//------------------------------// // Chapter 25: Singer and Ghost Gangster // Story: The Lost Shimmering Sun // by Pinkie Pie Sweets //------------------------------// The past week, Sun and her family are having a lot of fun in the city of Las Pegasus. They also travel to a lot of different places in the big city have a lot of fun. Today there is going to be a summer festival where there will be rides, games, food, and a big stage full of performers, especially their special guest Countess Coloratura. When Sun told the girls about the festival, Applejack reveals to them that Countess Coloratura or who calls Rara were childhood friends. Sun decides to see if she can meet her and ask her about Applejack and hoping to talk to her. Right now, Sun is putting things in her bag to make sure she has everything she needs for the trip to the festival. Screwball is just sitting on the bed excited to go have some fun. Their dad calls out, "Girls! Are you ready to go?!" "Yes," Sun and Screwball replies. "Then let's go party!" Discord calls out happily. "This is going to be fun!" Screwball happily screams. Sun is leaving, but shakes her head, laughs, and says, "Oh you two." Then Sun and her family start to make their way down stairs to leave to the festival. As they are going through the hallway, Eris already outside and have the car ready for them to go have some fun around the city. They all are outside with Eris now and are about to leave for the festival. Eris happily says, "So heading to the festival, now." "Of course we are sis," Discord replies with a smile. "We can't resist anything when it comes to fun," Screwball says with the same smile. Then Sun asks, "Do you want to come with us?" "As much as I like to, but as hotel owner I'm a busy as a bee," Eris says. "We understand," Sun replies. Then Eris says, "But I'll make sure to catch you all later." "Okay," Sun answers with a smile. With that Discord, Sun, and Screwball goes in the car and are leaving to have fun at the festival. As they drive away, Eris waves her hand and says, "Have fun!" Sun and her family are now on their way to the festival. When they reach the festival, Sun is amazed to see a lot of people and there are so many things to do at the festival. Especially since the festival is being held next to the biggest hotel in Las Pegasus the hotel is called Ponet Fantastique. Since it also night time at Las Pegasus everyone will be us extra late to have some fun. Sun says with amazement, "Wow! This place is so cool!" "It sure is," Discord says. Then Screwball says "Let's go have some fun!" With that Sun, her dad, and sister head inside the hotel to have some fun. They gone on rides see a show and have some good food. After having the fun that they have, they decide to go see the concert where there's going to be a lot of people watching. The theater is so big that almost the entire town can fit inside. Just then a woman comes on stage and from the looks of it, she seems to be the announcer of the show. The woman says, "Welcome everyone to our annual music festival, are you all ready to have a good time?!" Everyone starts screaming, saying yes, and are excited. The woman says, "Our first singer to perform for us is Countess Coloratura!" Everyone starts to scream in excitement when hearing her name. When she comes on stage she is wearing a dark purple jacket with white studs with boots to match, a purple like tank top, a short black skirt, black tights. She is also wearing black bracelets with studs on each arm, a matching choker and headband with a black veil attached it. Her hair is kind of white with a gray purple stripe on it. Sun is kind of surprised that she is Applejack's friend. She remember Applejack telling her that she can be very simple until she moved to Manehattan. People comes on stage to dance and lights start to flash all over the stage. Then music starts to play in the theater. Countess Coloratura sings: Time for the spectacle Time for the show The lights are bright and the colors glow I'm not just anypony I think you know The time is now, it's about to blow! Little does everyone know a strange figure on top of the catwalk and he has a knife, a wrench and a screwdriver with him and he is smiling evilly at Countess Coloratura. He then use the knife and wrench to get to work on his plan. On stage, Coloratura is still singing her song. Razzle dazzle Glitz and glam Turn it all up, it's a spectacle Razzle dazzle Glitz and glam Turn it all up, it's a spectacle Give me more Razzle dazzle… Before she can continue one of the light fall down and near where Coloratura is standing. Everyone gasps almost seeing that the singer is almost hit by the light. Just as things are getting bad, a ghoulish man is wearing fedora, dressed