> Lurking Within The Woods > by ThatBronyWithTheClipOns > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: Just An Ordinary Morning > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “The soul that has conceived one wickedness can nurse no good thereafter.” - Hoophacles It started out like any other morning in Ponyville. In a cozy cottage, near the Everfree Forest, the gentle pegasus mare, Fluttershy was waking up and preparing to feed her many animals. She hummed to herself quietly, as she was known to do, as she set up all the various foods. But, something was different about today; it was unusually quiet. The butter colored mare noticed none of her animals inside the cottage. She supposed they could all be outside. But when going outside, Fluttershy didn’t see any of her animals in sight. At this time of day, they would all be scurrying towards her to get some delicious food. “Hello?” she called out. “Where are you my little critters? I have a yummy breakfast for you.” Fluttershy looked around and so nothing. “Hello!?” she called out again, just a little louder this time. She was beginning to worry. But then she heard some whimpering coming from inside her chicken coop. Walking up slowly, so as not to make her little friends more nervous, she peeked her head inside, and saw many different species of animals huddled together in fear. “What’s the matter, little ones?” she asked with great concern. “Is there some scary creature nearby?” Most of them remained seemingly motionless, showing only the tiniest hints of shivering. Out of the pile of animals jumped Angel Bunny, her most beloved pet. The normally confident bunny had a clear look of fright on his face, something Fluttershy rarely saw in her furry companion. If he was scared, she knew it must be serious. “What’s the matter Angel Bunny?” she asked. Angel motioned Fluttershy to follow him. They made their way towards the border of the Everfree Forest, near a seemingly ordinary bush. “Is this the spot, Angel?” she asked softly. Angel rapidly nodded his head, pointing continuously at the bush. Both of them let out an audible gulp, as the timid little mare made her way closer to the bush, and moved some brush aside. ________________________________________________________________________________ From up in the clouds, Rainbow Dash (self proclaimed greatest flier in all of Equestria) was napping lazily as she was prone to. She’d finished her work early, and felt she was deserving of a good rest. Suddenly, she was woken up by somepony screaming in terror. She would’ve fallen off the cloud, if not for the fact that she remembered in a split second that she had wings. Disoriented at first from waking up, the cerulean mare realized it was her best friend Fluttershy screaming in terror. “What the hay is wrong with her now?” she said out lout to nopony in particular. She zipped down to her as fast as she could. _______________________________________________________________________________ Rainbow Dash made her way to Fluttershy and Angel’s location in ten seconds flat. Uncharacteristically, she was panting like mad for worry of her oldest friend. “Fluttershy!?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “What’s the hays the matter!? Are you hurt!? Are you animals hurt!? Something stolen!?” Fluttershy’s pupils were so small, like the size of bits; she was shaking and shivering and sweating like crazy. Angel wasn’t in much better shape. “Did your shadow scare you again?” asked Rainbow Dash, rolling her eyes. “I keep telling you, it’s something everypony has…” “N-n-n-no, R-r-rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy finally managed to whimper out. “Th-th-the b-b-bushes.” “What about them?” Dash interrupted. S-s-somep-p-p-pony in the bushes!” Fluttershy continued. “What? Somepony peeking on your or something?” she questioned. “N-nooooooo,” she continued to whimper, tearing up frantically, now unable to say anything. Under normal circumstances, Rainbow Dash would’ve figured Fluttershy was just overreacting to some little situation. But, this was…different somehow. Fluttershy wasn’t just scared, she seemed saddened as well. The rainbow pegasus went over the bushes cautiously and moved some brush aside very slowly. “HOLY BUCKING SHIT!” Rainbow Dash Cried out. Now she was acting out of character, as she let a blood curdled scream. Now she saw the source of Fluttershy’s terror. It was body, a dead body. Some poor pony had been attacked; torn to shreds and mangled beyond belief, with hardly any flesh left on its bones. Organs were strewn about in a puddle of blood. It looked like it had been eaten. Rainbow Dash came very close to throwing up at the sight. “Get back in your house now, Fluttershy! Angel, go with her!