Episode 27: The Un-Bunga-veilable Investigation
Episode 27:
The Un-Bunga-veilable Investigation
Ever since she opened her new boutique in Canterlot, it has thrived to the point it has become and an equally busy success on par with her Ponyville boutique. She had already hired a manager for her Canterlot Boutique, Sassy Saddles who despite the rough start has managed to get along swimmingly with her boss and has kept following the rules of Rarity when expected to.
Today, she had just came in through the door with three new gowns in her levitated grasp for her newest collection and latest line. She wasted no time in placing them on the pony-quiens. “Oh, Sassy Saddles.” She cheerfully greeted. "Don’t you just love my new Femme Mystique Chic lone of gowns?”
Sassy Saddles immediately gasped in admiration and awe upon seeing them. “Sequins and sashes, Rarity, they’re exquisite! Where in Equestria di you find the insipiration?”
"Oh, I modeled them after the adventures of Shadow Spade. Her stories are always full of mystery and suspense and, best of all... fabulous costumes!" She explained with emphasis on the last part for obvious reasons.
“They’re perfect! She then noticed Rarity was doing something different to the displays while humming, "What are you doing?"
"Oh, uh, just making some minor adjustments." She blew on one of the dresses and fluffed the feathered collar and adjusted the stand to a few millimeters to the left, "Shadow Spade believes it all comes down to attention to detail. And so do I." using her magic, she adjusted the head piece on one of the outfits, "There! Now it's perfect."
The doors suddenly opened where Rainbow Dash, Bunga, and Ono all walked into the boutique with Rainbow opening the door or more accurately slammed it open due to her accidentally putting in too much strength into it.
"Hey guys, how's it—" Rainbow stopped mid-sentence upon seeing the mess she had made with her entrance. The mannequins all fell to the ground, the dresses alright, and various other items landed onto the ground. Rarity and Sassy Saddles both narrowed their eyes at her, who could only scratch the back of her head in embarrassment and laughed nervously. "My bad."
“And here I thought Rarity was more of the pony prone to these kinds of entrances.” Bunga commented with a laugh much to Rarity’s further annoyance before he and the others helped pick up the mannequins.
"Sorry I messed up your dress thingy." Rainbow apologized while dusting the coat off.
"Nothing we can't fix in a stitch." Sassy quickly assured all is forgiven. “So what brings you all here to Canterlot today?”
“To get some formal attire for Princess Celestia's royal garden opening tomorrow." Ono answered.
“Oh, yes!” Sassy smiled upon hearing of it. “Rumor has it the gardens are especially lush this season. I heard that the Wonderbolts will be kicking things off with an aerial display.”
“You heard right!” Rarity confirmed with a smile. “And both Rainbow Dash and Ono are here to fly with them. So exciting!”
“So Un-Bunga-veilable!”
“It is!” Although excited himself, Ono himself was still feeling a tad nervous inside. “Oh, I really hope it goes well.”
“Of course it will whether we perform or not.” Rainbow quickly assured.
“Why wouldn’t you?” Bunga asked.
“Well…” She moved to reluctantly explain why. “…Technically, we’re not flying. We’re just the lucky Reserves who was called in to be the backup flyers in case a Wonderbolt can't perform."
"Oh, don't be so modest." Rarity shook her head at the very thought. "Out of all the Reserves, you were two chosen."
Rainbow Dash couldn't help but smile at her friend’s encouragement. “It is pretty sweet. And we do get to stay in the castle, hang out with the Wonderbolts, and eat awesome food at the dinner tonight. Speaking of the dinner, you're still coming, right?"
"Heavens, yes!" Rarity smiled as she placed one of her shady hat from her display, "A chance to dress up, be charming and show off my newest femme mystique couture? I wouldn't miss it for all of Equestria." She said while striking another one of her famous poses.
“Me neither.” Bunga stated in agreement. “With so many awesome choices of food to offer, how can I say no to an opportunity like that?”
“Never even in a million years.” Ono replied in a deadpan manner.
“Exactly!”
Ono’s mind now back on the party tomorrow night couldn’t help but think of something bothering him, not out of anxiety but out of disappointment. “I just wish the rest of the Guard could come and join us.”
“Why won’t they?” Sassy Saddles curiously asked.
“Because they are taking the time to get much needed rest after an important meeting with the other leaders.” He explained. “It took place all night and all of the following day just to figure out the best course of action and the following meeting on how to prepare ourselves going forward is sure to go on throughout tonight.”
“About Scar and the Outsiders?”
“Yes.” Given what happened back then, the news is now public knowledge. “And trust me, dealing with the Pride Lands and Equestria most wanted enemy is very difficult given that he always manages to stay two steps ahead of us every time. Just when you think you have the advantage, Scar outsmarts us.”
“Whenever we come up with a great plan, Scar comes up with a better one.” Bunga added.
“Wow. That bad, huh?”
“Quite so, darling.” Rarity nodded before quickly changing the subject. “So enough said, let’s get to work in finding you all the perfect outfits for tomorrow night, shall we?”
“Let’s.” Rainbow said in agreement just when she leads the three on over to her many dresses and suits fit for all sizes and occasions for them to choose from.
36 hours later, the night of the dinner and all of the Guard who could come all dressed formally for the occasion.
Rainbow Dash for once deciding to dress for the occasion, wore a simply yet sparkling red sleeveless gown with gold lightning bolts on her orange and yellow colored ribbons and belt. Rarity wore a white sleeved gown with golden belt and wristbands at the end of her sleeves. Ono wore a yellow tuxedo with a blue bowtie while Bunga wore the sky blue tuxedo with the matching bowtie and top hat with the latter sporting a cane along with a chained watch.
Along the way Bunga was humming a cheery tune while making his way in.
“Bunga? What on earth are you humming about?” Rarity asked.