in a black and white striped suit and has glowing green cat like eyes. Everyone starts to scream with horrors and run away from the theater. One of the men horrorly says, "Ah! It's the ghost of Cat's Eye!" "Run for your lives!" A woman screams with horrors. "I want my treasure! The ghost screams angrily. Everyone starts to run out of the theater. During the event, Sun and her family try to stay together, but Sun ends up getting separated from the. Sun tries to get through the crowd, but the people are running and screaming in a panic that Sun finds herself next to the stage where Coloratura is. Coloratura is so shocked that she almost gotten hurt that she doesn't even notice the curtain rops is listening right over her. Sun can see the curtain loosening and is about to fall on Applejack's old friend. Without even thinking, Sun climbs on stage and hoping to make it to Coloratura in time. Then the rope snaps and the curtains begin to fall. Sun horribly screams, "Watch out!" Coloratura hears Sun screams. Then she looks up the curtains to see that it's about to fall on her. Coloratura covers her head in fear, but Sun manages to push her away from the falling curtains just in the nick of time. Everyone hears the crash and turn to see what just happened. When the smoke clear they can see Sun is using her body to cover Coloratura and the the curtains broken on the stage. Coloratura opens her eyes to see Sun is hugging her and using her body to over her to cover her. Sun opens her eyes to see Coloratura with a surprise look on her face. Sun simply asks, "Are you okay?" Coloratura is speechless for Sun almost got herself hurt just to save her and she is a complete stranger. Coloratura shockley says, "You… you just… saved my life." Before anyone can say anything else the ghost comes over with an evil look on his face. The ghost angrily says, "This is your one and only warning leave the theater or face dire consequences." Then the ghost light manically and disappear into thin air. Everyone is shocked and scared by the ghost warning. Sun and Coloratura looks where the ghost was and are concern about his warning and knows that it will mean bad news for everyone who is staying or working in the hotel. In the Lobby: Discord and Screwball are searching for Sun and can't seem to find her anywhere. Right now they are trying to think on where Sun is at. They are also very worried about her and think she might have got lost during the panic. Right now they meet each other at the lobby in front of a statue of a cowboy. Screwball worriedly asks, "Did you find her?" "No and I looked all over for her?" Discord sadly answer. "Where do you think she is?" Screwball worriedly asks. "Well, she got to be at the hotel somewhere and she would have called us on the phone to tell us," Discord worriedly replies. When they decide to search for Sun some more, Discord's phone rings and vibrates in his pocket. Discord takes his phone out to see who is calling. To his surprise, he can see that Sun is calling him so he answers right away. Discord panicky says, "Sun, where are you? Are you okay?" Over the phone, Sun says, "Yes, I'm okay." "Discord sighs in relieve hearing that Sun is okay. Discord asks, " Sun where are you right now? So that I can come get you." "I'm with Coloratura in her room right now," Sun answers. Discord is shocked to hear what Sun says about her being with a famous singer. "Discord panicky asks, "What?! What are you doing in her room?!" "Come to the room and I'll explain what happened. The room is on floor 28 in room 285," Sun answers. "Okay," Discord replies. Screwball comes over to her dad and asks, "So where is she?" Discord is still a little shocked about the call. He turns to Screwball and answers, "It's best if we go there first." "Okay," Screwball replies feeling a bit questionable about her father's behavior. With that, Discord and Screwball make their way to where Sun says she is at. One thing Discord does know, Screwball is going to be in for a surprised when she finds out who is with her sister right now. In Coloratura room: Sun and Coloratura are talking to each other about their personal lives. Coloratura is surprised to hear that Sun is a friend of Applejack. Coloratura says, "So you're the girl that Applejack been telling me in her emails." "Yes. I'm surprised Applejack been telling you about me," Sun answers happily. "She did. I been friends with Applejack since we were kids in camp, but her and I manage to keep touch, even though being a celebrity can get busy," Coloratura adds. "I guess so," Sun says. "Still, I really want to thank you for saving me," Coloratura says feeling really thankful. "It was no problem," Sun says. Just as Coloratura and Sun are having a good time, a