Fluttershy and Big Mac are mysteriously kidnapped during their wedding. Now Private has to play an evil game with a madpony if he ever wants to see his friends again. Shadowhoof will finally show himself and will face Private in the most epic case ev
All was peaceful in Ponyville. Private's friend Big Macintosh was going to marry the love of his life Fluttershy. But right after the couple make it official, a mysterious pony interupts the ceremony. Private fails to save his friends from the hoof of this evil pony. Now Private is forced to play the game of Shadowhoof. If he doesn't solve five mysteries before time runs out, Private will lose his friends. Just who is Shadowhoof? What does he want with Private? Above all, will Private be able to stop him?
Equestria Noir 2 Case 5 “Shadow Hoof” By: Jacoboby1 Chapter 1 “The Prelude”
Perspective: Gunry Insight
I sat at my desk, looking out at the streets of Manehatten. When I took this job I found a mess that Shinebadge left behind. Corrupt cops, upstart detectives that abused their privileges, no wonder Private Eye was the only one that can get anything done around here.
I went back to the newspaper in front of me. I read the article.
Lightning Strike Found Murdered, Mysterious Killer at Large.
About a week ago the police found the body of CEO of Lightning Electronics, Mr. Lightning Strike, has been murdered. His body was found in the middle of the park district, hanging from a tree. We’ve also managed to confirm that he was scalped prior to his death. In a rather morbid move by the killer, his mane was found in the trash nearby. Police have been unable to identify a suspect as of now. Though some are speculating this has something to do with the recent murder of Ivy Rose, who was killed in a similar manner. No connections have been made between the victims at this time.
Yet another stab from the press. Whoever killed her was truly a sick individual. I mean, stabbing a pony is one thing, but scalping them before they die? That’s cruel beyond any stretch of the imagination. If we don’t find this killer soon, we could have a serial killer on our hooves.
I don’t get paid enough to put up with this crap.
I just hope Melody will be okay. She got back to her teaching job pretty well despite being held hostage. She’s a tough girl, she’ll be fine. That doesn’t make me worry about her any less though.
The phone rang….
I picked up the phone and held it to my ear, “This is Police Chief Insight, what the hell do you want?”
“You treat all your callers this way?”
That voice….
“YOU!” I yelled into the receiver, “How the hell did you get on this phone!”
“Simple, I dialed the little numbers and you picked up the phone. Honestly though, your etiquette could use some work.”
“You realize this line is wired…” I said coldly.
“And you’ll find that the line heads to a phone in Germaney, which nopony will be able to reach in time. Now, on to business.”
“I don’t negotiate with scum.” I growled.
“You will listen, lest you receive a repeat performance of my last visit.”
Melody…
“Fine...what do you want?” I asked.
“I’m going to begin a little test for Private Eye, I’d kindely appreciate it if you stayed out of it.”
Private Eye…him again…
“For all I know you could be him.” I said, a little smugly.
“Hold onto your delusions all you want, you’ll find that Private Eye is about to be the best stallion for a wedding in a few hours.”
“So, you got eyes everywhere don’t you?” I replied.
“Yes, and I know quite a bit, I’m sure the press will love to hear about half the scandals that go on in this department.”
“Trying to bribe me?” I growled.
“No, just showing you the line. Should you cross it, I’m afraid more than just your wife will suffer this time.”
“Big Mac for the love of all that is sacred will you just hold still!” I said, as my fellow groom’s stallions, Applesnack, Potso and Swarm, tried to get Big Mac ready for his big day.
“Sorry, Ah’m just so nervous,” Big Mac said apologetically.
“Ah don’ta worry my friend,” Potso said encouragingly. “It’s not as large or extravagant as Private’s wedding. Just family and friends who you gotta stand in front of to proclaim your love.”
“Not helping Potso,” Applesnack said, standing off to the side.
“Ah just dun know,” Big Mac sighed, “What if Ah dun have the guts?”
“THEN I WILL BREAK YOU!!”
All of us stood deathly still as a yellow pegasus entered the room. This was Flutterbreak, Fluttershy’s dad believe it or not. He was large, well built and sporting a brown mane that was kept in a military buzz cut. On his flank was a soldier’s star, showcasing his talent for leadership. Honestly I think whoever picks Cutie Marks should’ve gone with a megaphone.
He stomped over to Big Mac who was visibly sweating. “Look ere maggot, I love my little Fluttershy more than anything on Celestia’s green earth. If you even so much as think of backing down I’m going to hunt you down and tear you limb from li-”
“Dear?”
Another pegasus entered the room. In stark contrast to her husband, Flutterbreeze was lithe, small, and rather pretty despite age. She flew in graceful as a swan, her dark pink mane blowing in the breeze as her butter yellow coat shone in the sun. I think I know which parent Fluttershy takes after. Her blue eyes looked upon her husband in disapproval, “Dear, you really shouldn’t scare the poor boy like that.”
“Breezy, I was just making sure he doesn’t run out on our baby,” Her husband replied, giving a smile.
Suddenly Flutterbreeze’s yellowish eyes got huge. The almighty power of the stare was at work. “Get back over to our baby’s tent and get ready to escort our daughter down the aisle!” She commanded.
“Yes honey,” Flutterbreak said, he slapped Big Mac on the shoulder, “We’ll see you soon, son.”
Big Mac gulped as both parents left.
I whispered in his ear, “Word of advice, save the guy’s wife a couple of times, then you’ll get on his good side.”
Big Mac smiled at me, looked back in the mirror at his tuxedoed self and said. “Ah’m gonna marry Shy, Ma and Pa...make sure ah say the right words…”
Okay, dearly beloved, we are all gathered here on this fine day…
But what if it rains later? It wouldn’t be a very fine day at that.
Okay Twilight focus, Dearly beloved we are
“TWIII!!!”
“GAH!” I yelled tumbling to the floor as Pinkie appeared in my face. I fell over onto the dressing room floor. I looked up at Pinkie Pie, fixing my crown as I did. “Pinkie? I was practicing my speech.”
“Speech meech!” Pinkie shouted, “You gotta help with Fluttershy! She’s locked herself in the bathroom again!”
“Uggh,” I groaned, “That’s the fourth time since this morning.”
I got up and used magic to fix my regalia. I’ll admit, the regalia was a little heavy to wear. Celestia said I’d get used to it. I sure hope so, I hope I get used to this faster than I’m getting used to my wings.
I walked with Pinkie, but other thoughts entered my head. This was the first time I’d marry anypony together. Celestia said I should do it to help in the future. But, those nerves got into my head again. It seemed nothing was going completely right in my princess training.
For months it’s been almost non stop. Celestia and Voidera dragging me and Private to Canterlot for lessons, the constant hours studying Equestria Law and Royal Conduct, it was all very tiring. Don’t even get me started on the flight training, I’ve been falling flat on my face every stinking time! Rainbow and Cadence make it look so easy…
Maybe, maybe Celestia was wrong...maybe I’m not cut out for this…
I shook my head as we came to the bathroom door. Aj, Rarity, and Rainbow were all outside the door.
“Again?” I said with a frown.
Rainbow groaned, “Yep, she picked one without a window to fly in this time.”
“Don’t be so hard on her darlings,” Rarity said, “she’s just nervous about today.”
“Rarity, it was cute the first time,” Aj quipped, “But now, Ah just want her out of there, so she can marry mah brother, and start pumping out nieces and nephews before Ah have to drag her out with mah lasso again.”
“Let me talk to her,” I said, my horn glowing and with a crack I teleported inside the bathroom. There was Fluttershy, sitting in her wedding gown in front of the bathroom mirror. She was a little startled when I suddenly teleported in. But then she just sighed and looked in the mirror. “I can’t do this…”
“Fluttershy, you were okay the last three times,” I said, trying to be gentle.
“But I,” She shakes her head and says. “What if I’m not ready? What if I say something wrong? What if Mackey decides to run away? What…”
I slowly pulled her into a hug, careful not to ruin Rarity’s dress for her. “Fluttershy, you’ll do fine, we’re all behind you.”
“But-” She tried to say.
“But nothing,” I said looking at her, “you were willing to look a dragon straight in the eye, you can tell Big Mac you love him enough to spend the rest of your life with him.”
“That’s, true,” She said, looking down, “I’m sorry, I just...”
“Panicked?” I said with a smile, “I know the feeling.”
She smiled and said, “I guess I should go meet Daddy now huh?”
“Yep, before he starts drilling Rainbow again.” I said, laughing a little.
“Oh, daddy may seem tough, but inside he’s a real sweetheart.” Fluttershy said.
“I’m starting to see why you’re comfortable around bears.” I said flatly.
The gazebo was tastefully decorated with flowers, and pink, and red bunting. The seating around the place was filled with well-wishers, and family. Mostly Apple family, who were happy to see Big Macintosh marry. We couldn’t bring the whole family what with harvest in full swing, but enough came to wish Big Mac well.
Twilight stood at under the gazebo, Big Mac and I were standing off to the sides of her. I saw a look of nervousness pass her eye, but then I motioned for her to relax. She did her breathing trick Cadence taught her and smiled as the wedding music began to play.
And there she was, her dress was white, with green vine embroidery, dotted with little yellow flowers, and the occasional embroidered butterfly and apple. Rarity had done it again, showing Fluttershy’s connection with nature, and her new connection with Big Mac.On her head was a crown of flowers and a wedding veil hung from it. Her father was escorting her, the big guy looked about ready to cry. Fluttershy got the cutest smile on her face when she saw Big Mac. I couldn’t help but smile myself.
At least one hook up has gone right…
Big Mac was staring at her, I used my magic to keep his jaw from dropping to the floor. But, slowly a smile came to his face and the nervousness from before left his features. Flutterbreak left his daughter and went to sit with his wife, sweet Luna his tough guy attitude was completely gone when it came to Flutters.
Fluttershy stood before Big Mac, smiling and blushing a little as he gazed upon her. He got his mellow smile back on and suddenly the world was right again. I know what’s going through his head right now. He’ll do just fine.
Twilight spread her wings and the music quieted and a hush came over the crowd. She cleared her throat and said, “Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to bring two really good friends of mine together in holy matrimony.”
I gave Twilight a mimed smile and she did so, a little awkwardly as the nervousness settled in. But she kept a cool head as she said, “I am happy and proud to bring these two together at last. Should any pony have any objection-”
“They can taste mah shotgun!” Granny Smith shouted from her seat.
“I was going to say they can speak now or forever hold their peace… But it seems kind of pointless after that,” Twilight said, giggling a little.
Everypony got a chuckle after that, except Big Mac, AJ, and Applebloom who was among the flower girls. All three of them facehoofed at the same time.
I don’t know whether to be impressed or slightly freaked out at that.
I just shrugged as Twilight went on, she looked to Big Mac, “Do you, Macintosh Apple, take Fluttershy as your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, for richer or poorer, in sickness or in health, until death do you part?”
Big Mac smiled at Fluttershy and said, “Eeyup.”
Twilight nodded, and looked to Fluttershy, “Do you Fluttershy, take Macintosh Apple to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, for richer or poorer, in sickness or in health, until death do you part?”
Fluttershy’s aqua colored eyes looked to Big Macintosh, she smiled cutely and said, “Yes, yes I will…” Her voice may have been soft, but it was no less convinced this is what she wanted. Her Mackey.
“Bring forth the feathers.” Twilight called.
Pegasi tradition states that when a couple is to be wed they get a special feather known as a rainbow feather. It’s magically imbued to stick itself into the wings of their intended and to always grow that color. No matter how many times you preen it. Big Mac obviously didn’t have wings, but he insisted on performing the traditions.
Applebloom and Babs Seed came up, balancing pillows on their heads holding the rainbow feathers. Fluttershy temporarily removed hers for the ceremony. A second one was procured for Big Mac.
Twilight took the feathers in her magic and said, “Then, by the powers vested in me as Princess of Equestria, I now pronounce you both,” She levitated the feather into Fluttershy’s wing, it went into her wing and the rainbow color stood out in her yellow feathers. The other went to Big Mac’s hair, his blond mane tied itself around the feather. You gotta admit, he looked kind of cool in it. Almost like a tribal warrior or something.