“A little song and dance I got from watching a movie where this funny guy and his partner talk to him about the perks of being an actor. It goes like this…”
“Right of course, that movie. The old fashion version or that recently dreadful new remake?”
“The old fashion one, of course! I mean the remake sure did it spot on but the rest of it was just, Ugh. What were the directors thinking when they made that?”
“Apparently just saw it as another cash grab opportunity for their company. I mean if they put much more effort into putting finesse and pizazz into their work it could have turned out just as wonderful as the original along with a handful of their other attempted remakes. After all a well-made movie is like art. Art that allows clothes to have great style just like our outfits here today.”
“You’re right about that! Let’s grab some grub!” Rainbow stated in agreement before eyeing the nearby buffet table which was filled with an assortment of delicious foods and treats to choose from.
Both Rainbow and Bunga wasted no time stuffing their faces with as much food as they can get their hooves and paws on though the former had enough desire for dignity and grace not go hog wild like Bunga. It also helps that the Wonderbolts being here gives her good reason to do so.
When Rarity moved to take her place she caught a whiff of something in the air. "Mm, is that Juniper Phoenix I smell?"
"No, it's broccoli!" Rainbow corrected while chewing on said green vegetable in contrast to Bunga stuffing his into face.
"Yeah, Juniper Phoenix is one of my favorite stallion colognes." A voice was heard. A deep, masculine male voice who happened to be near Rarity when she said it. A blue colored pegasus stallion with wavy gray hair, thus a middle aged pony, and gold colored eyes while wearing an air pilot's uniform and a white scarf around his neck.
"Oh, mine as well." Rarity said, already engaging in a conversation with the stallion. Unbeknownst to her, Rainbow Dash dropped her plate and her eyes were shimmering and gushing with excitement from behind her friend, all while Bunga was looking on curiously while chewing on his food. "It's masculine and yet soft with the barest hint of floral notes and—"
Rainbow Dash rushed over to the unicorn after dropping her plate (to which Bunga of course caught before it could hit the ground), speaking in a hushed tone, "Rarity! Don't you know who this is?!"
"A gentlepony with fabulous taste in colognes and scarves?"
Rainbow briefly face-hoofed herself as she shook her head and flew up to the pony she is talking to. "It's Wind Rider!"
"Wind Who?" Bunga asked after he swallowed his food.
"Wind Rider! He's a living legend. He holds the Wonderbolt record in the Mustang Marathon!"
"Oh! So nice to meet you!" Rarity politely greeted.
The stallion smiled in a charming manner before speaking. "And if I'm not mistaken, you two are the special ponies from the Pony Guard, Lady Rarity and Lady Rainbow Dash, correct?"
Rainbow squealed with glee, "He knows who we are!"
"And you two must be the keen-sighted Ono and the brave Bunga."
“Heck yeah!” Bunga proudly boasted. “Protecters of the Pride Lands and Equestria!”
"It's a real honor to be meeting such heroes." said Wind Rider.
"The honor is all mine!" Rainbow kindly returned all while blushing, unable to reign in her own excitement. "Nopony alive has been able to beat your record Mr. Wind Rider, sir!"
"Well, that was a long time ago. Honestly, I can't believe I still hold the record."
At that moment, two more of the wonderbolts, Spitfire and Misty Fly approached the group.
"Wind Rider, I see you met Rainbow Dash!" Spitfire said. "She's one of our most promising Reserves. She just might beat your record."
"Really now?"
Rainbow could only chuckle nervously at the thought. "Oh, heh, I'm nowhere near as good as you. I mean, I'm fast, but I don't have the endurance to go long distances."
"Ah, don't be modest." Spitfire shook her head at what she was saying. "A little practice and you'll be beating records in no time.” This only made Rainbow feel like she is eating more humble pie than boasting of the very potential within her.
Wind Glider chuckled lightly, "Heh-heh. Well, it's nice to meet you fillies." He said before walking off with his plate. However, Ono arched an eyebrow in his direction as if he got a bad vibe upon seeing some of his expressions during all of that, particularly at the thought of his record being broken.
Rainbow sighed dreamily in his direction. "Not as nice as it is to meet you, sir." She saluted but could barely-contain her over the top gushing. "I can't believe I just met Wind Rider!"
"Yeah, he's coming out of retirement to take the spot of honor in the center of our aerial flower formation tomorrow." Misty Fly added sharing the same excitement as her.
"Really? That's incredible!" She saw Wind Wider kiss Princess Celetia's hoof, while Spitfire and Misty Fly flew off to meet up with more of their fellow wonderbolts. But then her excited smile turned into a disappointed frown. "Guess I'll just watch Wind Rider being awesome from the sidelines... Practice tomorrow is gonna be so boring."
Taking pity for her, Bunga lightly punched her friend in the arm in an attempt to encourage her. “Aw, cheer up, Rainbow! Things could change for the better!” Seeing that she still isn’t cheering up right away he then offered. “I don't suppose we could keep you and Ono company tomorrow?"
Hearing this had Rainbow's attitude flip right back around to being happy and excited. "You could! They always let friends and family come watch practices!"
"I'd be more than happy to be there for you, darling." Rarity also offered all while before taking a sip of her punch.
"Thanks you guys! You're the best!" Rainbow hugged Bunga and then Rarity, only to accidentally splash the punch on her dress. "Oops. Heh, sorry about that."
"Oh, don't fret, darling." The unicorn once more assured. "It's almost impossible to get stains out of silk. But not to worry. I've come prepared!" She levitated a trunk towards her, opened it and in only a few seconds was wearing a new peach colored ball gown before moving to walk on ahead. The fashionista was always prepared for this sort of thing should it happen.
“How does she do it so fast?!” Bunga asked the others while amazed at how quickly she changed herself like that.
Rainbow shrugged her arms while Ono simply shook his head refusing to tell.
