This story is a sequel to My Little Investigations: The Silent Dirge
The name's Amethyst Star, but most ponies call me Sparkler. I'm a jeweler's apprentice and part-time foalsitter in Ponyville. I like to think that I lead a pretty simple life. Sure, my mom's a bit of a kook, my little sister's too smart for her own good (no really, she is), and my boss always sticks me with the one customer in town who thinks that we're running a candy shop. But really, that's pretty tame compared to the lives of some other ponies I could mention, and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. Hey, I said my life was simple, not boring.
Now, however, things are just spiraling out of control. See, my boss decides to let me run the store on my own for the first time, and just my luck, some jerkwad ransacks the place before I could even open up for business. They even left a note saying that more terrible things will happen if a gem tribute is not paid. Sounds like something out of a crime drama, doesn't it? But wait, it gets worse. I can't pay this tribute even if I wanted to. Why? Because this dock-hole thought it would be hilarious if he remained anonymous! Apparently, I have to guess the identity of this wannabe gangster! I'm sorry, but am I the only one who thinks that's just a little counterproductive?!
But wait, it gets worse! Because this guy isn't targeting my boss, oh nonononono. He's after me for reasons beyond my comprehension. And just to make things even more complicated, he's not bucking around. The day before, my mom was attacked on her mailing route by an unknown assailant, and the only reason she's still alive is because she was rescued by the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well. Yeah, you remember that weirdo pony who kept showing up Rainbow Dash with her acts of heroism? Apparently, she's back now. Um, rejoice? I mean, I'm very grateful, but I'm also very confused.
Now, I'm not an adventurous pony. As you're no doubt aware, I've got enough craziness in my life as it is. But I can't in good conscience just ignore this jackoff and let him do whatever he wants. So, I guess I'll have to play the gumhoof and get to the bottom of this. Why do I get the feeling that I'm gonna end up regretting this...?
The story I'm about to tell you is real, although some details may vary depending on your point of view. Seeing as I already told you my name, it wouldn't make sense for me to change everyone else's. Also, this is not gonna be your children's bedtime story of gumdrops and ice cream, so all you kiddies clear out (no, not you, Dinky).
((Case 3 of the Mare-Do-Well Files))
Well, now that we know who the first victim is...
...this villain has just earned a spot on my shit-list.
Such a mouth on Sparkler.
Then again, given her situation, it's understandable.
3632367 Hey, at least she knows better than to shout these obscenities out loud in front of Dinky.
Jesus...You've got me totally fascinated and it just keeps improving.
Nothing works to call out someone faster than questioning their balls.
Oliver and Company FTW.
3741131 Heh, I was wondering if someone was gonna get that reference.
3743162
This fic is really fascinating. I really love your worldbuilding with regards to the Diamond Dogs. The ideas of the different packs and clans and how they're interconnected.
Definitely curious to see how Mare Do Well is going to contribute later on too :)
I really love this fic but Ditzy is really weirding me out. I mean Dinky in a kid, a preteen kid. And She wants Sparkler telling her about ransom notes? And seems to have no issue involving her in some incredibly dangerous stuff? I'm all for treating kids as intelligent individuals and not talking down to them, but it's also worth recognizing they aren't adults. but she comes across as just not caring or acting like Dinky isn't her kid. She just really comes to me as a bit of a bad parent. Kids are more impulsive and can sometimes be prone to jumping to the wrong conclusion. Not to mention that seems like a heavy thing to put on a young kid. Ditzy seems to act like it's no big deal whatsoever.
I'm happy to accept it's a difference of opinion either way.
3765655 The bit with Derpy is actually a good point. But bear in mind that from the beginning, I've established that Dinky is pretty mature for her age. The concepts are heavy, but she would be able to understand them at least on some level. Your concerns about her being impulsive are not invalid, but I think Derpy would want to defend her little Muffin without lying to her. Plus, she's also thinking about Amethyst, who's really in a dark place right now. I won't say any more on the subject since it goes into spoiler territory, but let's just say that Dinky would probably be able to help Amethyst a lot more if she knew the whole story.
Think you mean Derpy?
Interesting chapter, things just keep getting better. And I don't know of any names for them so those fit.
3768620
No, I'm pretty sure it was Dodger that said that.