Twilight finally said the words both of them have been waiting for, “Stallion, and wife, you may kiss the bride.”
Big Mac lifted Fluttershy’s veil gently up. Good Luna that smile she had, I remember Twilight’s smile when I lifted her veil up not long ago. I wonder, did I smile like Big Mac is now? I’d have to ask Twilight later.
The couple kissed and the crowd erupted in cheers and shouts. I was about to join in…
When I saw a mist coming towards us…
It was black, like smoke only lighter. When it hit the back row, some of the guests fell over as if they were knocked out.
“What the!” Rainbow cried, “I didn’t order any freaky mist today!” She zoomed over and flapped her wings rapidly to try and blow it away. But it only pressed forward, the mist entering her nostrils and causing her to fall over flat on the ground.
The mist was moving fast and before I knew it Applejack, Swarm, and most of the guests had fallen over flat.
“What the- uggh..” I watched as Twilight fell over too.
I ran to her to catch her, “Twi? What’s wrong are you okay?”
“Nap time…” Twilight said, closing her eyes….
Why wasn’t the mist making me fall over? For that matter, where did it come from?
I turned around and my eyes grew wide with horror. There was a stallion there, cloaked in a stealth suit and ski mask, he was levitating both Big Mac and Fluttershy. Both were knocked out but unharmed. I saw that his horn was glowing…
Green...with a violet outline…
This guy was using dark magic!
“What have you done!” I shouted.
The stallion stood there for a moment and said, “Moved my first piece, and captured two.”
His voice was distorted, he must be using a spell of some kind.
“You let them go right now!” I shouted, pulling Blackbird from inside my tuxedo and firing at him.
The stallion summoned a barrier that the bullet bounced off of. He then took off, Fluttershy and Big Mac held in his magic. I gave pursuit, I wasn’t going to let this bastard get away with them…
I chased him towards the outskirts of town, as I chased him I saw the whole town was asleep thanks to this weird mist. Whatever it was, it didn’t affect me. I was going to take advantage of that.
We passed by Fluttershy’s cottage and made our way down the path towards Everfree. I entered the strange forest and didn’t look back.
We stopped at a clearing, I ran out of bullets trying to hit the guy as he dodged his way through the trees getting here. I should’ve brought extra.
I watched as he sat there, laying the couple gently on the ground. He turned to me and watched as I came out of the brush.
“What do you want with them?” I asked.
“Nothing, they are a means to an end.” The stallion said, his eyes glowing with dark magic.
“Who are you?” I asked.
“I think we’ve met before,” The stallion said, “Don’t worry about your friends...I’ll take good care of them…”
Rage entered me at how easily he saw my friends as pawns...I stuck my muzzle into the air and howled.
The stallion blinked at my strange outburst, “I didn’t think I would shock you to savager-” He stopped when he heard a low growl behind him.
I smirked, “Get him boy.”
Luca leaped out of the brush and bit the stallion on the left foreleg. The stallion yelled in pain as Luca bit into him. He glared at the wolf, and fired a bolt of shadow magic at him. Luca was thrown off, but blood stained his teeth. Good boy…
I tackled the stallion during his brief moment of disorientation. We tumbled for a while and Luca managed to get a second bite on his hind leg. I took a punch to the face and fell off the guy. When I turned around he was about to get another Luca bite.
That was until his horn sparked, his hoof stomped and a rock pillar suddenly hit Luca in the gut as it jutted from the ground. Alchemy? How was this possible?
Luca slammed into a tree and fell unconscious.
I glared at the stallion, “You let my friends go right now!” I shouted, ready to tackle the guy again.
“I’m afraid not Private Eye, for your friends are instrumental and cannot be wasted,” The stallion said, his voice giving away nothing.
“You were the one who summoned the mist weren’t you?” I said, glaring at him.
“Correct.”
“Why am I not affected?” I asked.
The stallion gave a low laugh. “Quite simple, you’ve used my magic before, you’ve developed a resistance, or maybe you’ve always had it. I wonder, does your dear Twilight Sparkle know just how strong you are once you let your hate and rage take over? Or, have you truly lost your teeth.”
“I’ll show you lost teeth!” I yelled, about to tackle him again.
His horn sparked and a wall of black crystal formed in front of me. I slammed into it and cursed as I fell back onto the grass. I yelled in rage, and fired a magical blast at the wall. The crystal shattered and I saw as the stallion had Fluttershy and Big Mac...and he was stepping through some kind of dark portal.
“The game’s begun Private Eye, catch me if you can,” He said, jumping in.
“NOOOO!!!” I leapt towards the portal, but it closed before I got to it and I slammed down into the grass.
I failed...I failed to stop that bastard from taking my friends...Fluttershy...Big Mac...forgive me….
I watched as Luca limped over towards me, he pushed his muzzle to me, trying to gauge if I was okay. I rubbed him on the head to reassure him. “You did great buddy,” I said.
Luca gave me a gentle lick on one of my bruises. His teeth had some blood on him, but his saliva would contaminate it. I’d never be able to get a DNA sample of the blood.
I groaned as my eyes slowly opened. I must’ve fallen unconscious from all the fighting. What happened…?
“BIG MAC! FLUTTERSHY!” I shouted, sitting straight up on the library’s bed. I felt a hoof on my shoulder and saw Twilight was at my bedside. She was still wearing her dress from the wedding earlier.
“Private, it’s okay,” She said gently, “Luca brought us to you when we all woke up.”
“How long was I out?” I asked, shaking my head to get it back in shape.
“About twenty minutes,” Twilight said.
“Where are the others?” I asked, getting of the bed and walking towards my trench coat, hanging on a nearby rack. I left it here when I was changing.
“Out searching for Fluttershy and Big Mac,” Twilight said, “Well, most of them. AJ is trying to convince Granny Smith they didn’t elope.”
“They didn’t, they were kidnapped,” I said, slipping my coat on.
“You saw what happened?” Twilight said, staring at me.
“Yep,” I said with a nod, slapping my fedora back on. I went on to explain all that happened. Twilight was quiet through most of it, a little shocked and shaken, but she seemed to be handling it pretty well.
“So this guy, you think he’s this Shadowhoof pony?” She asked.
“I’d bet my left hoof on it,” I said, picking up Blackbird and loading her with ammo.
“He was using dark magic too…” Twilight said, “Private, how come you weren’t affected?”
I debated in my head whether to tell her. What was I supposed to say? That I used dark magic myself like Sombra? That somehow I developed a resistance?
I sighed and said, “I, guess it didn’t work with me somehow.”
Twilight gave me an odd look and said, “Private, is there something you’re not telling me?”
“Twi…” I said.
“Private, don’t,” She shook her head, “Don’t give me an excuse saying it’s to protect me or something. Tell me right now why that mist didn’t affect you.”
She looked firmly into my eyes, she knew I wasn’t going to put up a fight. Raiden did, and look where that got him…
“Twi,” I said, “Remember back at the palace when I told you guys about how sometimes I used dark magic when I was ticked off?”
“Yes,” Twilight said with a slow nod.
I looked away.
“Private don’t tell me you’ve been using it often,” Twilight said, “That kind of magic is dangerous. It corrupts the pony who uses it, promises power to that pony, only for them to constantly crave it. I can’t believe you would even consi-”
“Like you would know,” I muttered.
“What was that?” Twilight asked.
“Twi, you have a lot of great magic within you, more so now that you’re an alicorn! You never had a time when you didn’t have magic at least in the little bit. Me? I spent every waking moment of my life wishing that I had magic like any normal unicorn! I used dark magic yes! But I never used it willingly! It just, happens!”
Twilight blinked, and said gently, “Private, I love you, you know that. But, just, I don’t want you to get into something you shouldn’t.”
I sighed, “I know, I just. It was just frustrating that I couldn’t beat him. I shouldn’t take it out on you.”
Twilight walked up and nuzzled me gently. “Hey, you got it out okay. Just, if you ever feel like that magic is taking control again. I’ll try to be there for you.”
I gave her a kiss on the lips for a minute and said, “You, always could pull me out of darkness.”
Twilight smiled and kissed me back, but then we split.
“Now, we got a case here,” I said.
“We called the police to search the area,” Twilight said, “Plus we got the Apple family turning the place upside down looking for them.”
“I just hope we can find them in ti-”
I was cut off when a loud crash was heard. Twilight and I ran out to the main area to see Fluttershy’s parents were inside the library. The crash was Flutterbreak bucking down the door. “Where’s that detective!”
I gulped as Twilight and I descended to the floor. “Uh, right here sir,” I said nervously.
“Now,” He uttered suddenly got within inches of my nose. “You the guy who’s going to look for my precious Fluttershy?”
“Uh, yes sir,” I said, nervously as I got a flashback to boot camp.
“Well listen here Private! What is your sole mission at this point and time?” He said in his best command voice.
“Sir, to look for your daughter sir!” I yelled.
“Celestia damn it Private! You’re a Celestia damned genius! That is the best answer I have heard all day! You must have a Celestia damned I.Q. of 160! You are Celestia damned gifted Private!” He yelled in turn. “Now you get my baby girl back this instant you hear me soldier!?”
“Sir, loud and clear sir!” I answered firmly.
“GOOD! Get on it!” He said, and then turned to march away.
Flutterbreeze, who had a tissue in her hooves and was wiping her eyes, walked over to us. “You’ll bring them back right? I just can’t imagine my little baby all alone and hurt.”
I smiled gently and said, “Ma’am, Big Mac is probably with her, she’ll hold out until then, they’ll keep each other strong until we find them.”
Flutterbreeze smiled, “I do hope you will do your hardest detective. My husband and I aren’t the richest ponies, but we will be willing to pay…”
I shook my head and said, “No ma’am, this is personal. If you wanna pay me later that’s fine, but this guy, whoever he is, made this a personal battle. I’m going to make sure your daughter and son-in-law get home safe.”
“I shall leave you to your work detective,” She said, fluttering away to follow her husband.
“I’m still saying it’s a little freaky that those two are together,” Twilight deadpanned.
“Either way, we got a job to do.” I said.
Riiing
I went over to the phone, “Maybe somepony’s found something,” I said, hopefully.
I lifted the phone to my ear. “Golden Oaks library,” I said in my best business-like tone.
The same distorted voice answered…
“Ah, it is good to hear from you Private Eye.”
“YOU!” I yelled into the receiver. “Where are Fluttershy and Big Mac?”
“Safe, and together if you must know. They will not come to harm so long as you listen to what I have to say.”
“Speak.” I said, my face frowning.
“I’m sure I don’t need to tell you the stakes should you refuse the next few demands.” He said.
“You even lay one hoof on them-”
“And you’ll what? Yell me to death? Private Eye, you don’t seem to understand, in this situation, I’m the one who holds all the cards. So, let’s get down to business shall we. I have five tasks I want you to complete.”
“I’m not playing a game to save my friends! You will let them go or I’ll kill you myself!” I yelled. I caught a glance of Twilight. She was starting to look a little nervous at my outbursts.
“You will do so, otherwise...I’m sure that dear Fluttershy can live without her mane…”
“You…” I blinked, “You’re the killer…the one who killed those five ponies that were part of my cases…” I uttered, frowning.
“Ah, there’s the clever deduction of Private Eye at work. You’ll need that mind of yours if you ever hope to see your friends again.”
I had no choice. I couldn’t risk Fluttershy and Big Mac. I’d never forgive myself if they got hurt because of me. “Fine, what are your demands?” I asked. “Money? Gems? A condo?”
“Nothing so material Private Eye, you do these five tasks for me, and your friends can go home free, attend their honeymoon, and bask in all the glories love can offer.”
“What are these tests?” I asked.
“Ah, a few rules first.”
“That figures.”
“The first rule, I’m afraid your beloved Twilight Sparkle is going to have to sit out on this one.”
“Say what?!” I yelled. “I’m not leaving Twilight behind.”
“These tasks are for you, and you alone. If I even catch a whisper of your beloved calling the guards to follow you, I will be forced to hurt the lovely couple. Neither of us want that to happen.”
I cursed under my breath. This guy was really becoming a pain in the flank.