“Sorry Bunga. A good magician never reveals her secrets.”
“Aww.”
Later that night…
"That dinner was absolutely divine." Rarity said while she and her friends exited the ballroom and walked down the hallways.
“It sure was.” Bunga said before loosening his belt a little due to eating more than his fair share of the buffet. “Oops, better make some room here.”
The group then spotted Spitfire enter her castle suite. "Ooh, you're staying in the east tower?" Rarity said looking on very intrigued. "Those rooms have the best view of Canterlot!"
"How lucky are we?” Spitfire returned feeling it’s her lucky night. “Well, we better get some shuteye before practice." Spitfire then closed the door behind her and Rainbow Dash flew off to her own room.
"See you guys tomorrow!"
"Good night!"
The next day, Bunga, Ono, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash sat on the bleachers, watching the Wonderbolts practicing their routines. Rarity was applying sunscreen while Bunga watched the whole thing while eating a bag of grubs and drinking a soda. Ono was looking on with focused and studious intent and interest so that he knows exactly of how to properly execute it should it come down to the day he has to perform it given his future with the Wonderbolts.
Rainbow Dash sighed as she watched the ponies fly above her head, "Thanks for keeping me company, you guys. If you weren't here, well, I don't know who I'd be talking to right now." She said, right before Rarity playfully splattered a bit of her sunscreen on Rainbow's nose, making the two giggle.
"Eh, you'd be talkin' to me." Camr from a familiar voice from behind them. At the sight of him had Rainbow immediately blushing before wiping the sunscreen off of her nose.
"Soarin!"
Seeing her reaction made Bungaand Rarity exchange knowing smiles, which only further embarrassed their friend. Though considering the vibe they have with the rest of the Guard it is to be expected of course.
"Rainbow Dash, Spitfire's mom sent a message that she was sick. She had to leave to take care of her." Spitfire said.
Hearing this had both Rainbow and Ono gasping upon hearing it.
“Hapana!”
"Oh, no! I hope her mom's okay!"
"Me too. In the meantime, we need you two to fly in her place."
“Us?” Ono blinked in surprise while Rainbow’s eyes sparkled with glee.
“L-Like, in the actual show?"
"Unless Spitfire comes back, yes." Soarin then looked on equally surprised when Rainbow impulsively hugged him. Realizing what she was doing she stopped herself and saluted to save face.
"I won't let you down, Soarin!" The pony squealed with excitement and flew up into the air. "This is the best thing ever! Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!" She ranted while dancing in mid air and sing-songing, "I'm gonna get to fly with Wind Rider and the Wonderbolts, 'cause I'm the bestest and I'm awesome and they know it! Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh…"
Ono looked back and forth between Rainbow and Soarin before shrugging so she can join the former all while Bunga gave a thumb’s up with Rarity smiling in pride for their friends.
The friends watched on in the friends and family booth while watching Rainbow Dash and Ono practice with the Wonderbolts. Bunga stood up and gasped upon spotting Rainbow soaring through the air with Wind Rider. He waved enthusiastically while standing up.
“That’s right Rainbow Dash! That’s right, Ono! Flap those wings! Flap them good!”
Rainbow smiled appreciatively at her friend, not realizing she was flying ahead of Wind Rider, who looked at her like he finds her excitement annoying…or rather envious.
Ono who was flying on trying to keep pace with the Wonderbolts just barely managed to catch a glimpse of said look which briefly sparked concern in the egret’s eyes but not enough to make him lose focus of their current practice in session.
Rarity noticed a female yellow Pegasus pony sit beside her. Said pony is middle aged with a familiar yellow coat coloring, bright red mane and tail, wearing a purple jacket, similar to Kion, Simba, and Mufusa. The unicorn politely greeted her. "Hello there! Friend or family?"
"Family. My daughter's a Wonderbolt."
"You must be so proud."
"I am. She's just like her father, determined and a bit hot-headed." the female pony shielded her eyes from the sun and looked up at the skies. "But, I don't see her up there. Do you know Spitfire?"
At the mention of the name, Bunga spitted out his soda in shock while briefly choking on the grubs he had halfway down his throat. "Excuse me!” He raised a finger before finishing up his coughing to make sure nothing’s still stuck in his throat. Once he was 120% certain he continued looking on in shock. “You're Spitfire's mom?!"
"Yes."
"But--but--but, aren't you suppose to be sick?"
"What?"
This revelation was a real shocker for the friends.
"Spitfire got a note from you saying you weren't feeling well, and she went home to take care of you." Rarity explained.
"I didn't send a note."
"That's so strange." Rarity voiced out, finding this whole situation very suspicious. The three friends all shared confused looks of the fact that Spitfire's mother was right here in front of them and not home with the flu from what Soarin just heard.
Soarin stopped once he spotted the older Pegasus pony, "Stormy Flare? Aren't you supposed to be sick?" Hearing and seeing this had several more of the wonderbolts flew beside him, all silently asking the same question, "'Kay, what's happening?"
"I don't know. But I do know I didn't send my daughter a note."
"Could somepony have sent Spitfire a fake note?" Rarity asked seeing this whole thing starting to unravel as a mystery…a Shadow Spade like mystery.
“But why?” Bunga asked…while taking another sip of his soda.
"Somepony who wanted her out of the show, I suppose." Soarin theorized.
"Why would anypony want that?" Rainbow asked, hearing the conversation and growing equally concerned about their missing comrade.
“Maybe so they could take her spot?” Wind Rider suggested while most of the Wonderbolts glared daggers at both Rainbow and Ono specifically the former much to her shock at the very thought.
"Me?! I would never do that to Spitfire! Why would you think it was me?" Rainbow pleaded with the Wonderbolts backstage in an attempt to prove her innocence.
"I did see you and Spitfire leave the dinner together." Blaze pointed out complete with an accusing hoof at the pony.
