//------------------------------// // Ch.3-Welcome to Manehattan // Story: A Case of Mystery and Love // by cheerful9 //------------------------------// Ch.3-Welcome to Manehattan Later on, Spike and the ponies were already on a train that was already heading for Manehattan. The Mane Six and Starlight Glimmer watched through the windows of the train as things outside passed by them while the CMC and Spike were spending their time playing ‘I Spy’ looking for things around them. Just then, Pinkie Pie asked, “Are we there yet?” “No, Pinkie.” Applejack said. “Oh.” Pinkie Pie was quiet for a moment before she asked again. “Are we there yet?” “No. We’re not there yet, Pinkie.” Rarity replied. Pinkie Pie asked the same question again. “Now are we there yet?” “NO, WE ARE NOT!” Rainbow Dash said with annoyance before taking a deep breath. “We’ll get there when we get there. Just try to be patient.” Pinkie Pie frowned. “Sorry. I’m just so really bored right now.” Twilight pondered this for a moment. “Maybe we should listen to some music to keep us occupied while we wait.” Starlight Glimmer nodded in agreement. “Great idea, Twilight. Listening to music sounds good.” “But what music should we listen to?” Spike asked. “Um, maybe we could listen to one of Singing Diva’s songs?” Fluttershy asked with a sheepish smile. The others looked at her for a moment before they all agreed together. “That’s a great idea, Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash said. “Yeah!” Sweetie Belle said. “I love Singing Diva’s songs!” Singing Diva was one of Equestria’s famous pop stars and everypony really loved her singing. Apple Bloom replied, “I reckon that we listen to her song ‘Try Everything’.” “Great idea! I love that song!” Scootaloo said with excitement as Twilight choose the music cd, put it in a cd player, and they began to listen. As the train continued on its way to Manehattan, pop music began playing in the background. The ponies and baby dragon were enjoying the song as the train continued the journey as Singing Diva’s voice sang. Then they looked outside through the window and saw a bunch of earth ponies and draconequuses running beside the train as they were racing together. When one of the earth ponies was about to fall, a nearby draconequus used its tail to help it up. The earth pony smiled at the draconequus as they continued running with the others. Next, they saw some unicorns who were trying to use their magic to make some plants grow. But by the looks of it, they weren’t having any luck. Some draconequuses used their magic to help out and the plants immediately sprouted out of the ground and grew into tall trees with the unicorns on the branches. The unicorns cheerfully waved back to the draconequuses, who waved back as well while the train passed by. With happy looks on their faces, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle all pointed a hoof outside the window. The others looked at what they were pointing at outside. In the sky, some pegasi ponies and draconequuses were making the clouds rain water for the plants and things. When they were done watering, some pegasi and draconequuses high-hoof each other before flying away. Just then, Twilight and her friends looked out the window and saw that they were almost arriving at the Manehattan train station. As the train came to a complete stop, they immediately got up and headed out, except for Pinkie Pie, who was still dancing along to the song. Rarity grabbed her by the tail and dragged her along as Pinkie yelped in surprise. Once they entered out of the train with the other passengers, they all looked around their surroundings. Draconequuses and ponies were moving all about. Some were at stands selling foods while others arrived in their own vehicles, which fit the draconequuses’ size. The ponies looked around with amazement. It was great to see ponies and draconequuses learning to get along so well. With smiles, they all departed from the train station. As the song came to an end, the gang looked at each other and knew that they did it: They had made it to Manehattan. Up on a huge screen in front of them stood a beautiful unicorn with a pink coat, lovely blue eyes, and her mane and tail were both golden yellow that were both braided at the end. As for her cutie mark, it was a microphone with stars around it. It was Singing Diva, the same pony who had composed the song they had just listened to. “I’m Singing Diva. Welcome to Manehattan.” Singing Diva said with a warm smile. Soon they arrived at the hotel they were staying at. A hotel pony worker showed them to their room as she opened the door. “Welcome to the Grand Hoofington Hotel,” said the pony worker, as she