“Also, don’t involve any other royals for that matter. I cannot stress enough that these tasks are for you alone. I am testing you Private, not your ability to phone a royal friend.”
“Why test me?” I asked.
“Mainly, to see if you are truly all you say you are. Just how far are you willing to go Private Eye? If it means saving your friends?”
“Fine, I’ll play your game. But what I can’t stress enough is that if either of my friends are so much as touched, I’ll shoot you until you have more holes than swiss cheese!” I yelled into the phone.
“Ever charming as usual.”
“So what’s your first task?” I asked.
“My first task is simple. You are to travel to Canterlot, there, you will have one hour to find another phone booth in the city. At the end of the hour, I will call the phone booth, if it is not answered by the third ring…”
“Thing is, Canterlot’s a big city.” I said, “You can’t have me just run around to every phone booth and expect me to find the needle in the haystack.”
“Of course not, that’s why I’m willing to give you a hint. You will find the address at Canterlot’s morgue.”
“A morgue?” I said, blinking in surprise.
“Yes, I believe the pony you are looking for, is Tabletop.”
“Tabletop’s dead.” I said, and then blinked again, “You want me to find a clue on his corpse.”
“Clock is ticking Private Eye, the minute you step off the train, the task begins. Don’t dawdle.”
CLICK!
I slammed the phone and glared at it for a minute. Twilight looked at me worriedly, “That was him?”
I nodded, “Yeah, he wants me to jump through some hoops before he’ll let Fluttershy and Big Mac go. Also, he says you can’t come along. I gotta do this alone.” I said, looking down.
Twilight put a hoof on my cheek. “I understand,” She said, “I’ll keep everypony here looking and tell Celestia what happened. She’ll send guards around to look for them. You keep this guy busy watching you, we’ll try and find them.” I nodded and said, “Right, now I got a train to catch.”
In keeping with the stiff, upright nature of Canterlot, the train station was an elegant structure of marble, and wood with brass fittings, more stylish than efficient. The cobblestone streets were not very crowded, at this time, and the brass lightposts lit my way, easily. Compared to Ponyville, a village of plaster and thatch, Canterlot was stone, brick, and more stone. Stone or brick walls, usually whitewashed, with slate roofs and ornate windows. The whole place seemed to stand at attention, unlike Ponyville who was like an old friend who invited you to share their bench.
I stood at on the train car as other passengers disembarked. I knew that the minute I stepped off this train my time limit would begin. I checked my watch, it was 3:00 right now. I had one hour to get to the morgue, find the clue on it, solve it, and find the phone booth.
I took off at a run as soon as I stepped off. I pushed my way through crowds, ran stairs twenty at a time, all to get out to the streets of Canterlot. I’ve been to the morgue before here in Canterlot. Way back in the day when Shining Armor was arrested, over a year ago now that I think about it.
There was no time to think though, I ran down Canterlot’s streets towards the morgue. The entire run took me over ten minutes to get there. I really gotta work out more often. I ran inside the double doors and stepped into the office. The office was very simple, only having a desk at the front and a door leading to the morgue area. The stallion monitoring the station was a forty-something unicorn with a short red mane and a brown coat. He was clad in a labcoat and he looked up at me as I entered, “Can I help you sir?” He asked in a very monotone voice.
“Detective Private Eye,” I said, catching my breath. “ I need to see Tabletop’s corpse.”
“Sir, I’m afraid any sort of corpse viewings are to be done by court order. Do you have a warrant?” He asked.
“Look this is an emergency!” I said frantically. “I have to see the body!”
“You don’t look like police,” He went on in his agonizingly monotone voice.
“Don’t you ever read the papers?! I’m Private Eye!” I shouted.
“Yeah and I’m Princess Luna,” The stallion said, rolling his eyes. “If you want to see the corpse, you’re going to need to bring a warrant next time. Now run along while I get back to more important thin-”
My horn glowed and I moved it to touch his. The stallion’s head plopped onto the desk and he started snoring loudly. Anaesthetic spell, should keep him out for a few hours. I took the keys off him and used them to open the door to the morgue.
If you’ve seen one morgue, you’ve pretty much seen them all. They took the most efficient design and ran with it. Clean white floor tile, clean white walls, light boxes for x-rays, cabinets with countertops for work surfaces. Last but not least are the stainless steel tables, basically basins to catch bodily fluids that come out, when a body is cut open but with various braces and harnesses to hold the legs and head in place. Autopsying a quadruped isn’t easy. Racked along one wall are the refrigerated drawers for those bodies that the corner hasn’t gotten to, yet.
It was deserted, I’m guessing nopony is coming in to work today. Either that, or the guy at the desk was the only worker here. Figures, very few ponies line up to want this job. Unless you were an old kook like Forceps, then they just let you on without much question.
I looked onto the body storage units, I read them quickly, checking my watch.
3:15, I still had time.
“Here you are!” I said, pulling open Tabletop’s storage unit open. I pulled the corpse out and Lord Tabletop was lying there before me. His fur was paling a little. I heard he’d been poisoned. Odds are by Shadowhoof.
But what kind of clue would he want me to find on a corpse?
I then saw, he had something in his mouth. I used my magic to pull it out, it was an index card. On it read the following message…
15 18 15 15 2 15 26 13 22
Some kind of code? Ah damn it I don’t have time for this! How did Shadowhoof even get it inside his mouth anyways? Seems whoever he is, Shadowhoof has connections.
Okay, Private think, what could these numbers mean? The alphabet maybe? A being 1 and so on?
Nah, that means that it says something like Nqnnb Nzmv, either Shadowhoof speaks zebra, or I’m missing something. There’s not enough time! I’m already wasting enough time as it is!
It was then I noticed something on Tabletop’s foreleg. I slipped some rubber hoof coverings and tentatively lifted the forehoof. Carved into his skin was an inscription…
Always move forward, but don’t be afraid to look back. Only then can you learn whether the path you stand on holds true…
Blaze
I don’t think I’ve heard of a Blaze before...why did that sound familiar?
I shook my head and checked my watch. It was 3:25 right now. I spent too long on this puzzle. I had to solve it quickly. If only I had a clue and…
Wait...look back?
I looked at the code again, and facehoofed. Of course! There was a reason why it didn’t make any sense! It’s because the code is for a backwards alphabet. I pulled out my notebook, wrote down the code and did a little tinkering with numbers and letters. Takes you a minute to really think about putting numbers with letters now that I think about it. After a minute, I got it.
Lilly Lane.
That had to be a street name.
I pocketed the note, locked Tabletop back into his storage and ran outside before the desk stallion could get up. I saw a random pony passing by, a pretty pink pony with a blue mane and she looked to be wearing some kind of frilly saddle. “Ma’am! Can you tell me where Lilly Lane is?”
She spoke in a Canterlot accent, “Why it’s just a few blocks down the way. About a twenty minute walk if you hurry. But I’m sure if you wish to take in the scenery it would be a brisk thirty minutes.”
“I’ll try make it a ten minute run thank you!” I yelled running as fast as I could down the street. I didn’t bother looking back. I leapt and dodged my way through ponies walking down the street. On one occasion I almost crashed into a cabbage wagon. The guy operating it was none too happy when I almost destroyed his merchandise.
I finally saw Lily Lane in sight. I looked down the street and saw the phone booth was just across the street. But before I could step in, tons of carriages came and blocked my way. I looked both ways, there was no way I was going to make it past all these carriages in time.
I checked my watch, 3:55.
I had to think fas…
I looked at the nearby building. I saw it had some loose bricks along the side of it. I looked up and saw there was a rope connector that led across the way. I had no time to think as an instinct took me over.
I ran to the brick wall, and began using my hooves to find hoof holes. I reached for each one quickly as I scaled the building. I had to do this, I had to do this for Big Mac and Fluttershy. Just, don’t look down.
I got to the top and stood on the roof. I looked and saw that the rope didn’t look like it could support me tightroping it. I then got an idea, I grabbed most of the rope, and held it in my hooves. That’s when my ears caught the first ring...I had to move fast!
I used my magic to cut the rope and I leaped from the building, holding onto it for dear life as I swung across the street. Whoo hoo! I’m king of th-
SMACK!
I’m the guy who smacks into walls…
I hit the building on the other side of the streets and fell down. I braced myself as I landed in a conveniently placed hay cart. I popped my head out and heard the second ring. I quickly reached out with my magic and pulled the phone off the handle.
I sighed in relief as I moved out of the hay wagon and stepped inside. I breathed heavily as I listened to the voice on the other end.
“Quite a close one, I must say you made quite a show.”
“I did you stupid task, is that all you got?” I asked.
“Now what do you want me to do now?” I asked into the phone. I was still in Canterlot following my very narrow escape from getting my friends hurt.
“Go to Manehatten, there’s a toy store there I want you to visit.”
“I didn’t think you’d ask me to do Hearth’s Warming Eve shopping.” I said.
“Far from it, the store has been closed for almost a decade. I want you to go in there, and find dear Ivy Rose’s mane.”
“You actually scalped her?” I said, blinking.
“I’m afraid I cannot take credit for that little stunt. I merely, pointed in the right direction.”
“I don’t know what kind of sick monster you hired to do what you did to Ivy, but suffice to say, don’t think that this excuses what you did,” I glowered into the phone.
“I wouldn’t think otherwise. The address is 1914 Wayne West, you’ll find it at the lower east side.”
“What’s the name of the store?” I asked.
“It’s called Little Filly’s Toys. You can’t miss it.”
“No time limit this time?” I asked.
“Oh no, I don’t think a time limit is necessary, once you have the mane you’ll take it to central park. Look for a tree sitting alone on a large hill. It has carvings on it, I will know your task is complete once you put it there.”
“Fine, but know this Shadowhoof. Once I find out who you are, you will think twice before messing with my friends and putting me on this insane quest,” I growled.
“Oh don’t worry Private Eye, if all goes according to plan, your friends will be home by dinner.”
I hanged up the phone and slumped against the side of the phone booth. No time limit, that meant two minutes rest. But, I had to get to the train soon, I had to find that mane.
I took the train to Manehatten after dealing with Shadowhoof. Celestia’s sun had set towards the horizon and Luna’s moon would follow soon. I hated being shoved around like this. But this guy had Fluttershy and Big Mac, if I didn’t do what he says, he could hurt them. I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to them.
It was your typical pan-Equestrian train, too. Simple seating, with enough cushioning for ponies to catch twenty winks, if they wanted. If I wanted to pitch in a few more bits, I could have gotten a bunk, but… I can’t really sleep. This game worries me. I want to know why I’m having to see the ponies this stallion’s killed. And the killing, itself, serves no purpose. They had been caught, and were going to jail. Why kill them?
“Is this taken?” I heard a feminine voice say.
I looked up and lo and behold, Octavia was standing in the doorway. I smiled at the grey earth pony. “Hey Octavia, great to see you,” I said. “Have a seat.”
Octavia nodded and sat across from me. “I was on my way to Manehatten for my Orchestra’s concert. I had no idea I’d be sharing it with the great Private Eye himself.”
“Aw, cut it out, you know me better than that,” I said with a laugh.
“True, you never were one for basking in pony’s praises,” She said, a smile adorning her face. “So, I imagine you’re on the hunt for some crazed criminal?”
I shook my head, “Not exactly. But, close I guess.”
She blinked and I went on to explain what has been going on. Octavia was quiet and attentive throughout my story. She didn’t say anything until I was completely finished, “So, this Shadowhoof villain kidnaps Fluttershy and BIg Mac, and demands you play his sick game in order for them to go free?” She said.
“That’s pretty much it in a nutshell,” I said. “Sorry I can’t ask you to help out.”
“While I may not be able to help you with the game, I may be able to tell you something about the player,” She said, her face serious.
“You know this guy?” I asked.
“I’ve never seen him, but I’ve heard of him,” She answered, “I believe the rumors started about, four years has it been? It was around the time of the whole Nightmare Moon fiasco. I remember hearing rumors about a Shadowhoof. I coughed it up to your typical tin foil hat nonsense. But, as the years went on I kept hearing the name. So far, I can only guess he’d have to be somepony high up. With connections and the ability to enter a crowd without notice. That’s the only way I would imagine he got into the wedding.”