man barges into the room fast. The man has white skin, light pink curly hair, brown glasses. He is wearing a blue suit with matching pants, a brownish yellow vest, a white shirt, a burgundy tie with diamonds on it, and brown shoes. "Countess I heard what happened are you okay? Svengallop asks with concerns. "It's okay Svengallop, We're fine," Coloratura answers. Svengallop is confused and questionably asks, "We?" Svengallop notice Sun in the room and wonder who she is. Svengallop asks, "And who are you?" Colratura smiles and says, "Svengallop this is Sun. She's actually friends with my old friends Applejack." "Ah yes I remember her. You introduce me to her turning a concert in Canterlot City once, about a year ago," Svengallop replies remember the concert from last year. Then Svengallop, "But I want to know is what happened during a concert?" "It was some kind of ghost that attacked the concert. People were calling him the ghost of Cat's Eye," Coloratura explains. Svengallop eyes widen with a shock and surprisingly says, "Cat's Eye! But… that happened over 30 years ago." "What was 30 years ago?" Sun asks. "He means the notorious gangster Cat's Eye," A man voice comes out of nowhere. The three looks at a door to see a fancy dressed man along with a younger man. The first one has indigo like skin, white gray hair, and olive green like. He seems to be dressed like Rarity would. The other one looks like a businessman. He has light brown skin, white hair, and gray eyes. Coloratura comes up with a smile and says, "Gladmane it's so good to see you." "It's good to see you too," Gladmane says. He then notice Sun on the bed and asks, "And who is this lovely lady?" "Sun this is Gladmane. He's the owner of the hotel. Gladmane this is my new friend Sun," Coloratura introduces them to each other. "Hello," Sun shyly says. "Hello Sun. It's very nice to meet you," Gladmane says with a smile. Then Gladmane says, "And this is my assistant, Fast Quill." "Hello Ms. Sun, it's a pleasure to meet you," Fast Quill says as he shakes Sun hand. As they shake hands, Sun notice that his sleeves and the bottom of his pants are covered in some strange white stuff. As Sun is getting to know these people, Discord and screwball walks into the room looking a bit tired. Gladmane smiles and says, "Discord it so good to see you again." "You too Gladmane, but I'm here for a little… father business," Discord replies. "With who?" Gladmane asks. Sun comes over to the three and answers, "He means me." "Yep and I see you already met Gladmane, Discord replies while putting his hand on Sun's shoulder. Gladmane laughs and says, "Well, this sure is surprised. I had no idea that you're the new daughter Eris been telling me about." Sun blushes a little and says, "I'm surprised she mention me." Gladmane laughs a little and says, "Mention you? I think she been going on and on about you since Discord's last letter." Sun starts to feel a bit embarrassed that people are talking about her and isn't sure what to do in this situation. But then Discord starts to get serious and asks, "Well, what I want to know is what in the world is going on here?" "Yeah and how Sun is with Coloratura," Screwball adds. "Well, about the incident at the theater actually started 30 years ago," Fast Quill says. Then Gladmane explains, "Cat's Eye was one of the most meanest, rotten, and baddest gangster who ever lived. He was well known for his green cat like eyes. He is no different than his partner in crime Bird's Eye who is well known for his eagle sharp eyes. After pulling the biggest heist in his life the cops was right on his trail. Legend goes that he stashed all the loot he stolen in a secret hiding spot in this town. Cat's Eye was arrested and locked up. He swore that he will break out and get all his money, but he spend the rest of his life in jail." "So you believe that the ghost came back after all these years to get all the stuff that he stole?" Sun asks. "Exactly young lady," Gladmane says. "Well I say that ghost are nothing but a bunch of nonsense," Sevengallop firmly replies. "You can say that again, Svengallop," a female voice appears. Everyone turns to see a woman around the same age as Sun and Coloratura. She has a long, curly, light rainbow color hair, cyan blue skin, raspberry eyes. She is wearing a black fur coat with white fur on the outer part, burgandy sleeveless dress and brown boots. Coloratura surprisingly says, "Color Tune!" "What are you doing here?" Svengallop asks sounding annoyed. "Is it a crime to see the festival and the next thing I heard is that Coloratura concert was disrupted by a ghost," Color Tune says sounding sarcastic. Color Tune laughs and says, "I wouldn't be surprised if The Countess did this as a publicity