"We were room neighbors in the castle!"
Misty Fly gained up on her, eyeing her suspiciously through her goggles, "And you did say you'd do anything to fly with Wind Rider."
"Yeah, but I didn't mean anything like dirty means."
Soarin was probably the only one who visually showed her sympathy rather than suspicion. To him, Rainbow Dash was a hero to many, this was not something she would do. He stepped forward, vouching for the Pegasus. "And considering Rainbow Dash is a well renowned hero of both Equestria and the Pride Lands, that is true."
"But Spitfire came by my room and told me she had to go see her mom at around midnight." Misty Fly then said to Rainbow Dash, "Where were you then?"
"I was asleep at midnight... having this totally amazing dream. There I was at the arena flying with Wind Rider, like I've always wanted to—" She stopped in her tracks, with a hoof to her mouth to stop herself mid-sentence. "—ah, eh, never mind. Not helping."
The Wonderbolts gathered together to discuss what to do next. Rainbow watched in anxiety. She knew she didn't do anything to Spitfire and she would never do it even if it was in her best interests.
After some talking it over, they all dispersed with Soarin speaking up on behalf of the team. “Rainbow Dash, if you can prove that somepony else is behind Spitfire's disappearance before the start of the show, then you can still fly with us." He turned to the other Wonderbolts. "In the meantime, Misty Fly, Blaze, head over to Stormy Flare's house and try to find Spitfire and bring her back." The two saluted back before flying off. Soarin sighed before addressing to Rainbow Dash once more. "I have to warn you, if you sent that letter, the bylaws are clear. I'd have no choice but to ban you from the Wonderbolts forever. Understand?"
Rainbow's ears lowered in sadness knowing full well of what would happen if it is all true as she sighed. "Yes. I understand. But how am I gonna prove I didn't send a letter that I didn't send?"
"With us!"
All eyes turned their heads to see three mysterious shadows behind a pillar. The silhouettes of a certain pony, honey badger, and egret approaching them, all while wearing elegant hats, partly covering their faces and gorgeous trench coats with long collars with the boys both wearing black shades. The three strangers revealed stepped out from the shadows as the unicorn spoke in a serious tone.
"Detectives Rarity, Ono, and Bunga are on the case, and we are going to get to the bottom of this faster than my costume change!"
Rainbow Dash only scratched the back of her head in confusion to her friends' sudden behaviors. "Yeah, what's with the getup?"
"Obviously, we are channeling Shadow Spade through these gorgeous garments, and she would say that the best way to prove that you didn't send the letter is to find out whoever did."
Rainbow rolled her eyes and flew closer to her Pride Lander friends, "Okay, Rarity I get it. But you two?"
Ono looked on with a determined expression, tilting his hat slightly creating a shadow just above his face while tilting his shades a bit, giving himself the same mysterious look like Shadow Spade. "Yes. For I too have read the Shadow Spade novels during my time reading in the library along with Detective Rarity and I know for a fact that in order to crack this case now is the perfect opportunity to channel that inner Spade. And with the help of my keen sight, I’ll make sure that whoever did this to you gets the book thrown at him or her.”
Bunga then added. “And I’m tagging along for the fun for it and for the opportunity to wear this cool coat and hat! Oh, and for taking the opportunity to get a first crack at a real case since the whole Mystery on the Friendship Express incident.”
Rainbow was…literally jaw dropped. She’d expect this from Bunga but Ono? Considering that his keen sight hasn’t always come through at times as far as Scar is concerned. It’s truly spot on, but the question is can it pull through this time around?
"First stop –" Rarity began, "the scene of the crime!"
She then lead both Ono and Bunga who flanked beside her as they pressed forward to crack the case leaving Rainbow mind-boggled at what she was seeing right in front of her. But none of the less, followed after them considering they are her only hope of ensuring that her career with the Wonderbolts is on the line here.
The friends walked down the hallways of the castle, the atmosphere suddenly becoming mysterious as Rarity and Ono kept their hats slightly down with the latter’s up enough to keep his eyesight from being completely blocked. Bunga had his claws in his pockets while Rarity took lead. In her mind, Rarity narrated.
"We had a long road ahead of us, my friends and I. Well, not too long because we didn't have much time, but the point is... Ono and I were up for the challenge."
Ono then narrated within his mind too. "We got a tough road ahead of us. But I know for sure that Rarity and I will get to the bottom of this even if it takes us all day to figure it out. This I swear!”
The team began searching in Spitfire's room in the palace. Rainbow searched the drawers while Bunga searched underneath the bed, while Ono and Rarity searched for clues. Anything that did not belong and would indicate somebody had indeed placed the fake letter to Spitfire.
Rarity looked through a magnifying glass, still narrating silently, "There we were, surveying the crime scene, and looking très chic while doing it." She then spotted something at the corner of the room. A piece of golden paper. She levitated it, "This must be the envelope for the letter Spitfire got!" She said before sniffing the envelop. She caught a whiff of something very familiar, but she needed to be absolutely certain first before pursing said thought.
Ono then joined Rarity as he moved to give the envelope Rarity had in her magic a good scan after tilting the shades upwards from his eyes. “Hmm…” He spotted something fall out of it, a certain rainbow-colored hair. "Hmm. Hairs. Rainbow colored hairs..."
Rainbow Dash gulped in fear, "That's not good."
“Hold on…” Ono interrupted as he still locked eyes on the ends of the hair before finding the part that he is looking for. “…for this mystery is still far from done as there is more work needed before things can be decided.” He said while still speaking in a serious and mysterious manner much to Rainbow’s bafflement.
She then got even more baffled when she saw Bunga sneaking cookies in her trench coat pockets along with seeing Rarity looking at herself in the mirror.
"What are you doing?"