“So, I’m dealing with some kind of secret society nut job?” I asked. “Also, he killed those who I arrested, with the exception of Lightning Strike. It doesn’t make sense, why kill-”
Octavia looked down for a minute.
I frowned, “Same boat as you huh?”
“He’d have to be.” Octavia said, guilt in her voice. “Had I, had you not been there, I would’ve done the same.”
“Octavia…”
“I don’t ask for forgiveness for what I did,” Octavia said. “I made the mistake, I owned up to it. You helped me get past my hate and pain and see what I was doing. I wasn’t providing justice, I was doing petty revenge for my mother’s death. In the end, you and Vinyl helped me turn my life around.”
“So you think this Shadowhoof guy has been wronged by the police like you are?”
“Oh, this Shadowhoof, whoever he is, is far more filled with conviction then I am. The bad thing is, he has the means to carry out that conviction.”
So now, I walk the streets of what looked to be a bad part of the city. I rarely came down to this part of town, the last time I was in a place like this was during that whole Discord fiasco.
The buildings around me were old, crumbling, and would be demolished if somepony cared enough to file the paperwork. I was lucky that the street lights even worked. Graffiti was splashed here and there like some kind of wasting disease Litter covered the sidewalks and there was almost nopony in sight. Well, nopony that I would want to meet in such environs. Why would Shadowhoof want me to come here?
I rounded a corner and saw the toy store in question. It looked totally abandoned. The walls, which showed signs of pink paint with stars on it, looked chipped and worn from use. There was an old sign showcasing the place’s name above it, along with a picture of a clown next to it. Two letters were missing and the clown had lost an eye. Very creepy, never understood the appeal of clowns.
The building itself was small, only a single story. It’s walls and broken windows were boarded up almost completely. Except...for a couple boards on the door, they were barely attached to it.
Somepony else had been here recently.
I went up to the door, and gave it a gentle push open. The interior was dark, but what I could make out was shelves. Empty shelves, and torn advertisements on the walls was my first impression. Brittle cardboard standees showed the fads of bygone times, and would probably crumble to dust at the barest touch. There were a few old toys that weren’t taken, but not much else than dust was there.
I lit my horn and the light shone into the darkness of the toy store. I moved slowly, my hooves breaking broken glass under me. I shined my horn over the shelves, no sign of Ivy’s mane. I think her mane was green if I remember right. Well, no dolls were using it as a wig. That’s something…
“Nopony else is here…”
I hushed up as I heard a voice. I shut off my horn light as I saw somepony coming out from the back of the counter. I hid behind a shelf as I heard a young female voice speak.
“Somepony here? No, No, nopony comes here. Not even Big Brother. He knows I like it here, all by myself.”
Wait...Big Brother…?
I was quiet as I heard hoofsteps moving around the store.
“Other kids? Come to mess with Scarlet? Call her names? No...no you not call her names. Because, Scarlet will make you dead ponies. Oh yes, very dead ponies…”
Okay, I did not just hear that come out from a kid.
I poked my head out from my hiding spot and there she was. Her red coat was the color of blood. Her verdant green eyes were looking around all over the place. Her long red mane was a little disheveled. I could see some hairs had fallen out. Or...dare I say ripped out? This was definatly the same mare I saw during Tappy’s case.
She had something in her hooves, it looked like a doll. It looked like a morbid Smarty Pants doll. It’s arm was ripped open, and the stuffing was colored with red marker. It’s black button eyes had red paint tears coming down from it. Wait, I know that mane color it has. That isn’t yarn...it was Ivy Rose’s mane…
No wonder why Shadowhoof didn’t need a time limit. This crazy mare was a challenge in and of itself. I had to get that doll away from her somehow.
She held the doll to her chest, stroking the mane. “You are my newest friend Ivy Rose, yes you are. You don’t make fun of me or call me names. Or else Scarlet will have to cut off your other legs. You don’t want that do you Ivy Rose?”
I tried to back up, and my hoof cracked a piece of glass under my hoof.
The mare stiffened and looked over at me. I couldn’t duck behind the shelf in time. She screamed “Burgler! Come to steal from Scarlet!”
“Wait miss please!” I yelled, coming out of my hiding place.
She blinked when she saw me, and said, “Wait, I know you. You’re the weird pony who talked about the...milk shake..” Her eyes weren’t all there. They seemed to be somewhere else as she stroked the doll’s mane.
“Listen, Scarlet is it?” I asked.
“Have you come to make fun of me?” She asked.
“Why would I make fun of you?” I said, a little nervous.
“All the kids make fun of Scarlet. They call her weird and say she should die. They don’t like Scarlet, so Scarlet doesn't like them.”
“Look, I don’t what’s going on with you and the other kids,” I said. “But, listen, I’m not here to make fun of you.”
“Then why have you come to see me?” She asked.
“I need, the doll’s mane,” I said, trying to make that bizarre sentence come out as normal as possible.
“NO!” She yelled, hugging the doll to her chest, “She’s mine! My doll!”
“Look, I don’t need it long.” I said, holding up my hooves, “I just need it’s mane. I don’t need the whole doll.”
“Big Brother said ponies would try and take her,” She said, slowly smiling a very creepy smile. “Big Brother is always right. He knows you’re a bad pony. Try to steal, try to make Scarlet believe you.”
“I’m telling the truth!” I yelled, “I’m not trying to steal it! My friends are counting on me!”
“Friends...stupid…” She said.
“What?”
“Friends are stupid...they don’t stay...they lie...say you’re pretty...say you’re smart...then the teasing starts….they hurt you...laugh at you...say you’re nothing...they don’t know...that they bleed like me...they bleed so well…”
I took a step back from her as her eyes showed almost pure madness.
“Make bad pony see...what happen…not like mane...but...will still make bleed…” Her horn glowed a bright green and suddenly…
I felt the most unimaginable pain I’ve ever felt. It’s like every part of my body suddenly stopped moving. I grunted at the pain as I felt my legs move by themselves. This was telekinesis alright. But I’ve never felt so much power behind it. Who was this filly?
I screamed in pain as my legs were stretched painfully out as I hovered in the air. If this keeps up, my shoulders are going to pop. I slammed into the wall behind me as the filly walked over. I struggled as she slowly withdrew a knife from the doll…She started..singing….
“In and out...goes the knife…”
My horn glowed and I shot the teenager straight in the chest. She fell back a bit, I gasped for a moment as her magic canceled on my limbs. Who would’ve thought, that a teenager could have power like this.
“KILL NOW!”
I had barely a eye blink to react before I was shoved onto the ground by her. She held the knife above her in her magic. She stabbed down and I moved my head to get out of the way.
I didn’t want to shoot her, she was still a kid after all. She probably had no idea what she was doing. I tried to fire another blast before she hit me with her hoof. The spell went wild and blew out the window.
She glared down at me and snickered manically, “Yes...now Scarlet will make sure...bad pony never steal….”
My silver eyes went wide as the knife came down.
SLAM!
Suddenly a grey blur came out of nowhere. I looked up, and saw that Scarlet was going flying towards a shelf. She hit her head on it and fell unconscious.
I got up, and saw my savior…
He was, a teenager. Probably sixteen, seventeen maybe. He had a grey coat, with a long violet mane...and...bat wings…
I stared at the bat pony before me. His cutie mark was showing a pair of slitted eyes, stars in them. He was rather skinny too, looked be from hunger rather than lack of muscle. His ears were longer than your average pony’s, also a little furrier.
He turned to look at me, his yellow slitted eyes gazing at me. Fear entered them for a moment and he zoomed off out the window back into the night.
Okay, now I’ve definitely seen everything. Who was that kid? I’ve never heard of Bat Ponies living in the city. From what I heard, they hated living there. Too much noise for their sensitive ears to take.
But, that guy was just a kid. I hoped wherever he lived, he gets there safe.
I looked over to the doll and I picked up Scarlet’s dropped knife. I used it to cut the mane from the loose stitches that held it to the doll. I grimaced as I put the mane in a plastic bag. I hate to imagine how she got a hold of this. I considered leaving Scarlet behind as I looked at her.
But, Scarlet needs help. She really needs help.
I used an anaesthetic spell to make sure she stays unconscious as I picked her up. I set her on my back, put the doll in her hooves, and walked outside.
Luckily there was a hospital not too far from the toy shop. I carried Scarlet inside and the nurse, a plump unicorn with a white coat and blue mane, came by with a wheelchair. “Oh, Scarlet again?” She said upon seeing her.
“Again?” I blinked.
“Oh poor Scarlet is always found around here,” The nurse said, helping the sleeping Scarlet into the chair. “To think, such a well behaved and smart child would want to come to this neighborhood.”
I’d like to debate the accuracy of that statement if I wasn’t in a hurry. “Listen, just make sure she gets the care she needs,” I said.
“Oh we will, poor dear,” The nurse wheeled the chair with Scarlet on it into the hallway. Scarlet was okay, now, to deliver the package.
The character of Central Park is completely different at night. The trees make everything darker, and there are no streetlights here. Apparently this park is meant to be used during the day. The shadows are deeper, and anypony, or anything, could be lurking there.
I kept my magic on Blackbird as I moved through the park. Shadowhoof said to look for a tree sitting alone on a hill. Seeing as Central Park was covered with trees, I had little idea of what he meant.
Then I saw it, I looked up and there was the tree. It was a simple oak tree sitting all by itself on the hill. I walked up the small clear hill and saw a hollow in it. I’m guessing this was where he wanted it. I put the wig inside the hollow and leaned against the tree. Having your life nearly taken from you does take a lot out of your system.
I looked up at the tree, and then tilted my head as I saw something along the other side. I got up, walked over to the side of the tree…
Part of me wanted to sleep against that tree all night. But, I didn’t have that option. I had to get moving. I walked out of central park as the city lights lit up the night. I walked the streets as your typical night crowd took up the place. Late Night Workers, partiers, drunks, typical Manehatten nocturnal species.
I walked past a phone booth when I heard it ring. Looks like I’m getting my next task. I walked in, put the phone to my ear and said, “Hello?”
“Don’t act like you expected anypony else.”
“What is it you want this time Shadowhoof? Where are my friends?” I asked.
“Oh, you still got a bit of a ways to go before you’ll get to be with your friends again. You took quite a bit with the last task. Heard you took a detour.”
“Did you know about Scarlet?” I said, and then shook my head, “Of course you knew.”
“Yes, Scarlet is a rather...close friend of mine.”
“What about the Bat Pony?” I asked.
“Bat Pony?”
“The one that saved my neck?” I blinked in surprise he didn’t know.
“Hmm, it seems that help comes to you whether you ask for it or not. I’ll let this go.”
So he didn’t know about the Bat Pony? Well, at least it’s good to hear he doesn’t know everything.
“Now, onto your task. I want you to get inside Limelight’s cell.”
“Limelight’s Cell?” I asked.
“Yes, you’ll find it at the Mare Correctional Facility downtown. I believe it’s in cell block B.”
The prison was a grim stone building, three stories tall, and surrounded by a high fence topped with barbed wire. At each corner of the fence was a guard tower, manned by ponies with rifles. Pegasi were also flying overhead, almost like bees to a hive. Getting in was not going to be easy.
Yet, if all goes according to plan, I’ll be in and out before they can even breathe.
I hid in an alleyway looking at the main gate. Two ponies with rifles were standing guard. Another was in the watch tower. There were two gates, one for prisoners, another for guards. I was at the one for prisoners. I needed a uniform… I noticed one of the guards was a unicorn, that gave me an idea.
I looked to see a couple walking by. An earth pony couple walking home after what I could only guess was a date. My horn glowed and just as the couple was passing by, I lifted the tail of the mare with my telekinesis for all to see.
She yelped and I canceled my magic long enough for her boyfriend to turn around. “Babe what happened?”
“Some pervert was trying to peep!” She yelled.
The boyfriend saw the only other unicorn in sight. He stomped over to the guard and said. “You tryin’ to peep at my girl?!”
“Wait, I-I wasn’t!” The poor guy tried to reply.
