It was (finally) a month later when I got a message from a princess. Part of me felt like jabbing at why it took so long, part of me was just happy to get some news. I opened it eagerly.
Dear Spunk Light,
I'm sorry this took so long, there was a bit of a situation with a changeling spotting, but regardless, I think I have an answer. This spell will indeed work, but only if performed by the elements of harmony. There are still many questions, such as how these missing ponies weren't reported sooner, but we're working hard to get answers one by one. I'm open to ideas. As always, if you need me, I'm only a letter away.
Yours truly,
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna
I took a breath. The first thing that stood out was that they had a way to heal Pinkie. We would have to find a replacement for Laughter, but it hopefully wouldn't be too hard.
The next thing that came to mind was that there was something off about the letter, something I couldn't put my hoof on. I figured I could look into it later, and hopefully have some sort of idea another time.
However, the next thing to do was find a replacement for Laughter.
...
"Alright, do you have ANY idea of a pony who could replace that element? A pony who rivals her?"
"There's nopony that rivals Pinkie I can think of..." Twilight grimaced.
I groaned. "Terrific. Every time there's good news, we get more bad! It's like a News Sandwich or something!"
Rarity gasped. "That's it! We could try Cheese Sandwich!"
"Who?" I asked. Nopony was really listening to me, though.
"That could work!" Applejack nodded.
"Alright... Well, send a letter I guess. Speaking of letters..." I said as I pulled out the Princess's.
...
I had read over it multiple times, but I still hadn't figured it out. There was something nagging about the changeling spotting. Then, something clicked.
A reason there hadn't been missing pony reports.
A reason there was a lack of changeling reports lately.
A collaboration had been made.
"Pinkie and... Changelings?!"
I galloped over to Sugarcube Corner, smacking into a guard.
"And what exactly are you doing, Missy?" He asked me.
I rolled my eyes and presented a scroll the Princess had given me, permitting me onto the crime scene.
The guard looked at me questionably. "Why do you have something like this? What permits you to go sniffing around here?"
I could feel my patience shortening. I had a lead, and I DIDN'T have time for games!
"Unfortunately," I said snidely, "That's none of your concern. Your job is to keep ponies without permission away, which you're doing a fine job of. However, as stated clearly here, I have every right to be on this crime scene, and if you have second thoughts, I urge you to contact the Princesses for a confirmation. Otherwise, please move out of my way, as I have a lead to follow."
The guard, dumbfounded, stepped aside to permit me through.
I strode over to the basement and (reluctantly) down the stairs. I was about to have one of the most disgusting searches of my life. I might as well get started.
...
"Aha!" I exclaimed happily. I laid out the piece of paper I had found, and smiled as I read clearly:
Changeling Contact Information
I tried to read more, but due to the shear blood, it was near decipherable. I carried it up the stairs with me, taking careful tread not to step in guts or something.
"And what do you have there?" The same guard as before asked.
I grinned widely as I walked past him. "Proof."