbing the back of my head as I sighed.
“Go on.” He calmly asked.
“You’re asking me to elaborate!?” He can’t be serious. He knows how cynical I am.
“Yes, I am! I want to know the details on how bad that would’ve gone!” What the hell is his deal?
“I’d be betting that Diamond Tiara would’ve killed or gotten herself killed. Even if things had gone well, not everypony’s present. They might be plotting a murder as we speak! We don’t know what their motives are, and some words aren’t gonna fix that.” I laid it on thick, just as he requested.
“Then what the heck is up with my damn talent then!?” I knew he’d say that. “My cutie mark represents hope, and it’s always worked, so why not now, huh!? If somepony dies, I don’t think I could even accept that guilt!”
“Because you got one pony to listen, I guess? Look, hope isn’t some skill, it’s just something we gotta have I guess. Something that keeps our heads up. Think about it: At work, you’re able to motivate just about anypony, no matter what, and whenever they didn’t listen, you never let it bring you down like this before.”
“Because lives are at stake!” He screamed, swinging his hoof, striking the wall.
“So you’re saying you don’t trust anypony anymore? Wasn’t it you who told us to trust each other, believe nopony’s going to die? What did you get in that box?” I asked. The response that came was a bit unexpected though. Watching him clench his teeth was more than enough to warn me.
“Just leave me alone for now.” His voice wavered.
“Eh?” My eyes widened on reflex at Featherweight’s response.
“I said leave me alone. I just need to be alone for a while, okay?” Featherweight began to gallop away.
“Wait! Featherweight!!” I called out to him, even going after him, but the result was no different. He quickly flew away, leaving me behind. “Damn it!”
He’s never been like this before. Even when we fought, he’d always turn the other cheek right away. He’d always forgive and forget.
Monobear’s present.
That’s the only reason why he’s acting this way.
But why the hell is he ignoring me now!? Is it because of how I view things? Is it because that I’d believe that what I saw in the pictures is the absolute truth?! Or is he planning a murder behind my back!?
Fine, do what you want.
I put a hoof to my face, sighing in disbelief before walking out of the alleyway.
“Well that was interesting.”
Rumble was standing there, with an unusual smug on his face. He wants to laugh, huh?
“Rumble, what do you want?” I didn’t feel like talking to anypony right now.
“You’re really an idiot if you thought you could talk to a pegasus when they’re mad.”
“Yeah, yeah. So I don’t have wings. Sue me..” I rolled my eyes. “So he’s on top of the coffee shop right now?”
“Yeah, but If I were him, I’d be careful. There’s security cameras even on the rooftops. So as long as he doesn’t destroy them, he’ll be fine.”
“Why didn’t you say that before?”
“I learned that Featherweight and I are the only flyers in this situation, so I didn’t think it would be important to say.” When he left out Scootaloo’s name, I wonder if she’s ever tried to learn how to fly.
“Why don’t you teach her then?” I asked, looking for an answer from him, but instead, he just paused, going completely silent on me.
“In any case, I think you should continue looking around. I doubt you’ll find anything new, but why not?” Rumble suggested, completely ignoring my suggestion before walking off.
What the heck was that about?
Maybe I should’ve asked Featherweight if he’d be willing to teach Scootaloo how to fly. More eyes in the sky would benefit us at least.
...
I’ll talk to him about it later.
______________________________________________
11:00 AM
I suppose I can find some use for my free time.
I head back into the Coffee Shop and I locate Twist, who sat by herself at a table, drinking a cup of coffee.
I can’t see her eyes behind her glasses, but I’m sure she probably had trouble sleeping like everypony else.
“Shady!? I’m... I Don’t wanna die!” She shrieked, backing away slowly.
“I’m not gonna kill anypony, okay? I just wanted to talk. Is that alright?” I calmly, yet curtly answered.
“Oh... *phew*” Twist sighed, then smiled. “So what is it?”
“I’ll get straight to the point: You got your motive, right?” I asked.
“..................................” She went silent for several seconds. I guess she doesn’t wanna talk about it.
“Alright, you don’t need to talk about it. It’s none of my business.”
“Sorry.” After a quick apology, she went silent again. I sat at the table, sighing, trying to think of another topic.
I’m no good at this.
“Am I too gloomy for you?” My eyes widened a bit when she asked that.
“Wha- no! Where’d that come from?!” I asked, thrown off by the sudden scathing question.