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “I’ll go get Twilight.” Fluttershy nodded slowly at her best friends orders, still teary eyed from the shock of what she just saw. Angel accompanied her to the cottage as he‘d been ordered (not that he needed to be told to comfort his owner), while Rainbow Dash made a sprint towards Ponyville to get Twilight. Her mind kept racing as to what could’ve done this; she’d never seen anything like this in her life. It could’ve just been a random animal attack; Celestia only knows what all lived in the Everfree Forest. Could it have been a Timberwolf attack? Those things were dangerous and had the strength and sharp teeth to do something like what she saw. But she’d never heard of Timberwolfs ever getting their fangs on a pony before; but she supposed there was a first time for everything. ______________________________________________________________________ Twilight was just getting up, when there was a sudden succession of rapid knocks at her door. “Who could that be at this time of day?” she thought to herself. The alicorn princess made her way to the door to let whoever it was causing the racket in. “Yes, yes! I hear you!” Twilight Exclaimed. “Oh…Rainbow Dash? What in the world are you doing pounding my door?” “Fluttershy! Everfree Forest! Body!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash, gasping like mad. “Please slow down, Rainbow Dash,” said Twilight, unable to fully understand her friend. “Fluttershy…outside her cottage,” Rainbow Dash explained slowly. “Just on the outskirts of the Everfree Forest. She and Angel found a body! A ponies body! And I think it’s been eaten!” “What!?” asked Twilight in shock. “By what!?” “If I knew I wouldn’t be coming to you, would I!?” yelled Rainbow Dash. Twilight’s ears drooped at her friend’s tone. “I’m sorry, Twi, I really am,” she said in softer tone. “But you should’ve seen Fluttershy’s face. She was so scared and shivering like I’ve never seen. And the body…sweet Celestia it was awful!” “We better get the sheriff,” suggested Twilight. “We have a sheriff?” asked Rainbow Dash. “Recently instated,” explained Twilight. “The mayor felt we needed law enforcement, to seem more important. Since I’m a princess now, and living in Ponyville still.” “Go figure,” thought Rainbow Dash. “We might actually need some law enforcement.” > Chapter 2: The Ponyville Police Department > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “We must always remain diligent, Deputy Sheriff Hum Free,” said Blue Knight. “Ready to pounce on crime whenever it rears it’s ugly head.” Blue Knight had been sheriff of Ponyville for only a few weeks, but he always took the law seriously. He had light brown fur, with a green mane and tail that sported blue streaks in it. His cutie mark was a police shield on a black ticket book, representing his love for upholding the law. He’s rarely seen without his blue vest. He was originally from Canterlot, and a prominent unicorn family (though he himself is an earth pony) but moved away from the scorn of his snobby family because he had a son out of wedlock (named Polaris, whom he has full custody of). “Oh yea, we need to keep an eye out for litter bugs and loiterers,” Hum Free responded sarcastically. Hum Free is the resident “burn out” given that he’s never held any job for very long. He’s a pegasus pony, tall and lanky, with aqua fur and a wavy, dirty blonde mane and tail. His cutie mark is tiny musical notes on a bar, representing his special talent for being able to hum any song from memory. He became Blue Knight’s deputy because he figured being a cop in Ponyville would be a very cushy job, since there are very few crimes to report. Though he rarely gets to just sit around, because Blue Knight always wants to stroll around town looking for possible “offenders.” “Would it kill you to take this seriously, Hum Free?” asked Pencil Pusher. Finally, there’s Pencil Pusher, the secretary of the “police force.“ A female unicorn with light brown fur and a dark brown mane and tail, she sports a typewriter cutie mark, representing her ability to type anything exact precision. Since there isn’t a lot of paperwork to do due to lack of crimes, she also acts as foal sitter to Blue Knight’s young son, Polaris. “Easy for you to say,” said Hum Free. “You get to sit in a cozy office, while me and Blue Knight gotta go out and patrol the so called dangerous streets.” “Don’t forget I also have to look after Polaris,” she retorted. “Not that I mind, he’s a good kid. Still, I don’t get to sit around as much as you think.” “Enough with the bickering, already,” commanded Blue Knight. “Now, Deputy Sheriff Hum Free, it’s time for our patrol of the town.” “Aw, come on, Blue,” groaned Hum Free. “That’s Sheriff Blue Knight,” he interrupted his deputy. “As apposed to the other sheriffs in this massive town,” the deputy sheriff sarcastically replied. “Listen, Deputy,” exclaimed Blue Knight. “I don’t have to put up with your snark. There are tons of other ponies in town who’d love to have your job.” “Like who?” retorted Hum Free. “I don’t think Pencil Pusher has the time with all the vital ‘paper work.’ Plus she has to watch your kid.” As much as Blue Knight hated to admit it, Hum Free was correct. There was nopony else in town who’d even applied for this position. They were stuck with each other. “Ok, fair enough,” said Blue Knight. “In casual conversation, you can refer to me as Blue. But, outside the station, please address me as Sheriff.” “Yeah yeah,” he groaned once more. Just then, Rainbow Dash and Twilight burst into the sheriff’s station. Blue Knight, given his Canterlot upbringing, immediately bowed at Twilight’s presence. “Princess Twilight Sparkle,” he greeted. “You honor this station with your presence!” “I’ve told you time and time again, Blue Knight, that Twilight will do,” she said. “I’m more a princess in title than anything.” “Don’t bother, Twi,” said Hum Free. “Sheriff Stick in the Mud here is all about traditions.” “Deputy!” sniped Blue Knight. “We do not address royalty by some silly nickname!” “These guys are cops?” Rainbow Dash asked Twilight. “I assure you, that I am a serious police officer,” exclaimed Blue Knight. “Serious as a bucking heart attack,” Hum Free said under his breath. “Don’t use such language in front of royalty!” screamed Blue Knight. “For Celestia’s sake!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “Enough with the squabbling! We got a real case for you bozos!” “What? Somepony vandalize a wall?” chuckled Hum Free. “For your information, smart mouth, there’s a dead body near the Everfree Forest!” barked Rainbow Dash. “A body?” Blue Knight and Hum Free both said in surprise. ________________________________________________________________________________ Fluttershy was still inside her cottage, drinking some tea for comfort, when she got a knock at her door. She figured it would be Rainbow Dash and Twilight. When she opened the door, she was surprised to see two stallions standing at her porch. “Oh my…” she squeaked. “Who are you?” “Ma’am, I’m Sheriff Blue Knight,” he introduced himself. “This is my deputy, Hum Free.” “Oh…hello Hum Free,” greeted Fluttershy, recognizing the deputy. “I see you have a new job.” “Yeah, real excited for it,” he sarcastically replied. “Anyway,” Blue Knight interrupted. “Your friend, Rainbow Dash, and Princess Twilight Sparkle have informed us that you found something by the Everfree Forest?” “Y-y-yes,” Fluttershy stuttered, beginning to tear up again. “It was s-s-so awful.” Blue Knight and Hum Free hadn’t dealt with a crying witness before, and weren’t quite sure how to handle the situation. Finally, Rainbow Dash intervened. “Look, guys,” she began. “Fluttershy can’t handle seeing the body again. I can take you both to it. Would that be ok?” “It’s a bit unorthodox,” said Blue Knight. “Normally it’s good to have a witness.” “Well…um…Angel is who showed me the b-b-body first,” replied Fluttershy. “If your husband is willing to show us the scene, that will work just as well,” said Blue Knight. “Oh…um…he’s not my husband,” she blushed. “He’s my bunny.” Angel hopped up from behind her, with his usual stern look. “A bunny?” questioned Blue Knight. “Trust me, Blue, that’s no ordinary rodent,” said Hum Free. Blue Knight gave Hum Free an annoyed look. “Pardon me…Sheriff,” he sighed. “Alright then. Mr. Angel, please take us to the scene,” said Blue Knight. Confused at first by the formality, Angel took Blue Knight and Hum Free to the bush where the body had been discovered. Rainbow Dash decided to stay with Flusttershy for comfort, while Twilight followed the sheriff and his deputy. Angel stopped in front of the bush and Twilight decided to use her magic to part the brush. There were three audible gasps from the sight they saw. “Oh my,” gulped Blue Knight. “Holy shit!” exclaimed Hum Free. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Twilight. “Do you think it was some sort of animal attack?” “Well…it’s possible,” said Blue Knight, going in for a closer look at the body. “I don’t see a cutie mark. That’s going to make identifying the victim difficult. Have there been any missing pony reports, Deputy?” “Not that I’m aware of,” responded Hum Free. “There aren’t any real features to make out any more. I don’t think we can handle this on our own, Blue.” “Princess, do you think you could use some sort of spell to identify the body?” Blue Knight asked. “I don’t know any spell like that on a deceased pony,” said Twilight. “But I may be able to find somepony who can!” > Chapter 3: EBI Special Agent J. Edgar Hoofer > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next day, Sheriff Blue Knight and Deputy Hum Free waited with Twilight at train station for the arrival of her special expert. Naturally, Hum Free wasn't being patient. "Is he ever gonna get here?" complained Hum Free. "We've only been waiting for twenty minutes, Deputy," replied Blue Knight. "Who is this guy, anyway?" asked Hum Free. "Princess Celestia informed me she had recently commissioned a special organization to handle strange cases," said Twilight. "She figured my friends and I couldn't handle them all." "You guys do seem to attract a lot of crazy stuff," commented Hum Free. "Yes, but we've never dealt with...this sort of issue," said Twilight. "Animal attacks from the Everfree Forest are scarce. The last known case of a pony being killed by something from the forest was nearly a century ago." "It doesn't feel right," said Blue Knight. "Why would the animal just leave it there? Seems like there were too many remains." "I'm still sick from thinking about the site," said Hum Free. "I can't blame you for that, Deputy," said Blue Knight. "It was a horrible thing to see." "Hopefully this expert can help us out," said Twilight. "I haven't met him before, but Celestia speaks highly of him." Just then, the train arrived in front of the station. Out walked a tall, unicorn pony. He had white fur and a slicked back black mane; he was wearing a black suit jacket with a white shirt and black tie. On his face (besides a very serious expression) were thick, black sunglasses. His cutie mark looked like an illustration of an eye. The others didn't know what to make of this pony, he just stood there a moment, glancing at them before finally approaching them. "Pleasure to meet you, Princess Twilight Sparkle," he began in a serious voice. "You as well," said Twilignt. "And you are...? "I'm Special Agent J. Edgar Hoofer," he replied. "With the EBI." "What the hay is that?" asked Hum Free. "Equestrian Bureau of Investigation," Agent Hoofer answered. "My job is to deal with cases of an unusual manner. From what I've gathered thus far, this is such a case." "How do you already have info on this?" asked Hum Free. "You certainly ask a lot of questions, Mr. Hum Free," quipped Agent Hoofer. "How do you know my name?" Hum Free asked in shock. "Obviously, Princess Twilight told him in advanced Deputy," said Blue Knight. "You'd be incorrect, Mr. Blue Knight," retorted Agent Hoofer. "I have detailed files on you and the rest of your force." "I'd hardly call, three ponies a force," Hum Free said. "Numbers aren't what's important, Mr. Hum Free," retorted Agent Hoofer. "It's all a matter of how you do your job." "Finally, somepony else gets it," exclaimed Blue Knight."If only you were my deputy." "I think Agent Hoofer would like to get on with the case already," said Twilight. "If you all wouldn't mind," agreed Agent Hoofer. The four made their way to the scene. "Has the body been moved since it was discovered?" asked Agent Hoofer. "Well, we don't really have a morgue," explained Twilight. "The best I could really do was place a spell over the body to keep it from decomposing any further." "Not a bad strategy," Agent Hoofer complimented. "This will work best with the crime scene less tampered." "What exactly do you do?" asked Hum Free. "You'll see, once we get to the crime scene," said Agent Hoofer. After more walking, and more moments of silence, they made it to Fluttershy's cottage. Agent Hoofer knocked on her door and Angel answered. "Good afternoon, sir," greeted Agent Hoofer. "I'm Special Agent J. Edgar Hoofer with the Equestrian Bureau of Investigation." Angel simply arched an eyebrow. "I'm here to investigate the incident near the Everfree Forest," he continued. "But first, I need to speak to the owner of this home. Is she in right now?" Angel slowly nodded and went to get Fluttershy. After a moment, the still traumatized mare came to the front door. "Can I...can I help you?" she asked timidly. "Ma'am, I'm Special Agent J. Edgar Hoofer with the Equestrian Bureau of Investigation," he said again. "I've been sent by Princess Celestia herself to investigate the incident that occurred near your cottage the other day. But first, for proper paperwork, I must ask you some questions first." "Oh, um, ok..." she replied. "I suppose I understand that. You can all come in." Agent Hoofer and the rest followed; Twilight immediately gave Fluttershy a comforting hug. "Would any of you like something to drink?" asked Fluttershy. "No thank you ma'am," replied Agent Hoofer. "It's best to just get things going. Now, do you know who first found the body?" As Fluttershy told Agent Hoofer what happened, Blue Knight took out a notepad and took