stunt," Screwball marches over to Color Tune and angrily says, "Hey! Who do you think you are lady?" Color Tune is a little surprised that Screwball is getting at her face. She makes a smug on her face and says, "Aw you got your bodyguards to protect you." "Well, I must be going. See you later," Color Tune adds as she leaves the room. After she's gone, everyone is looking a bit annoyed by Color Tune's attitude. "Who was that lady?" Screwball angrily asks. "That was Color Tune. She a singer just like Countess Coloratura, but she still a little upset that she wasn't picked to sing in the festival," Svengallop explains. Coloratura sighs sadly and says, "And what worse she blames me for it." "I remember hearing about her. She was one of the top 10 singers," Screwball replies. "Right. Coloratura was ranked first and Sapphire Shore ranked second, while that Color Tune was ranked third for the top singers," Sun adds. Then Svengallop firmly says, "Yes… and she'd be better off if Coloratura career goes bye bye." "Yes, but not even Color Tune would do a thing like this," Coloratura says with concerns. "Well I think it's a good time for us to go investigate. First off the scene of the crime," Sun declares. The first place they decide to go is back to where the incident happened. They decide to look to where the stage is and hopefully find some clue. Discord, Coloratura, and Screwball are looking up at the catwalk while Sun and Svengallop are looking on the stage. As they search, Svengallop trips and falls to the ground and gets some strange white stuff on him. Svengallop says in disgust, "Yuck! What is this?" "It looks like… paint," Sun says as she examine the white stuff. Just then Discord, Coloratura, and Screwball comes over to Svengallop and Sun after exploring the catwalk. Screwball says, "Hey sis, we found some clues on stage." "Svengallop found some white stuff that almost look like paint," Sun replies. "We found out that some of the bolts from the lights are gone and the holding the curtains were cut with some kind of knife," Coloratura. Sun starts to think about the clues they find and says, "So it was deliberate that the concert got interrupted." "So what do we do now?" Screwball asks. Just as Sun is starting to think on what to do next, they start to hear arguing. They can see Gladmane talking to another man. The man is wearing a black magician outfit. He has a tan skin, black hair, and brown eyes. A man's voice comes up and begs, "Come on Gladmane, can I do my magic tricks just for this once." "I told you before we're already booked for the music festival and we'll discuss about this at a different time." Gladmane apologizes. Then he leaves the theater to do other business. The magician gets angry at Gladmane and stomps away from the theater. Sun gets suspicious and says, "Sound like we need to check out this man." "I say we should talk to Color Tune as well," Svengallop suggests. Sun starts to think about Svengallop's suggestion and think that Color Tune is a suspect too. After some thinking, Sun says, "How about we split up?" Everyone nods their heads agreeing to do just that. Sun, Screwball, and Coloratura decide to talk to Color Tun while Discord and Svengallop talk to the magician. Sun, Screwball, and Coloratura find Color Tune in the arcade and talk to her,but haven't gone too will. All Color Tune talks about is herself and it seems that she kind of have a good alibi, but they are annoyed the way she is talking to Coloratura like that. At that time Discord and Svengallop talk to the man who name is Rabbit Hat. He told Discord and Svengallop about wanting to do is performance for the festival, but Gladmane keeps telling him no because they already booked a lot of people. He also claims that he is just working on new acts for his magic show. After the investigation, Sun and her family along with Coloratura and her manager meet back at her room. Right now, they are getting ready to put their clues together. Svengallop asks, "How did things go with Color Tune?" "Okay I guess," Coloratura answers sounding unsure. "One thing we do know, apparently she said she was in the arcade which a lot of people can see her," Sun adds. "We found out the man is Rabbit Hat and he's kind of upset he isn't going to be in the festival," Discord says. Then Svengallop says, "He also claims he is just working on his magic show." Screwball sighs and says, Seems like we didn't get much information Sun starts to think about the evidence everyone has gather, but she feels like this isn't enough to figure out who the ghost is. Sun thinks that she needs to find more information. Sun has an idea to figure out what she needs in order to know more about what they are dealing with. Sun turns to Coloratura and