It's something you'd say when you make fun of someone, but then try to make nice with them when they threaten to hurt you afterward.
That being said, i wouldn't be surprised if this "Kohryu" angle was just a way for Dodger to strong-arm the dragons into fighting his battles for him.
3768620 Yeah, 3768915 is pretty much spot-on with Dodger's reaction to Amethyst's anger.
As for the spoiler he mentioned, well, we'll have to just wait and see.
Well, on the one hand, Opal got what's been coming to her for being an ass-pain for so long.
On the other hand, couldn't this "croup-hole" have just, I dunno, put her on the highest possible branch rather than binding and gagging her?
3802503 Cats get stuck in trees all the time, and I'm sure Opal is no exception. This way, Rarity knows that it's someone sending her a message.
And before you say that there could've been a better way to send that message, keep in mind that Amethyst is just as clueless as you are right now. For all she knows, there could very well be a good reason for this strange turn of events. She just doesn't know what that reason is yet.
Oh boy...
The idea that Pinkie Pie is the most rational member of her family is terrifying.
Nice "Who's on First" reference too. I like.
*Blink* I...wow, Sparkler's a bit ADD this chapter. What happened to checking the South field for pawprints to compare to the cast?
Still a great chapter. The plot simply keeps thickening:)
3907417 I believe you mean the West Field. Anyway, at this point, Amethyst has no reason to suspect that Byakko is lying. Ergo, this new clue she stumbled upon takes priority over confirming something she already believes to be true.
3907417
Pinkie's basically got it covered. She can make the comparison for herself and, if it's a match, she can let Ammy know.
...
....
.....it's hard to call her "Ammy" and not think about:
sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=H.4984010093364968&pid=15.1
3907670 Huh. I honestly never made that connection until you brought it up just now. Then again, it's been a while since I played that game.
3907745
Never played it myself. Never owned a Wii.
I just remember her as she appeared in Marvel vs. Capcom 3, which I played the hell out of for the better part of a year.
Why do I get the feeling that Dodger is missing a gemstone or two? And they happen to be green?
Very cool stuff. The shroud emeralds sound really fascinating. Kudos on coming up with such a cool concept.
If Georgette doesn't start her mornings with a big musical number, then she's clearly doing it wrong.
Also, if she's to be believed, then it seems like my theory about Dodger's strong-arming might've gotten a little stronger.
You know, throughout this whole story I'm getting a familiar vibe. Did you, by any chance, watch Oliver and Company before writing this?
3923251 It's actually been a while since I've seen the movie, but I couldn't resist making the references.
Yes, why not add another suspect? It's not like things aren't complicated enough. I mean, I don't need a mindmap. Yet.
3924788 Hey, it's not my fault that you're seeing suspects with every OC I introduce. I'm just doing my job as a mystery writer and keeping you guessing until the very end.
In all seriousness, this'll be the last one. Honest.
I like how you introduced Eastern Dragons into this; not many stories do that.
Ask, Ammy, and ye shall receive!
AWW YEAHHHH!
Here, have some...
i.imgur.com/8IlTfx3.jpg
Dinky...kidnapped?
imageshack.com/a/img716/8076/bxlu.jpg
Turnabout Storm?
4051264 Wait, that's where that nickname for Derpy came from? Huh. You learn something new everyday, I suppose.
The villain is caught! Hoorah!
intermezzo.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834ff890853ef00e554f9e31e8834-pi
And so, another adventure is over. You should start doing "MDW will return in X" stingers.
Another job well done! Time for happy music:
Another awesome story.
That's one way to dodge the bullet, Ammy.
Another great story as always.
I think the real strength in these stories are the characters you create. Each one is unique and the cast they come with are always sure to leave you in tears, both from the shear amount of comedy and drama.
I'm scared to start reading the next mystery, mostly because I don't like reading something that isn't complete, especially when it's a mystery I can't put down.
Well, here goes nothing.
Aaaaaw! I actually wanted to know about that!
Also...Holy Crap! Somebody beat the snot out of Derpy!
They must pay!
5044201 Well, this is a world where an overflowing bag of apples costs four bits. We really don't have a good conversion method for bits to any kind of currency we know, so we're pretty much free to speculate.