"Uh, just thinking thoughts." She stammered even though she was briefly distracted by her own reflection in the mirror while Bunga quickly got to work in further inspecting her closet but not without secretly munching on the cookies he just taken. She quickly resumed her serious demeanor and continued narrating.
"Rainbow Dash was right. In order to solve the mystery, we had to be focused. Driven. One hundred percent in the…Ooh! The damask pattern on these curtains is exquisite!" She said while briefly reverting to her usual self upon seeing said curtains in front of her. "Oh, and this velvet rope-holder – oh, it's just—"
"We don't have time to look at the décor!" Rainbow exclaimed anxiously. "I'm going to loose the best job I ever had unless we solve this thing!"
Rarity quickly got to work by inspecting the curtains even closer. "I know, Rainbow, and I'm on this case like a charm on a bracelet! Here's what I'm thinking: somepony had to bring Spitfire that letter, which means somepony must have seen them!" She gestured to three stallions at the farthest corner of the hallway, standing beside the large entrance doors.
The royal guards!
The guards were currently in a room, all standing near a wooden desk, where Ono began interrogating them. "I just have a few questions for you, and I'm sure once we get some things cleared up, we'll—"
"Come on, Ono, we don't have all day!" Rainbow stated impatiently.
“Relax, Rainbow! We got this!” Bunga quickly assured before joining Ono alongside him. Suddenly and unexpectedly he immediately changed his expression as she slammed his paws onto the table like the bad cop in the good cop, bad cop scenario. "Where were you on the night of last night at midnight?!"
"We were here, guarding the hallway entrance like we were supposed to." One of the guards answered.
"A likely story."
"I'm telling you, we were there all night, and no one went in or out of that hallway."
The second castle guard rubbed his chin nervously. "Except for the rainbow pony."
"What are you tryin' to say?!" Rainbow gained up on him, narrowing her eyes.
"Just that there are only two rooms in the northwest wing: yours and Spitfire's. So the only other pony who had access to that wing was you."
Rainbow Dash's eyes widened in horror at what she was hearing. First the rainbow haired clue and now the guards were saying she was the only one with access to the hallway aside from Spitfire. None of this made sense to her, she would have known if she had walked down those hallways last night.
Ono looked on while shaking his head before turning to whisper to Rarity. "The waters are getting choppy here, Rarity."
"Agreed. Rainbow Dash's methods are sincere, yet…well, horrid. I believe it is time for another approach."
Knowing full well of what she means by that, he and Bunga stepped aside as they allowed Rarity to take lead this time around.
"Perhaps I should take it from here!" Rarity said, speaking in her normal voice while wearing a different costume from before…and sitting on her fainting couch in a dark purple dress with a high white collar and a feathered boa with a headpiece on the left side of her head, styled like a flower with a transparent lace hanging from it. Both Bunga and Rainbow blinked in surprise at the sight unsure and uneasy of what to make of it.
“Didn’t see that coming.” Bunga commented.
The unicorn approached the guards, speaking in a sleek and somewhat flirtatious voice and manner while standing close to the first castle guard. "You castle guards have such a difficult job. I'm guessing that at times it can be rather... boring." She whispered in his ear, nearly making both Bunga and Rainbow Dash throw up.
“Whoa! Didn’t need to see that!” Bunga commented while raising his arms up.
"It is." The guard agreed. "I've counted all three hundred and forty five bolts in the ceiling tiles two hundred and ninety three times!"
"And of course being a castle guard can be thankless work." Rarity batted her eyelashes at the second guard. "I'm not saying you did, but if you took a break, you more than deserved it."
"Oh, you're right." The first guard replied in agreement. "We don't get a lot of recognition for what we do."
"Except for last night when somepony was nice enough to leave a cake for us." The second guard brought up. "So we did take one little break when we ate that cake."
The guards were surprised when Rarity then slammed her hoofs onto the table with narrowed eyes directed at them with her next question. "What kind of cake was it?"
"Cherry with a custard filling."
"Was the frosting vanilla or chocolate?"
"Chocolate."
"Was the base of the cake decorated with buttercream rosettes?"
"It was."
Rainbow groaned in frustration, "Ugh, who cares how it was decorated?!"
“I do.” Ono replied before leaning in with a steely glare. “One last question, was the cake delivered in a box or on a plate?"
"It was on a plate."
"Clear white with a golden ring around the edges?"
"Yes."
"Now you're talking about plate decorations?!" Rainbow exclaimed in annoyance.
"Not to fear, my little pony. I think we have all we need."
"What do you mean you have what you need?!"
"Rainbow Dash was questioning my methods. But I knew what I was doing."
"Do you?"
Ono clamped his beak immediately while shocked himself. "Oops! Did I say that one out loud?"
"I mean, even I think I'm guilty at this point!" Rainbow got down on her knees practically leaning down desperately at Ono’s eye level to assert her innocence. "I really did want to fly in that show! What if I wrote that note when I was asleep?! Do you know what I do when I sleep?! Because I sure don't!"
Rarity, once again in her trench coat and hat, approached her to back him up. "Oh, calm down, Rainbow Dash. We'll get to the bottom of this. And I know exactly what Ono was doing when he asked about the cake."
"You do?"
Ono nodded. "Yep. For there is only one bakery in Canterlot that sells a chocolate cherry cake with custard filling and buttercream frosting rosettes on a fancy white plate with golden edges. One bakery which I’m particularly fond of myself for said cake they have...”
"…Cinnamon Chai's Tea and Cake Shop!"
Now wearing a different outfit, with her hair in a ponytail, Rarity and her friends made their way to the cake shop, where they spotted a female unicorn waitress cleaning a glass cup. Her name tag said her name was Cinnamon Chai.
"Hello, how can I help you?" She greeted the costumers in a sophisticated manner.
"I've heard you have the best chocolate cherry custard cake with buttercream frosting rosettes in town!" Rarity greeted with her usual charming appearance while Ono kept his coat and hat on.