stepped aside as they looked inside. The room had water beds that had exotic fish swimming in them. The floor was made up of soft carpet the color of blue. “Luxurious hotel with charm.” Turning to Twilight, she continued. “Complimentary housekeeping once a week. Don’t lose your key.” “Sure. No problem.” Twilight answered after receiving the hotel key from the pony worker, who then left. Just then, two stallions walked by them. One was an earth pony and the other was a pegasus. Pinkie Pie greeted them with a cheerful smile. “Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie and these are my friends! We’re your new hotel neighbors.” “Yeah, well, we’re loud,” said the pegasus. “Don’t expect us to apologize for it,” blurted the earth pony. After they went into their room and slammed the door, Fluttershy flinched nervously at the slam of the door. They all wandered further into their room and admired how great it was. Rarity gasped in joy and ran to some elaborate, fancy curtains. “Sweet Celestia! What simply fabulous curtains! The ponies here have exquisite taste.” Spike smiled and went up to one of the water beds. “Hey,” Spike said. “Check out the beds!” He laid down on the water bed and sighed as it wobbled back and forth. “Ahhhhhhh. Now this is comfortable.” Pinkie Pie smiled and said, “Oooh! I wanna try it too!” She immediately jumped into the air (and almost hit the ceiling) and prepared to land on the bed. “CANNONBALL!!!!!!” Spike yelped in surprise as Pinkie Pie was about to land on the bed. Thinking fast, Twilight used her magic to slow her down and set her on the bed. However, once she landed on the bed, she caused the whole thing to shake uncontrollably, causing Spike to go flipping and land on the floor. The fish in the water bed swam about like crazy. Fluttershy rushed up to the rubber mattress and spoke gently to the fishes. “Oh, I’m so sorry about my friend. She can’t help it when she sees a water bed. We’ll try to be more careful next time.” Applejack and Rarity walked up to Spike, who was still lying on the floor. “Ya alright, Sugarcube?” Applejack asked while Rarity had a concern look on her face. Spike lifted his head up with a dizzy look and said, “I’m fine. The floor’s also comfy.” With that, he fell back onto the floor with a thud. Pinkie Pie smiled as the water bed wobbled to and fro. “This water bed is superiffic!” Rainbow Dash laid back on another bed. “Yeah! This place has it all!” Twilight and Starlight Glimmer looked around. “Comfy water beds, elaborate curtains…,” Twilight said. Just then, loud voices came from the other side of the wall: “Shut up!” “You shut up!” “No, you shut up!” “I said shut up!” It was the pony neighbors they saw earlier. “...Loud neighbors,” Rainbow Dash said. “I LOVE IT!” Pinkie Pie shouted with a smile and laid back on the water bed, which wobbled a bit. The ponies and baby dragon all smiled and began to settle in. The next day, they all departed from the hotel (they had some trouble pulling Pinkie Pie from the snack table). From what Princess Celestia had told them back in Canterlot, they needed to find a pony officer by the name of  “Inspector Fantastic.” “So how exactly are we supposed to find this Inspector Fantastic pony?” Scootaloo asked as they walked down the streets of Manehattan. Twilight thought back to their time in Canterlot. “Now once you have arrived in Manehattan and find a place to stay, you must find a pony called Inspector Fantastic,” Princess Celestia explained to them before they were getting ready to board a train that was heading for Manehattan. “And why is this pony very important?” Starlight Glimmer asked. “Inspector Fantastic is a detective who works for the Manehattan Police Station.” Princess Celestia continued. “What’ll happen next after we find him?” asked Sweetie Belle. “Once you find him, he will take you the the Manehattan Police Station. There you will receive your assignment. I have already sent a letter to Inspector Fantastic to let him know that you are on your way.” Princess Celestia finished. “Um…Princess Celestia? What is Inspector Fantastic like,” Fluttershy asked as the alicorn turned her attention to the shy pegasus. “Exactly what kind of a cop is he?” Fluttershy was often afraid being around big scary police officers. “Yeah. Is he a great officer, or what?” asked Rainbow Dash. Princess Celestia smiled warmly. “Well, I think he is a very great officer.” “Really?” asked Apple Bloom. “In his own way.” Princess Celestia replied. “He’s quite eccentric and a little hard to understand. But when he puts his mind to it, he’s the perfect officer for any case.” “She could have at least told us what he looks like,” Rarity complained. Spike says, “He could be anywhere in Manehattan.” Just then, several ponies rushed past them. They watched as the ponies rushed inside a bookstore where more ponies and draconequuses were gathering. “Hey. What’s all the ruckus?” asked Applejack. Twilight looks over at the bookstore. “It looks like something is happening at that bookstore.” “Maybe we’ll find Inspector Fantastic in there!” Starlight Glimmer said. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” Rainbow Dash rushed up ahead and the others followed right behind her. Inside the bookstore, they found that the place was overflowing with various ponies and draconequuses. Many of them had cameras and microphones. As the Main Six, Starlight Glimmer, Spike, and the CMC made their way through the crowd, Rainbow Dash and Rarity both noticed something and gasped. Twilight and the others caught up with them and notice them both staring in awe. “Rarity? Rainbow?” Twilight asked. “What are y'all looking at?” Apple Bloom asked. “It’s him.” Rainbow Dash said. “It’s actually him!” Rarity added. “Who? Who is it?” Pinkie asked. “Is it Inspector Fantastic?” Twilight asked, hoping that is was the pony that they were looking for. “No. Even better!” Rainbow Dash said in excitement. The others got up closer and saw what everypony was looking at. In front of the crowd was the most handsome pegasus any of them had ever seen. His coat was red, his mane and tail were both a different shade red. His eyes were orange and his cutie mark was a golden horseshoe that was shining bright. He wore a blue business suit and a red tie. He was obviously a fan of red. When he smiled, his teeth sparkled a little bit. Next to him was a female unicorn. She was even more marvelous looking than the pegasus. Her coat was a dark purple while her mane and tail were sky blue and violet that was styled gorgeous. Her eyes were magenta and as for her cutie mark, it was a blue mirror that had sparkles around it. “It’s him! It’s him! It’s actually him!” Rainbow Dash squealed as she put her hooves to her cheeks, trying to contain all her excitement. “In the flesh!” Rarity said in full delight. “It’s Mayor Flashhoof!” They said in perfect unison. Twilight and the others gasp in surprise and looked at the handsome pegasus. “The Flashhoof?!” Twilight asked in awe. Starlight Glimmer’s jaw dropped in amazement. “I’ve never seen him up close before.” Sweetie Belle looked confused, along with Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Spike, and Pinkie Pie. “Who’s Flashhoof?” Rarity and Rainbow Dash both turned their heads around at Sweetie Belle and gasped in disbelief. “Who’s Flashhoof?!” Rarity asked. “Yeah. Who is he?” Scootaloo asked. “Only the most greatest pegasus in all of Equestria!” Rainbow Dash said before continuing. “This guy was once a member of the Wonderbolts! He pulled off spectacular stunts that no pegasus ever done and succeeded every time! He graduated from the Wonderbolts academy at the age of 14! The youngest pegasus ever to graduate because he was so awesome!” “Not only that, he’s absolutely gorgeous,” Rarity replied, her eyes wide as she looked at Flashhoof’s wavy mane and sparkling teeth. “He’s the absolute ponyification of perfection!” Spike, however, was starting to feel jealous. Rarity was practically falling in love with this pony, whom she had never even met before. Pinkie Pie just tilted her head. “I don’t see what’s so awesome about him.” Twilight explained. “From what everypony says, he’s the mayor of Manehattan. Not only that, he’s in charge of ‘The Pony and Draconequus Friendship Initiative’. He’s made it possible for draconequuses and ponies to coexist in Equestria.” “And he’s super awesome!” Rainbow Dash said in excitement. Then they heard one of the pony reporters talking to Mayor Flashhoof. “Mayor Flashhoof, how will your Pony and Draconequus Friendship Initiative convince the ponies in Fillydelphia to get along with draconequuses?” Mayor Flashhoof just gave a chuckle before he spoke. “Well, it’s really quite simple actually. We-” He stopped in mid-sentence when he noticed something in the crowd. “Sweet Celestia, can it really be,” Flashhoof said in amazement, looking at Twilight and her friends. “Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends.” The ponies and draconequuses turned their attention to the ones Flashhoof was referring to. The alicorn and her friends looked at them in confusion. “What’s everyone looking at?” asked Scootaloo. “Princess Twilight Sparkle!” said a photographer, before grabbing her hoof and pulled her where Mayor Flashhoof was, with her friends following while Rainbow Dash and Rarity had exciting looks on their faces. “What’s goin’ on?” a confused Apple