“Take this you bastard!” The stallion outright punched him in the face. From there, the two brawled while the mare was covering her eyes from the sight.
The watch tower pony looked down and started yelling. I watched him leave the tower and I knew that was my chance. I moved my way down the street towards the gate. I aimed White Tiger at the other guard and shot him in the flank with a tranquilizer dart. He fell over like a rock and I used my magic to drag him away.
I hid behind the dumpster as I used some old sheets to tie up the guard. He’d be out for a couple of hours. I slipped his uniform on, leaving my trench coat and hat inside the dumpster under a pile of old magazines. I’d have to pick it up later.
The uniform was a little big, but I managed to fit into it okay. I used alchemy on the I.D. to change the name and picture on it. This should allow me to get in no sweat.
I just hope all goes according to plan…
________________________________________________
The other gate was not as impressive as the front one. This was the one where the guards came in during shifts. There was only one guard there in the toll house. He was a plump unicorn with a short yellow mane, and a light aqua colored coat. His blue eyes showed absolute boredom as he stared at the newspaper.
I cleared my throat.
He woke up from his stupor with a start, and looked at me. “Huh, didn’t know they were hiring new guards.” he said, his voice tired.
I decided to go along with it, “Just going to check Cell Block B. My buddies are throwing a surprise party for one of the guards there. I’m to relieve him.” I said with a smile.
“Heh, didn’t know anypony would do that for Thimble,” the stallion said with a shrug, “Can I see your I.D?”
I held it up, he gave it a cursory glance and said. “Alright Sour Apples, I’ll let you in.”
Good thing the uniform covered my cutie mark.
He pressed a button on the controls and the bar keeping me out lifted and the gate opened. I stepped inside, acting like I belonged here. “Uh, where’s Cell Block B?” I asked.
“The building to your left as you go in.” He said, going back to his news paper.
I guess in peaceful Equestria the prison guards have gotten complacent. Something I’d have to ask Twilight to address once she gets into real princess duties.
I hope she’s doing okay…
______________________________________________
This place was pretty bleak. The gray stone of the outside was continued on the inside, with the sturdy steel bars on the doors not adding an iota of color. The only color there was the orange of the prison-issue jumpsuits, and the blue of the prison-issue bedsheets. The letters for the cell blocks were stenciled in white paint on the walls, and following the directions quickly lead me to Block B. Inside the cells were just a small cot, a toilet, and a sink. No privacy was allowed, because privacy could be used to devise ways to escape.
As I walked through the cells everypony in them was asleep. The inhabitants were mares who probably spent all day trying to shank, steal, and raise whatever hell they could in this prison. Or some could probably spend their time, quietly, trying to get out, early, and get back to their family. I don’t know, for sure.
To them, I was just another prison guard. So they didn’t bother me.
Earlier I snuck into the records room and found where Limelight was being kept. The place was guarded by a sleeping guard who was probably dreaming of some island with beautiful mares on it. Either way, it allowed me to find the cell. Luckily, the cell was vacant. I peeked my head inside, looked around for guards, and then went in.
The place was just like any other cell. Cot, sink, toilet, window to the outside world that was barred. I got a strange feeling…
I almost...heard it…
Like a vibration….a calling…
I looked under the bed, there it was duct taped to the bottom of the frame. It was a small black crystal. A little bit bigger than my hoof, shaped like a diamond. I used my magic to dislodge it and pulled it out.
I held the strange crystal in my hooves. It felt...warm...almost...alive…
I shook my head to snap out of it. I then saw a little note was attached to it. I pulled it off and looked at the note.
Take me to the alley where you just were…
What the…?
Okay, don’t question it. Shadowhoof probably wanted me to find, whatever the hell this thing is. I slipped it into my jacket and turned around to head outside. As I did….
I left the knocked out guard in the dumpster along with his uniform. I pulled the dart from his flank and tossed in a couple of beer bottles. Any pony who found him would think he was just a belligerent drunk. He’d be out until morning. I slipped my trench coat and hat back on and turned my attention to the task at hoof.
I looked down at the crystal in my hooves. I tilted it, rolled it around, even tossed in the air a couple of times. Nothing worked, it just sort of sat there. It wasn’t even vibrating anymore.
Why would Shadowhoof want me to find this? Does he get a kick out of seeing me clueless or something.
Because it’s really starting to pi-
I shook my head as I felt the crystal vibrate. I looked at it for a minute. It had the same aura as Sombra, green, with a violet lining. Whatever this thing is, it responded to dark magic.
But, I promised Twi…
No, this is for Fluttershy and Big Mac, I had to do this…
Forgive me Twilight.
I concentrated on the crystal. I held it in my grey magic. Nothing was working. Every other time I did Dark Magic was an accident. I had no idea what triggered i-
No, I know what triggered it those times...fury.
Okay, time to get mad Private…
Think about what makes you mad. Well, there’s the times when Spike and Tailspin decide to raid the cookie jars without asking. Nah, that’s an annoyance.
Wait, what got me really mad before….
When, somepony wanted to hurt Twilight…
Sombra threatened to use her as his toy…
He played with her...relished in her fear….
It sickens me, on an incredible level…
In fact, Sombra’s not even the worst offender. There’s plenty of other ponies who wanted to hurt me and my friends. Glimmer who tried to murder Dinky. Lunard who tried to use Twilight as his pawn.
Then, there was Adamus….
Oh, Grandpa the things I could say about you. The fact you treated me like a bastard child. You despised my very existence. You had my mother murdered because I wouldn’t become what you wanted. You hate me...then...you had to go and work with Lunard.
I want to...make you see…
Just what you turned your back AWAY FROM!!!
My horn glowed the with the same aura as the crystal. I shot it with my magic and it glowed brightly for a split second. And then, it just glowed...normally.
I let out a breath as the anger and rush passed. Good, I was able to come back from it. I looked at the glowing crystal, and then at the wall in front of me. On it were letters….
They were in Ponish, I could read them.
I make you weak at the worst of all times, I keep you safe, I keep you fine I make your hands sweat, and your heart grow cold I visit the weak, and seldom the bold. What am I?
A riddle? Okay, how am I supposed to answer it? Do I say it? I think that’s what I’m supposed to do.
I looked at the crystal, at it’s soft glow.
I looked at the riddle then as it’s light shown the words.
Makes you weak at the worst of times, keeps me safe. Visits the weak, and seldom the bold…
“Fear…” I said aloud.
I looked on as the crystal moved from my hoof. It flew towards the wall by itself. It moved across it, I saw it was writing new letters.
Another address.
4513, East Moon St. Uptown
I covered my eyes as suddenly the crystal shattered into a million pieces and fell on the ground. I gave it an odd look as it’s light faded. Luckily I remembered the address it left behind.
Well, seems that Shadowhoof wants me to see something there. I smelled a trap. But, sometimes you gotta spring the trap if you want the cheese.
This part of town was much nicer than the prison district. Stately buildings marched along the street, with elegant entrances leading to elegant homes. The streets were relatively clean, trash being in alleys out of sight. All in all, a very nice neighborhood. Most of the buildings had their lights on, the inhabitants were probably hosting some party.
I walked down the rather deserted street. I kept looking at the houses as I passed.
4511...4512…
I saw..where 4513 was…
I was looking at a burned down building. It had to have been a mansion like the other buildings in this part of town. The beams stuck up like charred branches, and the walls were scorched so you can’t tell what color the paint was, originally. Kind of depressing, but I can’t help but wonder what happened here.
From my brief time in Arson, I could tell this was not a recent fire. In fact, I’m sure Flame Broil would agree that this burning was well over a decade old. The wood was rotting and most of the glass that should be under my hoof as I ventured in was gone. But, no sign of any squatters taking up refuge.
It could just be this neighborhood not having squatters, but it seems like nopony has been here in years either.
I entered the building and went into what had to be the foyer at one point. The stairs leading up were out and the roof showcased the night sky above me.
I walked into another burnt room, looked like a study. The book shelves were bare though. Whoever owned this building probably took any valuables during the fire.
I heard something go clink under my hooves. I looked down. There was a small picture. I used my magic to pull the picture out of the broken frame. It was a family photo…
There were three ponies, one adult earth pony, and a unicorn mare and colt. The picture was in black and white. I wouldn’t want to ruin the picture by drawing out the color. Some of the scorch marks might mess with it.
The stallion was a fairly large pony with a short mane and beard. He was wearing what had to be a hikers vest. His smile on the picture was genuine, and there was an almost child like charm to him.
The mare was a beautiful, yet thin unicorn. Her hair was light colored and came down to her sho-hold on a sec!
I know her! This was Cantry! The girl that Dad was going to be betrothed to before he met mom! I heard she left the city, fell in love.
So, this is where you ended up huh Cantry? I’m sure dad would be happy to know you found love yourself. I oughta tell him that when all this is over.
But then, I looked at the colt.
He was small, thin, with dark hair and bright eyes. He was all smiles as he looked at the camera...where did I see him before…?
So, this was Cantry’s home?
I folded the picture and slipped it into my pocket. There had to be more to this story. Otherwise, Shadowhoof wouldn’t have made me come here.
I walked into another room and saw it was a ball room. Or, what was a ballroom at one point. I saw an old record player and the record on it was still intact. “Blue Moon...Fourth Sinite, talk about your classics.” I mused, setting the record back down.
I opened another set of double doors and got blasted with an awful scent. I covered my mouth and coughed a little. My horn glowed, allowing me to see inside.
It was a dining room. The table was blackened, and half the room was almost unrecognisable, but the rest… There looked like there was a party going on here. A banner, scorched, and illegible, hung at the back wall. Half-burnt party hats were on the table, and some presents were still intact.
Wow, to think a fire started during a birthday party. I’d hate to have been that colt.
I walked over, morbid curiosity leading me towards the presents. I lifted one up, and gently removed the wrapping paper. I opened it, and saw inside was…
OHMYGOSH IS THIS THE RED PONY RANGER ACTION FIGURE WITH FULLY POSEABLE LIMBS AND ALL THE WEAPONS AND ACCESSORIES?!?!?
I mean, ahem, it was a toy you’d expect any colt to have had about a decade ago. No reason to get too excited. I opened more of the presents, yep, definitely a party for a colt. Had to have been the one in the picture.
But, who was the birthday colt?
I saw something under the last present. One of the cards had fallen off and got stuck under the pile. It survived the fire that way.
The card depicted a rather cute looking duck with a party hat on it’s head. The writing read, “Happy Tenth Birthday!”
I opened the card, and saw a little bit of writing inside.
My most wonderful son Charcoal,
Today you take one more step to becoming a stallion. Your mother and I could never be more proud. I left another surprise in the basement, it’s that guitar you always wanted. Don’t tell your mother, she’s still insistent you learn something like the violin. Hey, you’re talented enough I’m sure you’d do fine with both. Happy Birthday big guy…
Dad
So, the colt’s name is...Charcoal.
I looked over at the table again and saw a cake was sitting on a nearby counter. I walked over to it, the box was closed but the ten candles were on it. I looked at the frosting letters…
I left the mansion behind and found myself on the sidewalk again. I yawned widely, I didn’t realize how tired I was until I stopped to take a breather. I was up almost all night. I looked up at the sky and saw Luna was about ready to retire her moon. Man, what I wouldn’t give for a bed right now. Preferably one with Twilight in it.
I shook my head to refocus and walked over to a nearby phone booth. Like clockwork, it rang as I was about to pass it by.
I walked inside, checked to see nopony was looking, and lifted the phone to my ear. “I know you’re there, let’s get this over with.” I said, my grouchiness leaving an edge in my voice.
“Sounds like somepony could use a nap.”
“I’ll sleep when my friends are safe.” I glowered at the receiver.
“Oh, they will be. Private, your next assignment is to venture into the office that Lightning Strike was killed in.”
“Are you insane?” I asked. “It’s a crime scene, they’ll know something is up if I go there. Plus, there’s all the security from last time.”
“But thanks to my agent you never got caught on camera.”
“So, how do I get in?” I asked.
“You’re a detective, you’re there to solve a crime, there should be nothing suspicious about that.”
“What am I looking for?”