"Ah, you travel in the right circles! We have the only chocolate cherry custard cake with buttercream frosting rosettes in town!" She gestured to the window display to where there was an empty space where said cake was once there.
"Oh, no. But somepony's already bought it! Who was the lucky pony?"
Cinnamon Chai thought for a moment before answering albeit a little reluctantly. "I can't even say!"
"Why?" Ono asked seriously. "Because it was somepony famous, maybe?"
"No… because it was hard to tell! She was wearing a trench coat, sunglasses, and a scarf around her head that covered most of her face. But I do remember she had a really deep, raspy voice."
"What do you mean, raspy?" Rainbow asked.
"Well, kinda like yours." Rainbow once more expressed her anxiety by nervously gulping in response to said comment.
"And there it was, more evidence that pointed directly to her." Ono narrated. "She was starting to lose hope. But I knew both me and the fashionable unicorn were hot on the trail." He whispered into Rarity's ear, "If you be so kind."
Rarity nodded before taking lead once again.
"Gladly." Rarity sat with the unicorn on an outdoors table, "If there's anything else you can remember, dish."
"Well, have I got a story for you! The pony who bought the cake threw a big fit when she accidentally got chocolate ganache on her scarf!"
"That's terrible! What color was the scarf?"
"White! No, maybe more an ivory…"
"You don't say!"
The moment was interrupted when Rainbow Dash yelled at her friend, "I can't believe you're talking fashion at a time like this!" At this point, Rainbow’s patience had ran completely thin. To her, her friends are supposed to be helping clear her name but instead they were focusing more on cakes and scarfs and costumes that solving this case.
Rarity placed a calming hoof on her friend's shoulder, "Rainbow, don't panic. I need you to trust us."
"Trust you?! You've spent more time changing clothes and narrating like you’re auditioning for a part in a movie than trying to help me! I'm doomed!"
“No you’re not!” Bunga assertively stated while shaking his head and gesturing her to get a grip much to the pony's surprise at the stance he used. “Because if there’s anything I learned from my detective experience back at the mystery on the Friendship Express, things are not always what they seem until you look at every piece of evidence presented in front of you.”
“How?!”
“Just follow us and you’ll see what we’re talking about! Trust us!” He then took lead while Rarity and Ono were quick to follow by his side still leaving Rainbow baffled and unable to comprehend what he meant by that.
The rain started to pore down upon the group. Both Bunga and Rarity had umbrella to keep the downpour from landing on top of the heads with Ono flying under the former’s. Rainbow Dash however didn't even bother to shield herself from the water soaking her due to still being too depressed to care. She wanted to trust her friends, she really did, but most of this wasn't making any sense.
Rarity continued to narrate to herself. "Rainbow Dash was obviously upset, but I had all my ducks in a row. Except one. She was not going to like it, but there was only one way to find out if our suspicions were correct."
Back at the arena, Stormy Flare was still worrying about her daughter. She knew she was strong and can take care of herself, but even a mother can't ever help but think the worst when it comes to the safety of their child. At the same time, Soarin is stress eating pies while trying his hardest to stay calm about all of this.
The door opened as Blaze entered the room, "We looked everywhere, but Spitfire wasn't at her mom's house!"
"Where could she be?" Stormy Flare frantically asked just when the doors opened once again as Rarity, Ono, and Bunga all entered first together.
"We have found the culprit!" The unicorn stated to the Wonderbolts who all gasped in shock while Soarin swallowed his bit of pie at that moment.
Rarity walked across the room as she explained to the everypony what she and her friends had found. "Somepony sent Spitfire away and framed Rainbow Dash for it. And that pony was none other than…"
The room was silent when Rarity made the big reveal…
"Wind Rider!"
Lightning cracked from the window behind Wind Rider, who sat on his chair completely unfazed. Rainbow Dash face-hoofed herself again upon the accusation.
"Rarity, I can't believe you would accuse Wind Rider of framing me! He's a living legend, for pony's sake!"
"True but all evidence points to him!” Ono said with narrowed eyes in his direction.
"Peh! What evidence could you possibly have? All you guys did was ask about cake, admire décor, and change outfits a gazillion times!"
"Well most of that was Rarity." Ono corrected before moving to explain himself in his normal voice. “But point being is while all evidence was set up to make it look you it was your doing, it was really Wind Rider who did. Why you may ask? None of us ever believed Rainbow Dash would send Spitfire away. When we found the rainbow hairs in Spitfire's room, I gave the evidence a good scan and could tell they didn't fall out. They... were cut!" Rarity pulled out the piece of evidence in a plastic bag, showcasing the hair piece. "It takes a keen eye to see that this kind of cut does not fall out on it’s own as you can tell upon looking at the ends. It's a straight line! They were clearly cut with shears, which means somepony planted it!"
Rarity took her turn in explaining their findings this time around. "Then when we were examining Spitfire's room, I smelled something on the envelope. Juniper Phoenix, Wind Rider's cologne of choice! Then, in the castle hallway, I noticed some of the damask curtains fell out of their velvet rope-holder, indicating that somepony had been hiding behind them! Perhaps after they dropped off the fake letter?" She eyed the older stallion suspiciously, but he did give any change in emotion to showcase his guilt.
Wind Rider rolled his eyes in response. "Juniper Phoenix is a very popular fragrance, and anypony could have moved those curtains."
"Precisely why we questioned the castle guards!" Ono then said as he explained next. "They were at their post at the entrance to the hallway all night, except for one short moment of time when somepony brought them an expensive cake. A cake that was ordered by a girl pony with a raspy voice!"
Rarity explained next. "Whoever ordered the cake got a chocolate stain on her ivory scarf, and I couldn't help but notice that Wind Rider's scarf is tied in a tight Windsor knot instead of its usual loose slipknot!"