asks, "Rara, do you have a computer I can borrow?" "Yes. Why?" Coloratura asks. "I want to learn more about the gangster," Sun answers." Coloratura thinks it's a good idea and so she takes out her laptop and give it to Sun to search for the information. When Sun starts to search for information, she find some new article about Cat's Eye and his partner. Sun says, "Hey guys look at this. According to the news article, before Cat's Eye died, he told his partner Bird's Eye the key to finding his hidden treasure. On the rise of the summer solstice the chandelier will show the way." Coloratura is surprised to hear about the solstice and says, "The Summer solstice! That's today." Then Svengallop says, "Or it will be when the Sun rise in a few hours," Screwball looks at the articles and says, "Get this. 5 years ago Bird's Eye escaped from jail." "So there is one suspect to add on our list," Sun replies. "Yes, but he's hasn't been seen for a long time," Svengallop says. Sun takes a close look at the picture of Cat's Eye and his partner. She says in her thoughts, "Now that I look at it, that Bird's Eye character looks very familiar." Sun starts to think hard on the clues she find and the others find so far and how it was pulled off and how the ghost is able to get through security or anything without someone noticing. Just then Sun realizes something very important. Sun screams, "I got it." "Got what?" Screwball asks. "I know who the ghost is," Sun answers. "You do?!" Everyone in the room says with a shock. Then Sun says, "Yes… and to make sure my suspicion is correct we need to capture that ghost." "How are we going to do that?" Coloratura asks. "I'll tell you," Sun says. Everyone gather around Sun and she starts to whisper to them about her plan to catch the ghost. At first they think it sound a bit dangerous and scary, but think it might be the only way to stop the ghost. In the theater: The trap is set to capture the ghost and they have just the bait. Coloratura is wearing a different outfit than before. She is wearing a black dress with a see through skirt. She also has her hair in it's original color. She is sitting next to a piano getting ready to sing her song. I'm here to show you who I am Throw off the veil, it's finally time There's more to me than glitz and glam, oh-whoa And now I feel my stars align For I had believed what I was sold I did all the things that I was told But all that has changed, and now I'm bold 'Cause I know That I am just a girl I make mistakes from time to time But now I know the real me And put my heart out on the line... But before she can sing some more, an evil laugh covers the theater and the ghost appears at the catwalk. Sun looks at the curtains and screams, "Now guys!" On cue, Discord and Svengallop pull the rope from opposite side of the stage, which releases the net. When the net is released, it falls on the ghost, but he manages to cut free from it. Sun, Discord, Coloratura, and Svengallop run away from the ghost, but reach to a dead end and now they are cornered by the ghost. They have nowhere to go. "I warned you to leave the theater and never return. Now you will pay," The ghost says. They all fear that they are going to be finished by the ghost. Before the ghost can do anything, water comes out of nowhere and he gets a really bad soak to the face. Then a familiar voice screams, "Not so fast ghost boy." "Huh!" The ghost says confusedly. Everyone turns to see Screwball and she has a big fire fighter hose and uniform to go with it. Screwball ams the hose at the ghost and says, "Get ready to get wet!" With that, she turns on the hose and a big amount of water is splashing the ghost. The ghost tries to fight the water, but he doesn't have the strength. "Stop!" the ghost protests. The ghost is being pushed by the water so hard that he bumps into pile of wooden boxes and barrels, and the barrel on the very top falls on him "Ow!" The ghost screams. The barrel smashes on him and now he is stuck in the barrel. Everyone cheers seeing that the ghost has been captured. "We caught the ghost," Svengallop says happily. "And it's thanks to my sister," Sun cheers. Screwball smile as she is still on the ghost and is proud to help everyone stop the ghost once and for all. Svengallop takes out his phone and call the police to tell them about catching the ghost. After getting the police here: Everyone is amazed that three girls are able to catch the ghost. "Well done kids," One of the officer says. "You all should get all the credit," Gladmane says happily. "Thanks you sir," Sun replies. "But who is he," Coloratura asks. "It has to be Color Tune. She was jealous that Coloratura was a better singer and been chosen to be in the festival instead," Svengallop declares. "I