“I think it should be obvious once you get there. I suggest taking a cab there, you have been running around all day and are probably exhausted. I need you awake and alert.”
“For what exactly?”
“For, the little surprise at the end of this venture…”
I did take a cab there as he said. I got some much needed few minutes of sleep as the carriage took me across town. When the driver asked what I was doing, I just told him I got away from a party I didn’t want to be at. He didn’t ask anymore questions after that.
I once again saw Lightning Electronics tower in the distance. I yawned again as the tiredness from before faded away as my focus set in. We pulled up to the front gate to find the police standing in front of the entrance. No reporters were here, the death was yesterday’s news. But the police still stood outside, ever vigilant in case anypony wanted to get into the crime scene.
I stepped out of the cab, paid my fare and watched the driver ride off to look for more customers. I walked up towards the police tape. Once again I found Yang standing there. She said something to a uniform and he went inside. The yellow earth pony looked on me as I came up. “Honestly I expected you to show up when the body was still here.” She said, looking slightly confused.
“It’s been hauled away already?” I asked.
“Chief’s orders,” She replied. “Nothing I can do about it, I just make sure the right ponies get in.”
“Listen, Yang,” I said, walking up to the police tape and looking her right in the eyes. “I need to get inside.”
“Detective Clipboard was on the case last I checked,” Yang said with a raised blond eyebrow.
Good, with Clippers on the case the police can expect this case to be solved in about...thirty moons or so. Either way, that gives me a method to get in. With Clippers out questioning, I can get in and out before anything else comes up.
“So, if you’re not here to see the body,” Yang started, “Maybe you’re here about the message?”
What is it about executive offices that make them all look like cookie cutter copies of each other? There was the big wooden desk, topped with faux leather, stained in a dark tone, the big chair, more faux leather and overstuffed. Green wallpaper covered the top half of the wall, with a very ornate border, and the bottom wall was dark wood wainscoting, with a deep burgundy carpet on the floor. True there looked like there had been a massive fight in here, leaving the corporate knick-knacks scattered about willy-nilly, and blood stains on the expensive carpeting, but aside from that… Seen one big-shot’s office seen them all.
But, that wasn’t what was what grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go. There was the white outline of chalk where Lightning Strike’s body was leaning against the wall. On said wall...was a message written in blood.
Charcoal 987 March 6
A date? This is what Shadowhoof wanted me to find?
“We tried looking up what it could mean,” Yang said as she stood beside me, “It mean anything to you?”
I shrugged and sort of lied, “Nah, although, the date does seem important.”
Yang shook her head. “Nothing much happened that year, I was a kid at the time,” She said. “There was that fire though.”
“Fire?” I asked.
“You know, that fire uptown that happened around that time. I remember cuz my mama was helping to clean it up.” “She a cop too?” I asked.
“Five generations of Yangs have been in the force,” She said with pride. “In one form or another.”
“So, what does she remember about it?” I asked.
Yang shrugged, “I dunno, I don’t remember much. I do remember it was some fancy home. Big Mansion, I heard the dad didn’t make it out alive. Went back inside to try and rescue his kid.”
“Did the mother and son make it out okay?” I asked.
“I think so,” She said with a tilt of her head. “Again, this was before I was even out of elementary.”
“Right, I’ll check the library and see if the newspaper archives have anything on the fire,” I said.
“You don’t want the chief to know you’ve been here?” Yang said with a knowing smile.
“The less Gunry knows the better,” I quipped. “Thanks for letting me in Yang.”
“Hey, you seemed like the alright sort. Plus you helped us with all those cases before. I don’t care what the chief says, you and that princess are alright in my book,” She said with a smile.
I gave a smile of my own as we left the crime scene behind.
I took another cab to get some much needed sleep. Manehatten rolled by as I laid in the seat. I just hope all this will end soon. I’m exhausted, I haven’t even eaten as far as I know. I hate not having anypony here.
I miss Twilight….I...I want her…
I want her here with me….
I closed my eyes...and drifted into...slumber… _________________________________________________
Prometheus!
Izanami it’s great to see you!
Wow, who knew the colt I used to groom all day would grow up into a handsome stallion such as you.
Aww stop it Izanami, I’m not a colt anymore.
You’ll always be one to me silly. You seem to be doing well for yourself.
Yeah, I built this city myself. I was hoping for all of you to come and meet Aria. We’ll all have fun just like we used to.
Prometheus...about that…
….they aren’t coming are they?
You can’t blame them. Izanagi is starting up his kingdom. Askus is training his army to fight against those gryphon things. Emblem is trying to keep Adamus from cutting down too many trees. As for Evona, well, Evona is Evona.
I, I guess it was too much to hope they’d come to see it.
Oh Prometheus, I’m sorry they couldn’t come.
No, it’s okay, you were all busy…
Promy…
I’m fine, I’m a stallion now remember. I can handle it.
If you’re sure…
I’m fine really.
Okay, so, let’s go see this grand glorious city of yours. I wonder if it’s as nice as the one Izanagi and I made. Aww well, Izanagi never really had much creativity to be honest. Always gem studded this, gem studded that. I’d love to see what you did with those crystals.
Okay, I’ll catch up, Aria should be up ahead.
Okay, see you Promy! You really do make me proud!
…..
Oh Izanami...why can’t you ever see me as anything... than just that little colt…
I blinked open my eyes as the dream faded. It was the same as the last few times, no pictures, just voices. Izanami and Prometheus, the ancestors of Twi and me respectively. I really wonder, just what caused him to do what he did to her? Was it truly that he loved her?
For that matter, do I love Twilight because of that? Man, I’m really tired to be thinking like that. Of course I love Twilight because she’s the most amazing mare in the world.
I wanted her with me. I wanted us to talk about our future together. But, until Big Mac and Fluttershy are safe, there was little I could do.
I looked out the little window as Manehatten’s library came rolling into view. It was Ancient Pegasi architecture rendered in white granite, a three-arch arcade decorated with Hippolytian columns, supporting the placket in which reliefs of scholarly ponies on togas were depicted. A large staircase divided in the middle by a support rail, and flanked by statues of manticores lead up into what looked like an ancient temple of books. The columns continued along the wall, in between were arched windows, below post unification style square windows on the second floor.
Well if Twilight were ever to start a cult I think this would be the place to do it.
Dang I can never get my mind off her.
I paid my fare and moved up the long steps towards the library. Again, I’m in the library of Twilight’s more torrid dreams. Arrayed in the center were oak tables with reading lamps, with lecterns at the end, for books to be placed. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, illuminating the entire place. Arrayed around the perimeter were the shelves made of oak, stained a golden honey color, and full of books. I looked up, and saw the ceiling was decorated with fancy mouldings, with pegasus-painted frescoes of clouds. I wish I had come here to study. This place would make me feel all important, and super smart, if I had.
It was still early in the morning so the place was relatively deserted. I walked up to the front desk and saw an old mare with a smooth blue coat, a silver mane tied in a bun, and a pair of glasses on her muzzle. She looked up at me as I entered, her jaw dropped a little.
“Private Phelps Eye is that you?” She said in shock.
I blinked and it took me a moment to recognize her. “Literary? Literary Story?” I said.
She smiled at me, “Why it’s been years since I saw you here last. I haven’t seen you since you started attending the Police Academy.” She said, closing a book she was putting down.
“Yeah, well I’m not here to clean out the mystery section like I did when I was seven,” I said with a sheepish smile.
“Ah, how the years go by,” She said with a wistful smile. “I do miss the days when I found you sleeping on the latest book from Agrippa Cantly when we got it in stock.”
“Just blame Grandma for getting me into those books.” I said with a chuckle.
“So, what can I do you for?” She asked.
“I’m looking for any newspapers that came out on this date.” I said, showing the date on my notebook.
“Are you looking for a specific event?” She asked, adjusting her glasses and looking at her catalog.
“Something about a mansion catching fire uptown.” I said.
“I do believe I can find it in the archives, make yourself comfortable until I get back with it.”
A week ago, uptown was given a startling sight today. Sanctuary Mansion, home to Cantry Sanctuary, Her Husband Double Blaze, and their ten year old son Charcoal, was burned today. The fire broke out during Charcoal’s birthday party, causes of the fire are still under investigation.
During the fire, Double Blaze managed to get his wife and the guests of the party out. But during the escape young Charcoal was trapped when some debris fell. His father heroically leapt back into the flames to rescue him. Blaze was forced to toss his son out of an upstairs window, Charcoal’s landing was made safe by firefighters. However, more debris fell on Double Blaze, causing the stallion to become trapped inside the burning mansion.
His body was recovered after most of the fire was under control. Paramedics were unable to save him due to the massive amounts of smoke inhalation he suffered. His family mourns their loss today at a funeral service.
Hidden Sanctuary, Cantry’s father, had this to say about the incident. “While me and Double Blaze may not have gotten along, Cantry loved him dearly. I will honor that, for nothing is more precious to me than my daughter, and now my grandson.”
Hidden Sanctuary is head of the Sanctuary Security Inc. a company that specializes in magical security. He too plans on attending the funeral.
The loss is felt by the family of the heroic Double Blaze. Cantry, clad in a morning gown and veil, had this to comment. “My husband was one of the bravest, strongest, and most kind stallions I ever knew. I love him and miss him ever so dearly. Let him be remembered as he was, a hero, who risked his life to save his son.”
His son Charcoal, in elementary school at the time of this article, refused to comment to the reporters. His mother said that Charcoal was closest to his father, and loved him dearly. His grief is evident as the little colt tries everything in his power to hold back tears.
I sat at the table, reading the article while my head was propped on my hoof. I should’ve guessed it would have to had something to do with the mansion. My curiosity about why Shadowhoof was so adamant about showing me this grew. So, in the between period before Literary got me the article, I dug around a little more.
The property hadn’t been demolished in so long. In fact, it was relatively untouched. I looked up some property report books and discovered that an anonymous owner had control over the property. That owner continually refuses to sell or let the debris be cleared away for a new building.
Uggh, I wish I wasn’t so tired.
Wait…
I know this...I know the name…
But I had to confirm it. I know one stallion who was friends with Cantry.
He should have woken up by now.
________________________________________________
“Eye Residence”
“Hey Dad, it’s me Preventus.” I said as I stood in the phone booth outside the library.
“Ah, Preventus, it’s good to hear from you. How’s the marriage going?”
“Great Dad, Twilight is amazing. I couldn’t imagine life without her.” I said with a cheeky smile on my face.
“That’s good, it means I’ll be seeing my grandchildren really soon.”
“DAD!” I yelled into the receiver. Dad was laughing on the other end at my reaction.
“Anyways, what can I help you with Preventus?”
“Dad, you remember Cantry right? Cantry Sanctuary?” I asked.
There was a slight pause and then dad said, “Yes I do remember her, I was betrothed to her for a while. But after I met your mother, she helped Cantry develop the courage to follow her own heart and marry Double Blaze.”
“Have you been talking to her recently?” I asked.
“That’s kind of impossible.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Cantry died about eleven years ago”
I blinked and said, “What of?”
“According to the autopsy, it was a heart attack. I didn’t learn till few months afterwards, but she died on the same day your mother did. At the same hospital, what a bizarre coincidence.”
There are no such things as coincidences here.
“A shame she died when she did. The last time I talked to her before your mother and her passed, she was utterly miserable.”
“Well yeah, she lost her husband,” I said, “Takes a while to mourn.”
“I don’t mean just her grief over her husband. She was forced to remarry after having her second child. Her damn father is worse than your grandfather when it comes to this. Forced her to marry a man named Kalos Imperictus.”
“So, not exactly a flowers and roses marriage?” I guessed.
“Far from it, he was terrible to her. Imagine your grandfather about forty years younger, and you had Kalos. Kept her practically locked up in the house. He treated her son and daughter from her old marriage like garbage.”
“The boy’s name was Charcoal wasn’t it?” I queried.
“Yes, but Kalos had the absolute gall to change the poor boy’’s name. To completely erase any memory of Double Blaze.”
I hung up the phone and waited about two seconds for it to ring again. I lifted it to my ear and heard the familiar distorted voice.
“It seems you’ve made a discovery.”
“I know who you are.” I said plainly.