Truth be told, Wind Rider really is wearing his scarf differently. Though many saw this as a simple once in a while fashion choice, but both Rarity and Ono knew otherwise.
Bunga then stepped forward to take his turn with dramatic flair. “And why is that, Wind Rider? Is it to…drumroll please?” One of the Wonderbolts quickly did exactly that as he moved to untie the scarf in order to reveal…
"The chocolate stain?!"
The Wonderbolts, even Rainbow Dash all gasped in horror at this revelation. The stain was hard to ignore and all the evidence the detectives had found did trace back to him. But Wind Rider was not one to admit his guilt.
"Ah, this is preposterous. Wonderbolts, you don't believe a word of this, right?"
"Just admit it!" Bunga exclaimed angrily at the pony complete with a finger pointed in his face. "You're as guilty of framing Rainbow Dash as you are of ruining that expensive ivory scarf! And how do I know you might ask? Because Rainbow Dash never wears a scarf nor would react badly to a stain on said clothes when it happened! Never!“ He received very surprised looks from his friends. "What? It’s true."
"Ah, fine! You caught me! I did it!" The stallion confessed now already backed into a corner here.
"But why, Wind Rider?!" Rainbow Dash was devastated to hear this. Her own idol wanted to frame her for something she didn't do. "Was it because I took the last broccoli at the dinner and you really, really wanted it?"
"No." Ono shook his head. "It was because he was afraid that you would break his long-distance Wonderbolt record! I heard him when Spitfire said you were close to breaking it. He said, and I quote, 'Heh-heh'. That's the polite yet disingenuous laugh you make when you want to seem happy but really you're not. And the funny thing is if it weren’t for the fact that I dealt with a friend who used the exact same laugh more than once before her true nature was exposed a year ago I probably would not have seen through your act, Wind Rider. Nor would I have thought twice when I spotted you giving Rainbow the eye during practice the other day so there is that."
"I thought if I could get Rainbow Dash away from the Wonderbolts for good, my record could be preserved."
“Really?” Bunga looked on with baffled disappointment. “All of that just to keep a record that would have been broken anyways even if Rainbow Dash didn’t?”
"And here I thought you were the coolest Wonderbolt ever." Rainbow Dash added sharing the same disappointment with a scowl at his former idol. "You were a pony I looked up to for years. But now, seeing what you did to me, you're nothing no more than a selfish, arrogant blowhard who only cares about getting pats on the back for one thing he did just to feel important."
"I did what I had to do to protect my record! Sometimes you gotta play dirty to be the best!"
"That's not what being a Wonderbolt is all about."
"She's right!" Soarin firmly stated in agreement as he and the other Wonderbolts narrowed their eyes at their former comrade, who indeed had no real respect for the badge or their name. "Wonderbolts look out for each other! Which reminds me, where is Spitfire?"
Wind Rider smiled arrogantly. "I sent her the letter pretending to be Stormy Flare. I told her I had Pegasitis, and the only cure is the ice iris in the Crystal Mountains."
"No wonder she's been gone so long." Rainbow said upon the revelation. "Ice irises are almost impossible to find in spring!"
Soarin looked on in concern, "The Crystal Mountains are too far for anypony to make it there and back before the royal garden opening! Rainbow Dash, we need you to fly in Spitfire's place!"
"But Spitfire shouldn't have to miss this! I'm gonna get her!"
"But you'll never make it in time!"
"Then there's no time to lose!" In a flash of light, Rainbow Dash was soaring across the watery skies to search for their missing friend. She was never one to leave anypony behind, no matter how far or hard it may be. It was in her true nature and blood.
“Go get her, Rainbow Dash!” Bunga called out to her from the window. Once he turned around he quickly spotted Wind Rider trying to sneak his way out the door while everyone was distracted. “Not so fast!”
“What?” Wind Rinder spun his head in confusion as he froze in his tracks when he suddenly saw the honey badger leaping and charging towards him.
“Zuka Zama!”
Before he could sprint away in a flash, Bunga landed on his chest and knocked him down hard onto the ground with a surprise drop-kick. And just before he could recover as he picked himself off of the ground, Rarity quickly froze him in place with her magic while Ono used his beak to shut the door to firmly cement that his escape is now impossible.
“Great catch, Bunga!” Ono complimented very impressed with what just went down.
“Eh, what can I say?” Bunga shrugged as he thought nothing of it. “I do what I do best. I’m there when it matters.”
“I couldn’t have said it any better, darling.” Rarity said equally impressed with her friend.
With Wind Rider now in custody, being guarded by the three detectives themselves, Bunga walked over to Ono, who was on the lookout for Rainbow Dash.
“Negative, Bunga. She's been gone for a long time. But never fear nor panic, knowing Rainbow Dash, she’ll come through.”
"That’s true." Rarity agreed. "Like you, she’s fearless in the face of danger. And I must say that was pretty impressive with what you did back there and how you managed to figure it all out too. Looks like that earlier detective lesson from Twilight has paid off."
“It sure has.” He said while inspecting his sharp claws.
Then, right on cue, the doors opened and two ponies entered the room. Both Rainbow Dash and Spitfire, the latter was panting and sweating like she had flew a marathon to which she definitely did given that she had been flying all day up until now.
Soarin smiled at the sight of the two ponies who had just arrived. "Rainbow Dash! Spitfire, you're back! I can't believe you made it!"
Spitfire was nearly out of breath, but the expression on her face indicated she was equally relieved as everyone in the room (sans Wind Rider of course) "I wouldn't have, if Rainbow hadn't found me so fast! Gave me enough time to fly back!"
Rainbow Dash blushed at the compliment, a habit of hers, but then lowered her hears in guilt as she approached both of her stylish friends, "Rare, Bung, On, I couldn't have done it without you all. And I'm sorry I doubted you. But why didn't you tell me what you were doing?"