notes. "Um...well...I think Angel did," Fluttershy began. "But I'm not...really sure. I...I just noticed none of my animals were in the house, and I went out and...they were all hiding in my chicken coop." Agent Hoofer turned his attention to Angel. "Are you the one who found the body?" he asked. Angel slowly nodded his head. "But I'm guessing you weren't alone," he continued. Angel nodded again. "I think I'm ready to see the scene of the crime," he said. "Princess Twilight, I suggest you stay here with your friend. Can you put down your spell from here?" "Of course," Twilight answered. "Officers, show me to the scene," motioned Agent Hoofer. Blue Knight and Hum Free took Agent Hoofer out to the area where they too had been shown the body. "I should warn you in advanced Agent Hoofer, it's not a pleasant sight," said Blue Knight. "I understand, Sheriff," Agent Hoofer assured him. Blue Knight and Hum Free moved the brush aside to reveal the body. It was still in it's original state, thanks to Twilight's spell. Despite the horrific site, Agent Hoofer remained composed. "You are indeed correct, Sheriff," said Agent Hoofer. "It's certainly unpleasant." "It's just an simple animal attack, right?" asked Hum Free. "That's still uncertain, Deputy," answered Agent Hoofer. "And I forgot to ask, what is your special talent?" asked Blue Knight. Without saying anything, Agent Hoofer used his horn to levitate his sunglasses and rest them on his head. His irises were a milky white that almost blended into the regular whites of his eyes. Added to that, his pupils weren't black, but a very light grey. Blue Knight and Hum free were quite surprised by their appearance. "Are you blind!?" exclaimed Hum Free. "Deputy! That's a rude question to ask," chastised Blue Knight. "No need to worry about my feelings, Sheriff," said Agent Hoofer. "I assure you both I have perfect eyesight. You could call this a mere...side effect to my special talent." Agent Hoofer walked closer to the body. He began to widen his eyes, and his horn began to glow brilliantly. Next, the magic from his horn looped around his eyes, and two bright white beams shot out of his eyes and began scanning the body. Finally his stopped the scan and everything went back to normal, and agent Hoofer returned his sunglasses to over his eyes. The two police officers stood there in awe. "WOW! THAT WAS COOL!" exclaimed Hum Free. "Calm yourself, Deputy," snapped Blue Knight. "But yes, I must admit, that was impressive. Were you scanning the body?" "You are correct, Sheriff," answered Agent Hoofer. "My special talent is, in simplest of terms, perception. Even I'm not certain how it works, but with my magic I'm able to essentially gain information from scanning anything. I can read a book simply with my magic and remember it all word for word. A side effect from it though is a sensitivity to bright lights. Hence these special sunglasses." "So now you know the information of this pony?" asked Hum Free. "Correct as well, Deputy" said Agent Hoofer. "Victim is male, Earth Pony, though I'm sure that was obvious even with the remains the way they were. He appears to be a young adult, his cutie mark, when he had one, was a polishing device. His name was...is Shoeshine. I would guess with that name and cutie mark, that his special talent was polishing horseshoes. Anyone in town by that name?" "Not that I'm aware of," said Blue Knight. "It's pretty easy learn the names of everypony around here." "So, he could have come from anywhere," said Hum Free. "Manehattan," answered Agent Hoofer. "Possibly here to visit somepony. But, I don't think this was a mere animal attack." "Why?" both Blue Knight and Hum Free asked. "I find it strange that no other animal tried to forage the remains of the body," continued Agent Hoofer. From my scan it's clear that all the remains from when he was attacked are still here. It's almost as if the animals of the Everfree Forest were...spooked into staying away from this body. Stranger still, the bite marks are not from any animal of recordings. They don't match any particular species. Clearly sharp...but I don't think naturally." "You mean, something sharpened it's own teeth?" asked Hum Free, now a bit scared. "Or somepony," said Agent Hoofer. "Are you trying to say that...this pony was eaten by...another pony," gasped Blue Knight. "The current evidence points to yes," said Agent Hoofer. "A cannibal pony!" exclaimed Hum Free. "You ever heard of this!?" "Only in storybooks," said Agent Hoofer. "Tales almost as old as Equestria. But they were just that, stories. I have never heard of a true life story. But, I suppose there is a first time for everything." "Oh this is fanbuckingtastic!" Hum Free exclaimed sarcastically. "I didn't want things to stir up like this!"