Bloom asked. Flashhoof smiled as he put his arm around Twilight. “Hey, wha-?!” Twilight began to speak, but Flashhoof interrupted her. “Smile for the camera, Princess Twilight. Everyone loves it.” Flashhoof said. Rarity and Rainbow Dash were both beside Flashhoof: the pony of their dreams! One of the photographers set Fluttershy right next to the unicorn that was with Flashhoof. She accidently bumped into the unicorn. “Oh! I’m so sorry.” Fluttershy nervously said. The unicorn simply smiled gently. “It’s alright. No harm done.” Her voice sounded very elegant, yet had a hint of humor in it. Rarity noticed the unicorn’s mane and gasped. “Sweet Celestia! Your mane is absolutely magnificent!” “Oh, it’s nothing really.” The unicorn stated. “Oh, but it is! I’ve never seen a mane styled in such a fabulous way!” “Yeah,” Pinkie Pie popped out of nowhere and almost landed on Spike. “It’s super duper shiny!” The unicorn blushed before she brushed her mane back with a hoof. “Oh, you flatter me. My name is Shimmering Beauty, the assistant mayor of Manehattan.” “I’m Fluttershy. Nice to…um…” The shy pegasus didn’t feel very comfortable with several other ponies taking pictures of her all at once. To be honest, she didn’t like it when ponies took pictures of her without her permission. Shimmering Beauty noticed this and stood beside Fluttershy and put a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder to comfort her. Rarity continued looking at Shimmering Beauty’s mane in awe. “I’ve never seen a mane sparkle like that! How do you do it!?” “Well, it’s not difficult really,” Shimmering Beauty said. “I simply use-.” Before she could finish, Mayor Flashhoof pushed Shimmering Beauty aside. “Shimmering Beauty, make room will you?” Flashhoof said before turning to the ponies and baby dragon. “All right, girls. Let’s see those teeth!” Rarity and Rainbow Dash got right next to Flashhoof and smiled in utter joy. As the photographers continued taking pictures, Fluttershy saw that Shimmering Beauty was trying to be in the picture as well. So, she moved aside and Shimmering Beauty stood right beside her as the cameras were flashing. Later, they had already left the bookstore and decided to go with Flashhoof and Shimmering Beauty. Photographers kept following Flashhoof. Rarity was right by his side, completely lovestruck. Rainbow Dash was flying right next to them, barely able to control all the excitement coming from inside of her. Twilight and the others followed close behind, with Shimmering Beauty and Fluttershy talking to each other. Spike was struggling to carry a heap of books that were all about Flashhoof and autographed by him as well. Rarity insisted that they should get them and Spike couldn’t say no to the beautiful unicorn. He was able to peer out of the book pile with one eye and glared as Rarity kept fawning over the mayor of Manehattan. The CMC also helped Spike manage all the books and they could tell that even from under all those books, the baby dragon was seething with jealously. “Oh, Flashhoof! You’re simply the most handsome, charming, sophisticated stallion in all of Equestria,” Rarity sighed as she placed her head next to Flashhoof’s. Flashhoof smiled back, his sparkling teeth glittering in the sunlight. “Oh, it’s nothing really. Although, I am handsome.” Flashhoof said. Rainbow Dash flew right next to them. “And you’re the most coolest, fastest, and flashiest pegasus that’s ever been!” She said, squealing in joy. “Did you really win the Nation Tri-Hoof games in 13 seconds?” “Why, yes.” Flashhoof stated. “Although, I did give them a head start. I have heard that your skills are quite amazing from what everypony tells me.” He then turned his head to Rarity and said, “Might I add that you’re even more beautiful than all the glittering stars in the sky and diamonds in the earth?” Rarity felt that she might faint in utter happiness. Flashhoof was the ultimate gentlepony! “Oh, Flashhoof!” She said. “You’re everything any mare could ask for! The ultimate Prince Charming!” “The greatest daredevil!” Rainbow Dash said, as she flew in a loop. “The biggest fathead.” Spike muttered from underneath the pile of books, which celebrated his newfound rival. The smiling pictures of Flashhoof fueled his anger. “Yep. He’s jealous.” Sweetie Belle told her friends as they walked. Fluttershy and Shimmering Beauty were being swarmed by reporters and photographers, who asked Fluttershy multiple random questions that made her rather uncomfortable. “Miss Fluttershy! Is it true that you looked King Sombra in the eye with your famous Stare and said ‘bite me’?” asked a male pegasus reporter with a microphone. “What? I never-.” “Miss Fluttershy! Is it true that