“Ah, I’m sorry! I take it back!” She nervously waved off.
“Okay...?” What’s her deal anyway? “Anyway, I just thought I’d say hi or something. Truth be told, I wanted to know why you’re here alone.”
“I don’t know. It’s not like being alone is a bad thing, right?” Twist took a sip from her cup, then continued. “Ponies come and go everyday, whether it’s through life and death, or just walking in and out of a door. So being lonely isn’t that bad.” She answered.
“I see. Didn’t you spend Hearts and Hooves day with Truffle? If you liked being alone, then why?” I asked.
“That was when we were little. His diligence and determination to excel in class motivated me to work harder in making my candy, and look forward to the day I can open my own shop and go head-to-head with Sugar Cube Corner. Of course, I just can’t agree with his reasons. Ever.”
“Reasons?” I asked, hoping she’d answer.
“..........................................”
Okay, I get the memo. Don’t wanna talk about it.
“Alright, I’ll ask him when I get around to it.”
“Thank you.”
She looked apologetic, but it’s clear that she would rather not talk about it.
I wonder if there’s more to their relationship. In fact, I think they may have gone out at one point, but now? I don’t know.
After talking to her a little longer, I think she’s calmed down a little. Guess we got a little closer.
________________________________________________
12:00 PM
Let’s see who else I feel like talking to. I still have a little time.
I head over to the front of the Rarity Statue to find Snips there, gazing at the craftsmanship of such a sculpture.
“Shady? Whaddya want? You’re not gonna fanboy that crazy mare, are you? I’m sure Snails has gone on and on about it.” Snips looked annoyed.
“Haha, no.” I answered bluntly.
“Good!” He smiled, apparently glad that he didn’t have to hear about Trixie. “So, what’s up?”
I highly doubt he’d tell me what motive he got.
“Why are you looking at Rarity?” I asked.
“Think about it: A hair stylist, paired with a fashion designer. What kind of awesomeness you’d get, huh?” He rose an eyebrow. I have no idea what kind of answer he even wants.
“Err, the ultimate combo? I dunno?”
“Heh, don’t worry, I’m not vying for her affection, so that lil’ dragon dude doesn’t have to worry!” Snips waved off.
By dragon dude, I’m guessing he means Princess Twilight’s famed assistant, Spike. That dragon’s crush on Rarity is obvious to everypony in Ponyville.
“So what’s the deal?”
“Alright, get this: truth be told, I don’t like my title. Come on, ‘cutter’? Really? It’s like saying that somepony’s really good at cutting themselves!” Snips exaggerated.
“I don’t think there’s any skill involved in something that bad.”
“Of course not! Just because I did it once or twice doesn’t mean I’m good at it!”
I... won’t ask about that one.
I was left at a loss when he said that, but he continued his rant anyway.
“My cutting skills revolve more around other things like manes, paper, or just about anything else!”
“Maybe that’s why you’re a Super High-School Level Cutter then. It probably had the literal meaning, but you’re taking the term the wrong way.” I gave my own quick analysis.
“Nah, stereotypes are dominant in this society. You autta know that better than anyone. Still, I’d prefer a super clipper, or something! Anything other than cutter! Ugh!”
His mark, a pair of scissors, is proof that his talent lies within the art of cutting.
It’s just weird that he takes the title in the wrong way.
We changed the subject to cutting up mundane things, like papercut-outs. I guess we got a little closer.
________________________________________________
10:00 PM
I looked around the kingdom all day, but I didn’t find anything different, other than what I’ve already saw, save for the ventilation shafts in the clothing shop. But those don’t matter.
Nothing else really stood out to me at all.
But maybe it’s because I can’t focus.
Featherweight didn’t have to snap like that. I get the feeling there’s something i’m missing here.
All I could do was go back to my assigned home. Nothing was accomplished at all today.
When I enter, I find Featherweight’s camera on top of the small kitchen table, placed in the middle.
I don’t recall putting it there before.
Maybe I was too tired to even care. But at least it’s still safe.
I’ll give this back to him tomorrow. Maybe it’ll lift his spirits and he’ll start following his own advice again. A yawn escaped the moment I approach the bed and laid myself face down on it.
I’m way too tired today. Nothing new to even find.
Monobear could’ve at least waited a little longer before laying that motive on us like that.
...
Whatever.