“Then, you can probably guess my final task.”
“Find you?”
“I’ll tell my secretary to cancel all my meetings for the day. It seems I will have the most welcome of guests.”
“This is the end Shadowhoof,” I said firmly. “I know who you are, I know where you are. I don’t care what your motives were for taking my friends. You may have helped me in the past, and I’m grateful for that. But make no mistake.”
“I will make you suffer for what you did to my friends.”
The elevator ride up the tower was slow, long, and quiet. It was like the climax in a lot of mystery shows and movies. No words, just the detective facing forward, awaiting to face the villain that started all this.
I felt the weight of both of my guns at my sides. I didn’t want to have to use them. But worst comes to worst it’s best to be prepared.
The elevator doors opened and I was back in the office I was at only two cases ago. Sitting at the mahogany desk looking out at the city skyline behind him, was Shadowhoof.
“Took you long enough,” He said.
“You’re the one who had me running around Manehatten all day and night,” I said. “So, where are my friends?”
“They’ve been released, in fact they were released about two hours ago,” He replied. “I had no intention of harming them.”
“If you had no intention of hurting them, why put me through all this?”
“Because, I knew it was the only way to hold your attention,” He said, and slowly turned around.
Spera Imperictus, owner of Imperial Group, a top business pony.
Was Shadowhoof…
“The only question I have, Spera, is why,” I said, my eyes narrowing.
“A great number of reasons why to be honest, my friend,” He said, standing firm despite my glare.
“There is no reason that could possibly justify the kidnapping of my friends,” I growled.
“They were a necessary piece on the board,” He replied. “It was all so that you would perform my tasks as asked. Your friends are perfectly fine, they came to no harm under my care. I had them kept in a warehouse on the outskirts of the city. By the time you arrived at Lightning Electronics, they were on a train back to Ponyville.”
“You let them go? Just like that?” I asked.
“I told you I had no intention to hurt them. I’m not evil, Private. I just knew it was the only way for you to do as asked. The wedding was simply an opportunity where I could easily orchestrate the kidnapping,” He said, his green eyes looking at me.
When I spoke again, it was firm, yet cold: “Then why send me on a wild goose chase in the first place? Was it to show me who you were, Charcoal?”
He blinked at that, his ears perked up. He’d obviously not been called that in years. After a minute, he nodded and said, “Yes, it was for that reason. I wanted you to know where I stand.”
“But why me?” I asked.
“Because you get it, Private,” He said. “You understand the true nature of Equestria. You, like me, have seen the dark side behind the bright peaceful world. I wanted you, above everypony else, to see my plight. But I couldn’t reveal who I was, so, I made this plan so you would find out yourself. All while keeping my anonymity.”
“Again I ask, why?” I said.
“I’m sure, you know the circumstances of my life,” He said, quietly and his eyes downcast.
“You and your father were close,” I said. “The closest any father and son could be. I saw the carving Spera.”
“I made that when I was four,” Spera said, a wistful smile on his face. “My father was my whole world. I loved my mother, too, but I was closest to my father.”
“Double Blaze, you told me at the gala,” I added.
“Yes, but I’m sure you’re also aware of what he was,” He said.
“He was an earth pony, you’re a hybrid like me,” I said. “In fact, both of our mothers died at the same hospital. Only, yours was a simple heart attack.”
“It was no heart attack,” He said, an edge going into his voice.
“I figured,” I said. “Things are never simple with guys like you.”
“Indeed, my grandfather resented my mother because she fell in love and married Double Blaze. He despised the very ground I walked on. He wanted nothing more than to see her married off to some rich fat pig so he could live off her for ages to come. So, he orchestrated everything. While at my tenth birthday party, one of the rooms mysteriously caught fire and it spread quickly.”
“Your father died in that fire.” I observed.
“He was murdered in that fire,” Spera said, the edge coming back in that voice. “Maybe it was out of madness or simple grief, but I was always called back to that place. To that mansion, I used my connections to make sure it remained untouched throughout the years. It wasn’t until I was twelve that I figured out the truth. My grandfather had one of his men cast a fire spell in that empty room.”
“The police didn’t believe you?” I said knowingly.
“Of course not, I was a child at the time, filled with grief over the loss of my father. Even with concrete proof they wouldn’t believe me. I’m sure you’re aware that my mother remarried,” He said, sadly.
“It wasn’t of her choice I imagine,” I asserted.
“No it wasn’t, with her second child on the way, my grandfather wanted to use that as an excuse to marry her to Kalos.” There was definitely anger in his voice.
“He changed your name,” I said. “I can imagine he’s also the reason Scarlet is... like she is.”
He smiled at that point. “You guessed I was Big Brother.”
“It wasn’t hard to figure out,” I stated.
“Yes, Kalos did abuse poor Scarlet,” He said. “He wanted her to be his precious little puppet, to show off to everypony at balls and what not. Probably wanted to marry her off at the youngest age possible. Typical noble, all he ever cared about was money and status, no wonder Grandfather adored him so.”
“Have you tried getting help for her?” I asked.
“I tried, for many years I did. Sadly, she is beyond repair. The doctors told me that she has a form of depression and autism. There is no cure for what she’s become,” He replied, his voice sad.
“Kalos pushed her over the edge when he didn’t become what she wanted,” I concluded.
“All I could do at the time was watch as he tried to mold my family into something I despised,” He said, turning back to look at the skyline of Manehatten. “My mother turned to drinking to cope with what was happening. I poured myself into my studies, hoping that when I take over the family I could find some way to stop this madness.”
“Your mother’s death was no heart attack, it was what tipped you over the edge,” I affirmed.
“Yes, I was about the same age as you at the time. I remember studying at the library when I got the call. I ran out into the cold rain and I was lucky enough to find a cab. When I arrived, Scarlet and Kalos were there to greet me. Scarlet was crying, she was only a little filly at the time. Kalos was trying to silence her wailings. But, I ran to my mother’s room…” His voice choked up a little, I could this was hard to relive.
“She was dying, and you felt the most powerless you’ve ever been in your life,” I said, as memories of my own mother’s death passed through my mind.
“Her last wish, was for me to take care of Scarlet,” He said.
“And that was the last straw wasn’t it?” I added.
“Yes it was,” He said, that edge coming back into his voice. “I learned from overhearing one of my stepfather’s conversations with my grandfather. Turns out, my mother was poisoned, all to make sure Kalos inherited the whole estate and I would get nothing. I didn’t care for the money or the estate, but nopony was going to murder my mother and get away with it.”
I was almost scared to hear what came next.
“I tried the police again, only to be rubbed on the mane and called a child. They dismissed me as a colt in grief over losing yet another parent. It wasn’t until a year later that I learned they were bribed by Kalos to look the other way. To ignore my plight and treat me like a simpleton.” He then smiled and said, “So, I took matters into my own hooves.”
My eyes grew wide.
“While my grandfather and stepfather were celebrating another success in the business world I got them so drunk they couldn’t see straight. Then, I lured them into a windowless room, set them both on the couch, and tossed a fireball spell into the room, locking the doors so they wouldn’t escape.”
“You murdered them,” I said firmly.
“It wasn’t murder, it was extermination of blood sucking vermin.” He said, a smiled creeping onto his face. “The police labeled their death as an accident. The alcohol in their system was enough proof to slap the label on. Scarlet and I were finally free of those stallions.” His smile turned wistful.
“You still killed them,” I said firmly, I was about ready to pull out Blackbird at any minute.
“Private,” He tried to start.
“You also killed the others. All that blood is on your hooves,” I said firmly.
“Private, what could jailing them had done?” He said, looking back at me. “All of them would’ve found some way to sneak their way out of this world’s flawed system. They would be back out on the streets doing as they please, you think Blueblood is bad, imagine what would happen if other’s you jailed had gotten out.”
I hesitated for a minute, wanting to listen to what he had to say.
“The nobles are the problem Private. They stand in their posh palaces while everypony suffers under their hooves. They manipulate ponies, use them as mere pawns in their games for status and wealth. I wish to change that,” He turned around to stand before me.
“You’re one to talk about manipulation,” I said firmly. “Look at what you’ve been doing to me all this time.”
“My manipulation suits a purpose, a purpose far greater than myself or anypony,” He then, gave me a yearning look. “Private, I didn’t do any of this to hurt you directly. I only wanted to have you understand.”
“Understand the fact you murdered four ponies?” I glowered.
“Private, you’re trying to fight me, when we should be on the same side. Join me Private, and together we can create a new world.” His voice was yearning, longing. “A world where nopony will suffer under nobility anymore. Where ponies are judged by their merits, not by the merits of some dead pony hundreds of years ago.Where no colt has to be without his mother…”
I blinked at that.
“I know everything about what happened to your mother, how you had to raise your crippled brother alone.” He said. “Private, we can make sure that nopony suffers like that again.”
“A tempting offer,” I said. “But I’m not going to become a vigilante hoping to turn my hatred out on the world.”
It was his turn to blink.
“Yes, I understand your plight. Yes, I get it. But, I’m not going to follow a murderer. I’m not going to follow anypony who treats my friends like pawns. I’d sooner join Sombra.” I glowered.
He was quiet for a minute...then...he smiled. “So, what are you going to do?”
“Arrest you for what you did,” I said firmly.
“For one who has faith in the system, you don’t seem to understand the situation you’re in,” He said. “You have no proof of what I did. You have no proof that I am the murderer. If you were to go to the police station now and try to tell your story, you’d have to have admitted to breaking into not one, not two, but three police guarded areas without a warrant. You’d be arrested long before I am.”
He was...right...I didn’t have proof….
He...beat me…
“There is absolutely nothing you can do.” He said. “DNA spells? The bodies have long been washed down and stored for later. Any lingering DNA is buried under days of autopsy and poking around. Bug Recording of this conversation? Sorry, but my security at the front gate automatically destroys bugs. Took a page out of your grandfather’s book.”
He was right...there was….
Oh….there’s something...I can do…
I pulled out Blackbird and fired at him. The bullet flew towards him...but stopped in mid air...I saw him open his eyes...he had Sombra’s eyes as well…
“Nice trick Private Eye,” He said, “But I’m not about to let you take me out so easily.” His horn glowed with dark magic and the bullet fell to the ground.
“You...you were the one who was using the mist,” I said, my voice in shock.
“Ah, there is another detail about me you don’t know,” He said, a cruel smirk coming to his face. “You see, a thousand years ago, Sombra fell in love with a unicorn from Equestria. He seduced her and got her pregnant. After his fall, she gave birth to a son. I, am descended from that son…”
“You mean to say, that we are both descended from Prometheus himself?” I said.
“Yes, we are Private Eye. I through Sombra’s line, yours through Eclipse.”
“How do you know all this?”
“Simple, my ancestors told me in dreams. As yours have in your own dreams,” He said.
“That power is dangerous Spera!” I said. “It gets inside you and makes you do things you shouldn’t!”
“Oh, like you’re one to talk. As if you’ve never used this power yourself,” He said.
“Only when it was necessary!” I yelled.
“So, you seem to be more like me than you care to realize,” He replied. “I hate to imagine what your friends would think once they hear about what you did with this power.”
“They know about it already!” I yelled.
“Yes, but for how long are they going to defend you?” He asked. “How long before they turn their backs on you again? The truth is, Private Eye, friendship is simply a lie. It’s only good so long as the ponies involved benefit from it. But when push comes to shove, you see exactly what friendship gets you. Alone, when you need your friends the most.”
“They are my friends! They won’t turn their backs on me!” I yelled.
“You’re naive Private Eye, your so called magic of friendship may have defeated a few obvious villains. But you have yet to see even a tenth of what you are capable of. With this power we no longer need to bow to the whims of this world,” He said, looking at his hoof as it slowly glowed with the same aura. “We can mold it, shape it to what we want.”
“But at what cost Spera?” I asked. “Would you really sell your soul for this?”
“Sell my soul? How quaint a way to phrase it,” He said with a dark laugh. “If you think you’re so strong, try and stop me Private Eye.”
I fired another bullet at him. He held up a magical shield and the bullets bounced off. At this point, I really wonder why I’m even still using a gun. But I used that brief window to leap at him.