the reason you can communicate with animals is because you were bitten by a wild dingo as a filly?” a female earth pony asked next. “No, I-” “Miss Fluttershy! Is it true that you are at the mercy of a small, adorable, yet demanding and conniving rabbit that is your own pet?” asked a male unicorn. “What?! What are you talking about?” Shimmering Beauty finally spoke up. “Alright everypony. Give her a rest. She’s got enough on her hooves already.” “Awwww.” the pony photographers and reporters groaned. They all went up to Flashhoof to see if the stallion could answer their questions and get the latest gossip from Rarity. Fluttershy turned to Shimmering Beauty and smiled. “Thanks.” Fluttershy said. She didn’t how much pressure she could have taken from those reporters. She was grateful for Shimmering Beauty’s help. “Oh, it was nothing really,” Shimmering Beauty said before continuing. “Not used to crowds?” “No, not really.” Fluttershy sadly admitted. “I know how you feel. I wasn’t used to crowds either when I was a filly.” “You do?” “Of course. I was the first one in my class to get my cutie mark and nearly everypony couldn’t leave me alone. They would constantly follow me, admiring my looks, and asking me how they could be just as beautiful as me.” She gave a small sigh of frustration and a small chuckle. “They rarely ever gave me a moment's peace.” “Oh my.” Fluttershy said. This pony had it worse than she did ever since she was a filly. “So, how did you get over it?” Shimmering Beauty gave a warm smile. “Well, for starters, I just ignored those who were jealous of me. Eventually, they let me be. I also socialized with the more friendlier crowds. As I got older, I was more used to crowds looking at me. Also, being next to an important pony like Flashhoof has made it so much easier to get used to crowds.” Fluttershy’s eyes widened! She had never thought of ignoring ponies before. She thought it would be too rude. She replied, “If only I was more calm like you.” Shimmering Beauty gave another warm smile. “Don’t worry. You have your friends to help you.” Fluttershy smiled. This was somepony who could relate to her and ask for advice. They both continued talking. Twilight and the others were amazed that they were walking with the one and only Flashhoof. However, they had an important task to do and an important pony to find. “So, what brings you and your friends to Manehattan, Princess Twilight?” Flashhoof asked. “Did you come to get my newest autobiography?” “Uh, not really,” Twilight said, seeing that Spike was already overburdened by a small mountain of books. “We’re here on official business assigned by Princess Celestia. She has asked us to find a certain pony officer by the name of ‘Inspector Fantastic’. Do you know him?” The mayor raised an eyebrow. “Inspector Fantastic? Why yes, I do know him. Why do you need to find him?” “I’m afraid that’s our business.” Twilight replied. Flashhoof just shrugged. “If you say so. I didn’t mean to pry. I’m not entirely sure of his whereabouts, but I do recall seeing him and his assistant doing some police work in the intersection of lower Manehattan. Said he was doing some important work to take care of. You might be able to find him there. “Thank you.” Twilight said. “Well, I would like to stay and chat some more, but I have important business I must attend to. The Pony and Draconequus Friendship Initiative can’t lead itself.” He said, before turning to Rarity and Rainbow Dash. “I do hope we meet again, my sweet Rarity. I enjoyed our time together.” He then held Rarity’s hoof in his hoof before he kissed it. Rarity’s eyes sparkled and smiled in delight. Spike saw the whole thing and growled angrily. “Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!” Finally he couldn’t take it anymore and let the books fall over him. It was official: he now hated this super, charming daredevil. As Flashhoof turned, he called for his assistant. “Shimmering Beauty!” Shimmering Beauty gasped, realizing that her boss needed her. She turned to Fluttershy. “I have to go now. But I did enjoy our conversation.” Fluttershy smiled. “Me too. I hope we can get together sometime and talk some more.” “I hope so too.” Shimmering Beauty said with a smile. With that, Shimmering Beauty turned and walked alongside Flashhoof. A huge swarm of reporters and photographers rush after them, leaving the ponies and baby dragon all by themselves. Finally, Rainbow Dash couldn’t hold it in any longer. “YAAAAAAAAA-HOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!” She burst into the air and did several loops while soaring through the air. She almost flew into a t.v. antenna. Rarity was still standing and looking at the hoof that