________________________________________________
Day 3, 7:00 AM
“Rise and shine, everyone! It’s a beautiful morning! Let’s all strive for royal entertainment today!”
Monobear’s announcement broke my comfortable sleep.
That’s strange.
I shouldn’t even feel comfortable sleeping, considering my situation. But sleep is sleep, and after a hard day’s work, who doesn’t love sleep?
I honestly don’t wanna get up, so I find myself turning over to my right side. Once glance at the floor caused me to heave a deep sigh.
Those pictures on the floor weren’t gonna go away after all.
So, one-by-one, I picked them up with my mouth, placing them into the box that laid on the floor next to them. I grab the lid with my mouth and neatly seal the box with it.
I then take the ribbon I untied off of it to wrap it back up.
Into the trash it goes.
With this, I don’t even have to look at them. It’s like I never opened that box to begin with. Hah.
I plop back into my bed and close my eyes, hoping to fall back asleep.
...
......
.........
_____________________________
7:41 AM
So much for that.
All I did was just toss and turn for a good thirty minutes.
I can’t get this feeling out of my head.
“If Princess Twilight decided to pass down one of her weekly lessons of friendship to us, she’d probably tell us to always talk things out with your friends when a fight occurs. Or something.”
I convinced myself.
I’ll talk to Featherweight. Yeah. I’ll focus on that task.
Rolling out of the bed, I walk over to the kitchen table and grab Featherweight’s camera.
I open my door and step outside, seeing the morning sun rising in the distance, slowly as ever.
Something was strange though.
Nearly everypony left their door open.
What the hell are they doing?
Sure, a few doors are closed, but still! I prepare to investigate the homes to see if anypony’s occupying them, but then...
“SHADY! HELP US OUT! NOW!”
Huh?
Diamond Tiara just yelled at me, as she galloped through the Generosity district, with Snails, Dinky Doo, Silver Spoon, Pipsqueak, Ginger Snap, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom with Miss Cheerilee on a leash.
Of course, I saw Truffle lagging and following Rumble, who quickly flew through the second alleyway, and Scootaloo, who simply ran along at full speed.
“AAAGH!” Scootaloo cried out. Did she get hurt somehow?
I didn’t even get to ask questions. I just galloped off after them, going through the first alleyway.
Just what in the world is going on!?
When I arrived, I saw Rumble and the others cornering a mare whom we haven’t seen since the first night.
Grace Lightining.
So she’s finally back. I didn’t think Monobear would heal those wounds, judging by the white gauze taping around her body.
Yet, why is everypony chasing her like this!?
“What’s going on!?” I asked, hoping somepony would hear my question.
“Truffle, restrain her!” Diamond shouted, the moment she noticed Truffle catching up with everypony through the second alleyway. Of course, he complies when he sluggishly pins Grace down, while Dinky and Snails are using their magic to keep her from struggling.
“Agh, I just stepped on a screw!” Scootaloo complained, with her friends coming to check on her.
“WHAT THE HELL, YOU IDIOTS!? Let me go, now!!!” Grace seethed, still trying to resist.
“You killed him! He’s dead because of you!!!” Diamond retorted.
“I DIDN’T KILL HIM!” Enraged, she started struggling even harder to no avail.
The moment she saw Miss Cheerilee, she began to struggle even more. When I looked at Grace’s eyes, she looked like a rat cornered by a cat.
Even so...
My mind started going blank.
For some reason, I suddenly started to draw the worst possible scenario.
Featherweight’s not here among them. I can even see Twist and Snips arriving to the scene, asking questions.
Featherweight.
No.
No!
NO!
The blood rushed to my head, giving me the energy to make one good burst, galloping through the second alleyway. I ignored the noise behind me, desperately trying to find my friend.
I opened the coffee shop door, quickly glancing through the place, but nothing. No presence at all.
I then turned my attention to his home, which the door is wide open. I galloped inside, looking for any sign of him, but nothing...
I then dashed to the Rarity shop, jumping over the fallen clothing racks, instinctively going to that suspiciously broken door to the second changing room.
And there it was. That dreadful pool flowing on the ground. And the source of it was a body. The body of my best friend, lifeless..
The broken door is giving me an open view of the body.
With only his head crashed through the mirror, his body appeared to be on it’s knees, with his wings completely limp like the rest of his body.
I couldn’t help but scream.
I wonder if this is my fault. I wonder if I made him feel powerless. I can’t help but blame myself.