My hoof collided with his face, sending him staggering back. His horn then sparked and I jumped out of the way just in time for black crystal to jut out of the ground. “Where’d you learn to use Alchemy?”
“Is that what it’s called?” Spera asked. “A neat trick that Prometheus taught me…”
“How is this possible?” I asked.
“Like I said, you haven’t even discovered the basics of what our line is capable of.” He smirked and his horn sparked again, this time two crystals jutted out of the walls. I ducked just in time for them to collide with one another.
My own horn glowed silver and I fired at him. The spell hit him in the chest and he staggered back a little. I then tackled him and we tussled for a minute.
He managed to land a blow on my chin, I got him on the left cheek. Finally we rolled until he was on top of me. I kicked him off me, and pulled out blackbird and fired just in time to hit him in the shoulder.
He yelled in pain as I got up, suddenly I saw Blackbird get grabbed by his aura. The gun flew away and before I could pull out White Tiger Spera shot me with a magical bolt to the chest. I flew and slammed into the wall, knocking down a painting.
I felt dazed for a minute and then felt his aura grip around my neck. I felt the air coming out of me as I was lifted once again into the air. I struggled as Spera stood there.
“You put up a good fight,” He said. “You constantly struggle and fight when all odds are against you. I admire that Private Eye.”
“Go to hell!” I yelled with all my might. “How, how are you able to do all this? You’re a hybrid like me.”
“Dark Magic doesn’t care for blood line,” He said, smirking as his eyes glowed. “Even a hybrid like me can perform magic like you would not believe.” He looked to his right, and his horn sparked again. I watched as a sword started coming out of the black crystal. He used alchemy to make it.
“Sombra taught me a great many things in our time together,” He said, holding the blade in his magic. “He is a blaggard fool in the end, but he had his uses.”
“Spera! Stop this…” I said, starting to run out of air.
Spera levitated up Blackbird and White Tiger. “Such primitive weapons in the end.” I then watched as both weapons were crushed in his magic before my eyes. He then just tossed them both to the ground like trash.
I felt as if a part of me was crushed as well. Blackbird and I had been together for a long time...it felt like I lost a friend when I lost that weapon….
“You can see you’re clearly outmatched…” He said.
“Not entirely…” I smirked as my own horn sparked.
Suddenly a pillar came out of the ground in front of Spera. It hit him in the chin before he could even react. The magic canceled around my neck and I fell to the ground in a heap.
I think...it’s time...to get a little help from Nocturne…
I reached into my trench coat and pulled out his medallion.
Spera looked on it as I smirked and said, “Henshin…”
I slipped the medallion around my neck and tapped it. The sound of unsheathing blades was heard and I felt my body grow and form into that of a Lunar Stallion. I felt the dark violet armor form on my body and the gladiuses come into being at my sides. I glared at Spera with yellow slitted eyes and growled low.
“Well, that’s not something I was expecting,” Spera said with a smirk. “Or…” He reached into his suit pocket...and pulled out a medallion….
“Was I?” He smirked and slipped it around his own neck. “I did a little research, turns out this technology is as old as Luna herself. This power is great Private Eye, but imagine how great it is...once dark magic has had it’s way with it…Henshin…” He tapped the medallion.
Suddenly Spera became just as tall and formidable as me. He was clad in a black and green lined armor that nearly covered his entire body. A helmet formed on his head, resembling Sombra’s crown a little. His teeth formed into fangs and his eyes retained their green glow. He had a pair of blades two, only these resembled scimitars, and were made of black crystal like his old blade.
“How?” I said, my voice sounding very deep.
“Like I said, Sombra has his uses,” He replied, his voice the same tone as Sombra.
“You can put on a new coat of paint,” I growled, “but you’re still going down like Sombra did!” I drew both gladiuses and charged at him, the blades held in my magic.
He did the same, roaring like a lion as he charged at me, scimitars drawn. Our blades crashed and we attacked each other with absolute ferocity. Our blades performed a chorus of clashes and clangs with each other.
An outside listener would almost call it musical how we fought.
I managed to get in an opening and slice him across the cheek. He grunted in pain but managed to hit me in the leg with a free blade.
I growled and managed to sink my fangs into his neck. He yelled in pain and his horn glowed, he fired a bolt of magic that flew me back. I flipped and landed on my four hooves.
Then...I saw a cord of light come from me. I looked over and saw Eclipse was there again. The stallion held up his hooves, and motioned for me to do the same…
I did, and saw both of them were on fire...but, I felt no pain as I did. Was this an ability Eclipse had? Let’s see what it can do!
I thrusted both hooves out and a jet of fire shot from them. Spera only had a split second to put up a shield spell. I saw now that one of my hooves now glowed with lightning. I thrusted both again, and saw the fire and lightning merged into one blast. Both hit Spera’s shield spell and the explosion sent the stallion crashing into the wall.
“Now to finish this!” I yelled, another cord of light came from me. This time, Littlepip appeared at my side. She hunkered down into a fighting stance as tons of weapons appeared around me.
“You think you can hurt my great great great great a whole lot of greats grandfather? I don’t think so motherfucker!” She cried as all of the weapons fired at once at Spera.
It was a whirling sea of bullets and fire and on occasion explosive eggs. When the dust settled there was barely a wall left. Spera stood there, his armor half blown off as he glared at me.
“Not so tough now huh?” I said with a smirk.
He slowly smirked himself, “A neat trick Private Eye, you have learned to use Tenacity well.”
“It’s Hope, that’s what it’s true name is,” I growled.
“Hope is a pipe dream,” Spera said. “Tenacity, is when one has the will to force the world to bow to you. Hope is kissing the hooves of the world. I...am no slave…” His horn glowed again and he smirked evilly.
I watched as what looked light green lighting shot from his horn. Before I could even react the spell hit me hard. I screamed in pain. I tried to fight back, but I couldn’t concentrate.
Suddenly more and more spells hit me, I was being backed towards the window. I yelled at him, “I will stop you Spera! Make no mistake!”
“I gave you the offer of joining me, but instead of choosing the way of power,” He yelled, “you chose the way of pain!!”
Both of his blades glowed with dark magic.
I filled both of mine with my own magic.
We at the same time swung the blades at one another, the explosion rocked the entire floor.
I flew back and crashed through the window. NOT AGAIN!!!
I yelled as my medallion deactivated. I was normal again as the medallion hanged uselessly around my neck. I failed...I couldn’t...beat him…
I heard...chanting again…
I opened my eyes...and saw...mom...She was falling with me…
She leaned her head against me, the cord of light connecting us...I felt...my horn…
It felt like my horn was unwinding itself…
I felt something come out of my back...my horn was gone….
But...something replaced it...I was..flying…
I flew gently over to a nearby roof and crashed onto it. I tumbled for a minute and laid on my side. I looked at my sides, and saw...I had wings...I was a pegasus…?
No...they were fading… my horn was coming back...that meditation that Grapes was talking about...Hope...made it so that I could switch...to a pegasus…
But...it mattered little...I still lost...I failed…
I heard a quiet beeping sound as I eventually came back to consciousness. I was lying down on a bed of some sort. All I could make out was a purple blob in front of me. Slowly but surely my vision came into focus.
I was in a hospital, on one of the beds. My left leg was hooked up to an IV and I could see my hat and trench coat hanging off to the side on a coat rack. My whole body felt like it was run over by a carriage fifty times. The worst pain came from my right leg, which was bandaged up.
The blob came into focus and I saw Twilight’s relieved face as she sat beside the bed. “Thank goodness you woke up!” She said, hugging me as best she could.
“Twi?” I said weakly. “Where am I? How did I get here?”
“You’re still in Manehatten, Flash and the guards brought you to the hospital,” She said.
I looked up and saw Flash Sentry standing there with a pair of solar guards flanking him. He gave a smile and said, “Good thing you woke up, we were worried about you for a second.”
“How did you find me?” I asked.
“Princess Celestia told us you were running around Manehatten for some reason,” He replied. “After we heard the explosion we came running. Found you passed out on a roof.”
So, Celestia knew what was going on?
“Either way, I can’t thank you enough for finding him,” Twilight said, smiling at Flash.
The guard bowed his head and said, “Anything for you guys. After all, it’s not every day you get to save a savior of Equestria.” He chuckled a little and looked to his guards. “Come on guys, let’s give them some privacy.”
All three guards left after that and I leaned back against the soft pillows. “I was damn lucky.” I said.
“Private, just what happened?” She said. “Flash said when he found you, you were beaten up, had a bruised leg and were barely breathing. Just what were you doing?”
“It’s a bit of a long story…” I said, sighing. “But, Big Mac and Fluttershy? Are they okay?”
Twilight smiled and nodded. “Yes, they are back at Ponyville right now. They told me they were mostly unconscious during the whole ordeal. They don’t remember where they were or who took them. But, they seem to be okay, that’s all that matters.”
I smiled, and reached my head up to kiss her. She kissed me back and I said, “Twi, just, stay here for a while okay?”
She smiled in turn and pressed her muzzle to mine, “I almost lost you once Preventus, I’m never losing you again.”
With that, I closed my eyes and pressed into my mate’s muzzle. I love her so much…
As soon as I’m out of this hospital...I’m thinking foreplay…
Once again I found myself in the stained glass hallway. Tia and I were looking on the recently added window depicting the Battle for Ponyville. It was midday, Luna was sound asleep in her room, far away from what we were discussing.
“The Enemy’s Agent has made his move,” I said.
“To come so soon after Lunard’s return,” Tia said, shaking her head. “I had hoped to give Private and Twilight more time. But, it seems he’s made the choice for us.”
“What are we to do?” I asked. “Shall we cancel the Royal Princess Summit? I’m sure Cadence would understand if we told her.”
“Told her what?” Tia said, looking at me. “That Sombra was merely the tip of an ice glacier of evil coming this way? No, we cannot allow the enemy any chance to find out the plan.”
“So we do nothing?” I asked. “Just train our students as best we can?”
“Unfortunately that’s our only option at this point,” She said, looking down. “I hate to put Twilight at risk again. But if she is to become a true Element of Magic and a princess, this is what needs to be done.”
“You know,” I started.
“Don’t even speak of it. There’s a reason why she went into that mirror and you know it.”
“I’m only saying she’s had experience, I’m not suggesting we give her the crown. We both know what could happen.”
“I made the mistake of letting that mirror show Sunset what she could become,” Tia said as she began walking towards the door, where behind it lay the elements of Harmony. “After she learned, she became obsessed with finding out what it took to become an Alicorn. I never wanted Twilight to seek the power. I wanted her to earn it of her own accord.”
“What of my student?” I asked. “You can’t ask me to hide things from Private. He’ll learn eventually what he’s capable of. Let’s just say he’s not as patient as your student.”
“Are you suggesting I made the wrong decision?” She asked, an edge in her voice.
“I’m merely saying we are poking a dragon while it’s sleeping,” I said. “At least let me tell Private of why he has that dark magic within him. Why Prometheus fell as he did.”
She stared at me for a long time, her violet eyes pondering it. Slowly, she shook her head. “He is a detective, he’ll find the truth for himself. As for the dark magic, Twilight is there to temper it. She’ll make sure he doesn’t fall.”
I closed my red eyes and nodded. “So, the summit goes as planned...you know how long it’s been since Sunset went in that mirror…”
“Her last entry was thirty moons ago,” Celestia said with a nod. “She’s been going in and out on occasion, and she will use this opportunity to look for the crown.”
“You and I both know the spell Izanami put on the Element.” I said.
“To ensure nopony hoping to use magic for evil will be able to use it properly.” Celestia said. “I’m well aware, I helped her cast it myself.”
“So, if Sunset were to use it,” I began.
“She’d find that Izanami does not take kindly to those who try to use her power for evil. But I fear the darkness inside Sunset will twist the spell beyond it’s intention. Twilight may still have yet to face her should worse come to worst,” She said.
“While I trust your judgement, Tia, I fear that the Enemy will be thinking as many steps ahead as you are,” I said.
Slowly Tia smiled. “That’s the thing about Hope and Magic, both tend to throw wild cards into even the best made plans.”