Flashhoof had kissed in absolute awe. Rainbow Dash flew back onto the ground and stood right next to Rarity. “Can you believe it?! I don’t believe it!” She could barely conceal her happiness. “We walked and talked next to Mayor Flashhoof! The greatest daredevil in all of Equestria!” Rarity smiled as she looked at her hoof. “He actually kissed my hoof with his lovely lips,” She said in utter delight. “I’ll never wash this hoof again.” “Gee, I hope not.” Spike muttered to himself as he and the CMC picked up the books, although he was tempted to burn them all to a crisp. He couldn’t stand the sight of Flashhoof. “Wow!” Scootaloo said as she picked up a book. “We actually met the famous Flashhoof!” Starlight Glimmer turned to Twilight. “So, what did you think of him?” Twilight responded. “He certainly was interesting. It’s good to hear that he supports Princess Celestia’s idea of ponies and draconequuses living and working together in harmony.” “He certainly was handsome.” Starlight added. Rarity sighed in joy. “Handsome isn’t even enough to describe him. He’s absolutely gorgeous. He has a face as if it was carved by angels.” She almost fainted, but Applejack caught her and lifted her up. Applejack shrugged. “I don’t know. He seems kinda full of himself.” Spike chuckled sarcastically. ‘Full of himself’ sounded like a compliment, comparing it to Flashhoof’s ego. Rarity didn’t seem to notice as she was still sighing. Pinkie Pie popped up and caused Spike to fall over, spilling books everywhere. “Did you see that pony, Shimmering Beauty? Her mane is shinier than that rock Maud dug up at the rock farm.” Hearing Shimmering Beauty’s name, Rarity came to her senses before turning to Pinkie with a smile. “I know!” she said. “I’ve never seen another unicorn with such astounding beauty such as that!” Fluttershy replied, “I thought she was very nice. In fact, I think she and I have a lot in common.” Applejack smiled as she put a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “Sounds like you got yerself a new friend there, Sugarcube.” “Come on, everypony.” Twilight said. “We have to find Inspector Fantastic as soon as possible.” Hearing what Twilight, the others nodded and followed her as they headed for lower Manehattan. A little while later, they reached lower Manehattan and began to look for the pony called Inspector Fantastic. So far, they asked the ponies in the area, but none of them knew where he was. “How do we know where to find him if no one knows where he is?” asked Apple Bloom. “I wonder if he’s handsome like Flashhoof.” Rarity said. “I certainly hope not.” Spike grumbled to himself as he carried all the books. He had just enough of handsome, charming, and charismatic ponies like Flashhoof for one day. Before anyone could reply, somepony bumped into Spike and made him fall over, spilling all the books he was carrying. The pony rushed past him and the others, pushing aside Rainbow Dash and Applejack. “What the hay?” Applejack explained in surprise. “Hey! Watch where you’re going, pal!” Rainbow Dash said angrily. The pony was an earth pony who looked very familiar. He was lanky, green, and wore a dirty brown coat. “Hey.” Sweetie Belle said, noticing the pony and raising a curious eyebrow. “Have we seen that pony before?” Immediately, Twilight recognized who it was and gasped in surprise. “Wait a minute! It’s the Thief!” “Oi, you! Stop!” The ponies turned around to see where the unfamiliar voice had come from.Behind a corner, two Earth ponies appeared. The first Earth pony had an orange coat, red eyes, and a black bushy mustache that matched his mane and tail. He wore a gray duffle coat with a blue tie and a brown detective hat. His cutie mark was a magnifying glass. In one of his hooves, he carried a black umbrella. He waved it around his head as if he was conducting an orchestra. Next to him, the other Earth pony was younger. He had a light blue coat while his mane was green and curly. His eyes were pink. He wore a similar duffle coat, except his was orange and his tie was dark green. He wore a small black bowler hat and his cutie mark looked like a notepad. “Quick!” The first pony said in a cockney accent. “After 'im, Number 2!” “Yes sir!” The pony, presumably Number 2, said in a slightly more posh accent. Rainbow Dash turned her head back at the Thief and glared angrily. “Come on, guys! Let's get him!” Just then, the Thief turned around the corner and turned his head as he continued running. “Whew! For a pony carrying an umbrella, he sure is fast.” He didn't see where he was running and fell right down a sewer hole. “Whoops!” He landed in the sewage water with a splash. “Dang it.” He gurgled to himself. The two Earth ponies stopped as they could no longer see where the Thief went. “Blast it!” The Earth pony with the umbrella said. “ 'e got away.” As the other ponies caught up with them, the other Earth pony panted for breath. “That didn't work right, sir.” “Well, we’ll just 'ave ter find the bugger later.” “Um, excuse me,” Starlight Glimmer said, getting the two Earth ponies attention. “Yes? Can we ‘elp yer?” “Yes. My name is Princess Twilight Sparkle and these are my friends. We're looking for somepony called Inspector Fantastic.” Twilight said. “Do you know him?” Fluttershy asked. The Earth pony smiled before he spoke. “Know 'im? Well, of course I know 'im.” “You do?