know she can be a pain, but not even she can pull this off," Coloratura says questionably. "She's right, it has to be Rabbit Hat. He wanted to perform in the festival and was upset at Gladmane for rejecting him," Screwball protests. "No. It's neither of them," Sun says. Everyone looks at Sun who is kind of confused. If it isn't the one with the motive who who and who also have a motive for scaring everyone away. Then Color Tune and Rabbit Hat come over on stage to see the ghost. One thing everyone is that it isn't them. "Well it's not me," Color Tune says. "Nor it is me," Rabbit Hat says. "Then who is the ghost of Cat's Eye?" Svengallop asks looking confused. Sun comes over to the ghost and explains, "There's only one person who knows about the treasure. It's his old cellmate and partner Bird's Eye or should I say..." Sun takes off the mask of Cat's Eye and announces, "Fast Quill." Everyone gasp realizing it's Gladmane's secretary is the one causing all the trouble to the concert the whole time. "How you know it was Fast Quill?" Gladmane asks. Then Sun says, "He was the only one who knows where Cat's Eye buried the treasure. I first began to suspect him when the white stuff all over Svengallop suit was flour not paint. I also noticed the stuff on the bottom of his pants also has paint as well. He also said he also had some flour delivered to him." "So all that flour he was carrying wasn't for cooking, it was to make him look like a ghost," Screwball says. "He also used his partner's old clothes and a mask to disguise himself as the ghost," Sun adds. "But why did he haunt the concert?" Coloratura asks with concerns. "And my hotel and theater for that matter?" Gladmare asks. Sun looks a her watch and says, "You'll see just about now." Just then the comes up through one of the windows in the theater. Then the sunshine passis through the window and onto the chandelier. Then the light that is created from the chandelier points to the middle of the stage. Sun opens the door to under the stage to see a small door. Sun opens it to see something amazing. Everyone comes over to where Sun is and are shocked to see what's behind the door. They can see money, gold bricks, jewels and other valuable things that Cat's Eye and Bird's Eye have stolen. "It's the lost treasure of Cat's Eye," Coloratura surprisingly says. Gladmane says, "Oh, Now I get it. He used the legend of Cat's Eye to scare everyone away until he can get the treasure." "He must have figure out where the treasure is buried, but wanted to keep his search a secret." Sun says. "But how did he made the ghost fly?" Screwball asks. "I would have to suspect he must of used some of the performers props from their acts and that includes Rabbit Hat's props for his magic show," Sun concludes. Then Fast Quill who is really Bird's Eye angrily says, "And I would have succeeded too, if it was for this meddling high school girl and that pop star." Before he can say anything else, he is soaked with water. He turns to see Screwball with a squirting flower connected to a water hose. "And their clowning youngster!" Bird's Eye screams after being soaked. Screwball laughs after squirting him showing everyone that he is all washed up. Then the police starts to take Bird's Eye to prison and his is not happy being outsmarted but kids. After solving the mystery: Everyone is having a good time at the Ponet Fantastique, but it's going to be a few days before the theater can be open again. Instead, the concert is being held in the stage where the restaurant in the hotel is at. Sun and her family also have the best seat to watch the show. Coloratura is on stage singing the song 'The Magic Inside' and everyone loves it. Sun and her family are having dinner while watching the concert and they love hearing her song. "It sure was great that we get to see Coloratura live," Screwball says. "Yeah and I'm also glad I get to know her even when she was friends with Applejack," Sun adds with a smile. "I still can't get over the fact that you almost got hurt when you were saving her," Discord says sounding a bit concern about Sun's action. "I know what I did may be crazy, but I couldn't let Rara get hurt," Sun explains her reason." Discord understand that she did it to help, but doesn't seem to like when she put her life on the line to help someone else, when it's something dangerous. Discord says, "Well… I'll this slide this time, but next time try to ask for help, okay." "Okay," Sun says. After Coloratura sings her song, everyone starts to cheer loving the song she sings. Coloratura and Sun look at each other with a smile on her face and glad they have become friends now. Coloratura winks at Sun and Sun winks at her back know that they will become very good friends.