"Well, we didn't want to get your hopes up until we were sure." Rarity explained. "And we couldn't be sure until we saw that chocolate stain."
“And it was a good thing I figured it out at that moment, because otherwise I would have told you right away.” Bunga added.
“That is true, darling.”
“No kidding.”
Both Rarity and Ono said in agreement.
Rainbow Dash hugged the detective trio. "Thank you for believing in me, even when I was doubting you. I'm some friend, huh?"
"Actually, you're quite a good friend." Rarity said otherwise. "You went to get Spitfire, even though it meant you couldn't fly today."
“Or you too.” Bunga pointed out to Ono who simply didn’t think much of it.
Rainbow sighed in agreement. While it was hard for her, it was ultimately the right thing to do. “Don’t worry. I’ll get my chance one day.”
“Or today.” Spitfire quick said as she approached said pony with a smile of gratitude. “How'd you like Wind Rider's spot in the show?"
Wind Rider's eyes widened in shock as he stammered in protest to that statement. "Uh, w-w-what? Y-You can't do this to me! I'm one of the greatest Wonderbolts there ever was!"
"Not anymore. For attempting to frame Rainbow Dash, I hereby strip you of your Wonderbolts status!" Spirfire angrily ripped the badge from Wind Rider's jacket for good measure, much to his horrified dismay. Everything he had ever worked for was gone in an instant. He narrowed his eyes angrily as several Wonderbolts took him away for his crimes.
Soarin, then spoke to Rainbow Dash. "So, would you like to fly with us?"
Rainbow's eyes widen as he reacted with the utmost excitement she’s ever felt in her life. "Would I?! Woo-hoo!" She flew up, doing air flips and dancing in mid-flight, "Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah, uh-huh, uh-huh, yeah, aww yeah…"
"Uh, Rainbow Dash?"
“Coming!”
The pony immediately stopped and blushed in embarrassment. But Soarin found her antics…quite amusing while Bunga, Ono, and Rarity all shared the same knowing smiles.
By the time the show took place both leaders of the Lion and Pony Guard all had managed to arrive for the show just in time.
“Rarity!”
“Bunga!”
Twilight and Kion all greeted as they approached their friends in the stands.
“Twilight, darling you made!”
“Perfect timing!”
Rarity and Bunga returned feeling very elated at the very sight of them being here.
“Of course we would be here on time!”
“Especially upon hearing that both Rainbow Dash and Ono were going to be flying in the show today!”
Both leaders happily returned while sharing friendly hugs together with their respective friends.
“And we can tell you both sure had quite adventure while we were away.” Twilight commented first.
“What did you both do?” Kion asked next.
The two detectives smiled and placed their hats back on, sounding mysterious once.
“Oh we’ll tell you. But for now…” Bunga began in his regular voice.
"That, my dear Twilight." Rarity then said in her mysterious sounding voice.
"Is a story for another time." Bunga finished while tipping his hat, making the others arch an eyebrow ready to hear that story when they’re ready to share it.
The group watched with pride and joy as Rainbow Dash flew into the sky, looking as amazing as she always did. Rarity and Kion were exceptionally proud of them.
"So my friend got her moment in the sun." Rarity narrated, "Or the center of an aerial flower, as the case may be. And as for me? I got a chance to show off my Femme Mystique Chic collection!"
"Who are you talking to?" Kion asked, getting her attention.
"Oh, did I say that out loud?" The pony giggled before getting back to watching the show.
At the same time, Wind Rider is now looking down in disgruntled defeat as he finds himself walking off of Wonderbolts territory now that he is no longer one of them. Just when he was about to decide the next course of action, he is then drawn towards a voice speaking to him.
“What a pity for this to have happened to you, Wind Rider…” Wind Rider looked around until he looked up and saw Scar floating over his head. “…and I can tell you from personal experience no one deserves to have all of your own hard work taken away from you…” He snapped his fingers just when his Wonderbolt jacket disappeared. “…just like that.”
“And just how does this concern you of any way?” Wind Rider asked with a look of confusion and fear.
“Because we have common ground here. You and me we both have a bone to pick with in regards to the Lion and Pony Guard. You and me, one and another have managed to stand in our way of achieving what is ours in our pursuit of victory.” He explained while circling around him. “And when that happens, there is one thing we would want at the end of the day. Revenge.”
“Revenge?”
“Yes.”
“And why should I listen to what you have to say as if I’m a willing solider?” He asked the most wanted enemy of both kingdoms suspiciously while still keeping his circling eyes on guard from him.
“Because even if you despise me which I don’t blame you one way or another, I know for a fact that you hate the Lion and Pony Guard even more. Especially Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Ono, and Bunga after they cost you your life and career as an honored Wonderbolt. The achievements and accomplishments you've made and done now tainted and slandered all because of one very important achievement you really wanted to keep in life but now no longer have. They burned you down to the ground and ruined you, you're no longer a hero to them. You're just like any other misunderstood villain including me and if we work together we can regain what was rightly ours.” He simply replied as he flew down so they could see eye to eye together. “Right now, I am in a war and I’m offering you an once in a lifetime opportunity here. So…” He offered his claw for him to shake on a cemented deal. “…will you take it or forever spent your last days in life sulking on the fact you passed down an opportunity to retain your former glory?”
Wind Rider though about it for a minute as the graying skies around them got dark as he looked on ready to take upon the opportunity presented to him. He moved to shake his paw who likewise smiled with sinister satisfaction.
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This is the last story in this series, right?
11680352
No, The last for *this* month. It resumes in September.
Makes you wonder what Scar plans on doing with Wind Rider.
Actually, is Lightning Dust still a part of his collective? I don’t think she is. If she is then he could form an anti Wonder Bolts.
Why would daddy want Wind Rider? Doesn’t he already have Lightning Dust or did she already bail to start the Washouts?