//------------------------------// // Chapter 9 // Story: The Disappearance of Twilight Sparkle // by Charliemane //------------------------------// Princess Luna couldn't help but smile as she watched the three ponies sitting out in the Royal Gardens below. Celestia's wings enveloped the two ponies next to her and held them close to her as tears of joy poured from her eyes. From here, their words were inaudible, but in Princess Luna's eyes, the three should be left a degree of privacy. “Truly, they are as close to thee as thine own kin, my sister.” Turning her back on the situation, Luna slowly began to walk down the stairs. She would have to join them soon, but as eager as she was to meet her “new niece”, she wanted her sister to be able to savor this sweet moment to herself for as long as possible. Officer Constable looked over the report on her desk again. “So, you could say, we weren't wrong about Sunset Shimmer being the culprit?” Inspector Javanner didn't shake his head, but he didn't nod either. He only reached into his uniform pocket, produced a few wheat berries, and popped them into his mouth. Realizing she wouldn't be able to get much more out of the Inspector, Constable flipped over the report's cover page. “This has Princess Twilight's statement, right?” “That is correct.” “So how did the other Sunset Shimmer get to our world?” “Nopony knows for certain, as the culprit has been...less than cooperative. However, as best as we can put together, she discovered the portal accidentally after Princess Twilight accidentally left it on overnight.” “I thought you said she wasn't clumsy?” “Everypony is prone to error, Officer Constable.” “I see. But how did she know how to kidnap an alicorn? That's not something you just think of on the fly.” “Evidently she evaded detection for some time, during which she learned a great deal about our world and the real Sunset Shimmer's relationship with Princess Twilight. A criminal she may be, but dangerously smart, indeed, quite the reflection of her other self.” “Her motive was gold then?” Inspector Javanner turned back towards the Officer. “Do you intend to read the report or not?” “Sorry.” Officer Constable flipped through the pages. According to Princess Twilight's statement, the other Sunset Shimmer had evidently learned about the Element of Magic during her stay and was attempting to seize control of it. However, as the crown no longer houses the element, she was unable to get her hooves on it. As her plan began to fall apart and the police drew closer and closer, she decided to frame her other self and make her escape back to her world. It is possible that the gold was only a cover up to better set up the pony Sunset Shimmer, but no one can say for sure. Closing the report, Officer Constable looked back up at the Inspector. “Has Princess Celestia decided what to do with the perpetrator?” “Not yet. Her Highness has wisely decided that judgment should be postponed until tempers and passions die down. While the letter of the law looks grim for the culprit Sunset Shimmer, Her Highness has been known for leniency in the past. But that is out of our hooves. Our job is done.” Constable nodded as she rest her head on her desk. It felt as though this was her first time to relax in ages as she breathed a sigh of relief. “So I guess this is goodbye then?” Inspector Javanner turned and looked at the tired officer. “Not quite. Your work on this case has been both exceptional and invaluable. All of the princesses would like to meet you, after that, I have been authorized to offer you a new position with the Royal Equestrian Police Nationale.” Officer Constable's mouth dropped open as her head shot up from her desk. “Are you serious?!” “I do not joke about such things, Officer Constable. We board the noon train for Canterlot. I suggest you think about the offer until then.” Officer Constable sat at her desk, dumbfounded while Inspector Javanner, fishing a few more wheat berries out his pocket, calmly left the room.