//------------------------------// // Case File No.8: Private Ace // Story: Spectral Ace: Ponynormal Investigations // by Duskbreaker //------------------------------// My name Spectral Ace and it's my job as a paranormal investigator to separate fact from fiction. My life's work has taken me all across Equestria and beyond on my journey to find the truth. Today however is my day off. Right now I am in my Manehatten office going through some of my very early cases. I think it was running into ███████ a while back that made want to reminisce over my ████████ days. I was a younger stallion then and the world was so much different, oh how things change. I remember when I- Knock Knock I'm brought out of my reminiscent trance to find the day lost to the tick of time. "Come in," I say as I put away the file I was holding. The door opens and in comes a purple maned beauty of mare. I recognized her from the occasional newspaper article, the most recent being about some new boutique she opened here in Manehatten some time ago. She was gorgeous standing right in the front of me wearing a slick red dress, that mind you only proved her skills as an exceptional fashion designer. "Are you Spectral Ace?" She asks. "Yes I am, and you're Miss Rarity," I reply. "Yes that would be little old me." "So, what brings a pony such as yourself here at this late hour, and dressed so fancily?" I ask her. "If you must know, which you must. I'm looking for a P.I." She says. "Well, I'd say you came to the right place. I am indeed a paranormal investigator." "A para-normal investigator. I'm sorry I thought you were a private investigator." She wasn't the first to make this mistake and certainly wouldn't be last. "Don't be upset I'm not exclusively a paranormal investigator. I've a been known to do a bit of private investigating in my time," Enough in fact to label myself a Paranormal and or Private investigator, but I'd like be spared of all the boring ordinary cases. "Oh that's a relief." "But I must ask, why don't you do it yourself? I heard about the time you did some sleuthing of your own to help Rainbow Dash. I know you're fully capable so why come to me?" "Well normally I would, but tonight I have a fashion show featuring my latest line-up, that's why I'm all dressed up." "Understood. Now what is that you wanted me to do for you this fine evening." "It's my cat." "Your cat?" "Yes my cat Opal. She's missing, and I have to find her before I have to go back to Ponyville tomorrow morning." "I see." "I can pay you." "No, that won't be necessary. I'll find Opal and bring her home." "Thank you." I lead her to the door, and I go to grab my hat off the hook only to remember that it's in tatters from a previous case. It was a good Macguffin brand hat with some mighty fine memories, but I should probably get a new one and move on seeing that this one is in no way usable anymore. I start at her Manehatten boutique the last place Opal was seen. I take a quick look around the place and then I go out back. I hear a noise coming from trash can, so I take a peek inside to glimpse a stray cat. It hops out into the light and I see it has a purple bow in it's mouth. "Where did you get that?" I ask it. I go to grab it, but the cat takes off down the alley. "Wait, come back here." I call as I chase after it. After a long chase through bustling Manehatten I manage to catch up and retrieve the bow. I look up and behold myself in just another alley. I begin to leave, but spy a some shedded white fur on the ground. I find some more fur leading into the back of the building I'm behind. I head inside to see that it's the backstage of some sort, and with some sort of show going on. It doesn't take long to find Opal from there, but just like with the stray she runs and I chase her into a dressing room. "Oh, good the new guy's here," a stagehoof says. "What?" I ask as I spot Opal leaving the dressing room. "No time for questions Charming Vogue, just put this and we'll be ready for you in five." She says handing me some clothes. "But I'm not-" who ever this Charming Vogue pony is, I try to say to no avail. "Hey it's okay Mr. Vogue. I know it's always nerve wracking the first time you go out there, but it'll be fine." She says. "Oh... Kay." I put the outfit and go backstage to try to find Opal again. I don't know who they think I am, but I still have a job to do. I spot her by some curtains and make my to get her. "Mr. Vogue we ready for you now." The stagehoof from early says startling Opal through the curtains. I follow through the curtains, and to find more curtains. I look around cautiously as to not spook Opal again. I eye her and go after her through the second set of curtains. As I emerge I hear an announcer call out Charming Vogue's name. I'm confronted with a runway that I continue to chase Opal down while being surrounded by tons of onlookers to the sides. "Opal, he found you," I hear Rarity callout. "Rarity is that you. Wait if you're here that means that I'm currently in a..." The realization hits. "Uh huh, now strut your stuff darling." She says with a smile. "Well, it looks like the train to Ponyville will be leaving shortly." "Yes and thank you again for finding Opal for me. It really means a lot." "It was nothing. Nothing but the complete and total embarrassment of being in a fashion show." I tell her. "Well, I thought you looked great up there." She says. "And speaking of fashion I made you a little something." "You really didn't have to." "Oh, but I insist," she replies handing me a round box. "I felt it the least I could do. Now open it up." I take off the lid and inside it a black fedora with a red band that held a brilliant orange feather in the side. "It's a phoenix feather, Celestia let's me use the ones that Philomena drops," she begins. "I thought it matched your personality kind, courageous, and full gusto. However, it's also a reminder to always stay optimistic. It can be hard, but sometimes you just have to stick with it to the end to find the light. " she tells me. "Yes that is right I suppose, and this is absolutely amazing. How did you know that I needed a new hat.?" "Now don't think that I didn't notice that tattered old Macguffin on your hat rack. You said it yourself I'm fully capable of some sleuthing of my own," she states. "Now try it on, I'm dying to see it on you." I reach inside and pull it out, the feather almost glowing like fire in the morning light. I place it on my head, and it fit perfectly. "It looks fabulous darling," she says. "Hold on. I almost forgot I found a note for you, strangely enough, in Opals collar last night." "It's incredibly lucky then that you came to me to find her." I say as she hands me a folded piece of paper. "Well, you know what they say about phoenix feathers. They say that they're known to bring luck, and I wish you the best of luck." "Thank you." Case Closed