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Yes. 'e’s me!” He pointed at himself with his umbrella. Once he said that, the gang was surprised! “You're Inspector Fantastic?!” Asked Apple Bloom with a surprised look. Rarity looked the most surprised. Inspector Fantastic wasn't the charming and handsome pony she thought he would be. “The same!” He said proudly before to the Earth pony next to him. “And this is me sidekick, Number 2!” The Earth pony, Number 2, lifted his hat and greets them with a smile. “Honor to meet you.” “Wot can I do for yer, Princess?” Inspector Fantastic said. “We're here on orders from Princess Celestia herself. She sent us to help in finding the missing draconequuses. She said you could help us get to the Manehattan police station so we can receive our assignment.” Twilight explained. Inspector Fantastic stroked his bushy mustache and smiled. “Well, yer’ve come ter the right pony, mate! There's no other copper in Mane’atten 'oo knows these bloomin’ streets better than me.” With the two ponies leading the way, the others followed. As they walked, Applejack noticed Inspector Fantastic’s umbrella, which he was twirling around. “I'm just wondering, why do you carry that there umbrella anyhow?” “Yeah,” replied Rainbow Dash. “It's not even raining.” Inspector Fantastic turned his head to the two ponies. “Why, this 'ere is me trusty, lucky, crime-fightin’ brolly. It's been in me family fer as long as I can remember. I’ve always 'ad it wif me through thick an’ thin. Yer never know when it might come in 'andy. It can be a cracking good weapon and a shield when things is gettin’ 'airy.” He showed by opening the umbrella and placing it under the CMC just as a soda can was about to hit them. The can bounced off the umbrella and landed on the ground with a clank. “Wow!” Cried Pinkie Pie as they continued walking. “Who knew that umbrellas could be so useful as police weapons?” Soon they finally arrived at the Manehattan police station. As they walked inside, ponies were bustling around doing stuff. One pony cop was leading another pony, who was hoof cuffed. “Come on! He kickd his hooves at me first.” The hoof cuffed pony complained as he was being dragged away. The group approached the help desk. The pony sitting at the front desk was a rather chubby Earth pony eating doughnuts. He didn't seem to notice Twilight and her friends. “Uh, excuse me?” Twilight said, hoping to get the pony’s attention. The Earth pony just continued eating, not paying attention to the alicorn. Twilight cleared her throat and spoke louder. “Excuse me!” The Earth pony stopped eating and noticed them. “Yeah?” He said, with a mouth full of doughnuts. Inspector Fantastic spoke. “These ponies was wonderin’ where the bullpen was. Says they got important business ter do 'ere.” The Earth pony lifted a hoof and pointed while speaking a mouth full of doughnuts. “Mrstdurtmmdaluftt.” “What?” Rainbow Dash said. The pony swallowed down the doughnut and spoke clearly. “First door down to the left.” He pointed down the hallway with his hoof again. Fluttershy then noticed something odd with the Earth pony. “Um, sir, you kinda have a little something at the fold…uh,” she stammered as she tried to figure out how to explain it to him. The Earth pony felt around his fat neck and pulled out a half eaten doughnut. “There you are! I was wondering where you went.” He happily ate the doughnut while the others watched, to which they were all disgusted, except Pinkie. “Thank you!” Twilight said as they headed down the hallway the pony had just pointed at. As they walked past the help desk, Inspector Fantastic's umbrella accidentally hooked the doughnut that the Earth pony was about to eat. He was reading a book, so he couldn't see what happened. When he noticed that his doughnut was gone, he looked around, shrugged, and picked up another doughnut. Once they entered the bullpen, the ponies saw that it was brimming with activity. Pony officers were talking with each other, some drinking coffee, reading, or playfully punching each other. At one table, they saw an Earth pony and a pegasus hoof-wrestling. The earth pony slammed the pegasi’ hoof  with a loud thud while the cops nearby cheered. At another table, two unicorn stallions were playfully punching each other on the shoulders and laughing. “I love this place!” Rainbow Dash said with excitement as they got to their seats. As they sat down, she noticed a large male pegasus sitting right next to her. His name tag said ‘McHoof.’ “Hey, Rainbow Dash!” She said, pointing to herself. The pegasus just looked at her as she held a hoof out. “Ready to make Equestria a better place?” McHoof just looked at her and simply hoof bumped her in return, almost knocking her out of her chair. She smiled. “ATTEN-HUT!” A unicorn officer said just as the door opened. Coming in was a burly earth pony stallion. He had a blue coat, an orange mane, tail, and mustache, and light orange eyes. He had the basic police outfit and his cutie mark was a police badge. His expression wasn’t exactly friendly. All the officers stood to attention while some pounded their hooves on the tables, chanting, “Gruff! Gruff! Gruff! Gruff!” As the officers were chanting, Sweetie Belle turned to Number Two and whispered. “Who’s that?” Number Two whispered back to her. “That is Officer Gruff, the toughest police officer in Manehattan and the chief’s second in command.” Spike watched as the stern earth pony officer walked up to the front of the room. “He doesn’t look quite happy,” he stated. “He’s always like that,” Number Two explained. “He’s strict, short-tempered, and absolutely no-nonsense. He’s absolutely terrifying if you upset him.” Fluttershy nervously crouched in her chair. “He sounds scary.” The shy pegasus said as she looked at the grim officer. Inspector Fantastic patted her shoulder reassuringly. “Oh, don’t yer worry. ‘E’s quite alright once yer get ter know ‘im.” Once Officer Gruff reached the front of the room, he said, “All right. Everypony sit.” His voice was deep with a strong sense of authority. Everypony sat down in their chairs as he continued. “I have three items on the list from the chief this morning.” He pulled up a folder and a checkpad. “First, we need to acknowledge a certain pegasus in the room. Officer Millicent.” All heads turned to an orange female pegasus officer. She looked nervous for a moment before Officer Gruff said with a small smile, “Happy birthday.” Immediately, Officer Millicent sighed in relief while the other officers cheered for her. She smiled and gave a male pegasus next to her a noogie. “Oh yeah!” she said with joy. Twilight and her friends clapped their hooves in appreciation while Pinkie Pie gasped in surprise. “It’s your birthday?!” She smiled in excitement. “Oh, this is so exciting! I gotta get my party cannon!” She jumped out of her seat and was about to dash off, but Applejack grabbed her by the tail, causing her to run in place. “Hold yer horses, Pinkie. Sit down.” Applejack said as she made Pinkie Pie sit in her chair. “Second: with us today, we have Princess Twilight Sparkle herself and her friends, whom I should introduce…,” Officer Gruff said while Rarity and Rainbow Dash beamed with excitement. They always love being the center of attention. “...but I’m not going to, because I don’t care.” Rarity and Rainbow Dash’s jaws dropped in disbelief while all the pony officers chuckled. “Well, really,” Rarity huffed frustratingly. “And finally, we have fourteen missing civilian cases,” Officer Gruff said, pointing to a map. On there were pin marks of locations in Equestria, along with pictures of draconequuses. “All draconequuses, from a giant polar bear draconequus to a tiny otter draconequus. King Disconcert and city hall are right up the chief’s tail to find them! The royal guards are already searching the rest of Equestria while we search in Manehattan. This is priority number one.” Holding up some folders, he said, “Assignments! Officers, McHoof, Trotters, and Mareington: you search the outer areas of the city. Officers Lugger, Bridge Hoof, and Green Burst: your team scouts through inner Manehattan.” “Inspector Fantastic, Number Two: you both investigate the areas where the victim's have vanished.” “Right! We’ll get ter it, Gov!” Inspector Fantastic said, saluting before he and Number Two took the folder and headed out. He noticed that there was a doughnut on his umbrella. “Cor! Wot a stroke of luck!” He took it off his umbrella and ate it. Officer Gruff then held up the last folder. “And finally, Princess Twilight Sparkle and company-” Rainbow Dash interrupted him as she flew out of her seat with excitement. “Are we gonna take on some bad guys?” She punched her hooves in excitement. “Are you gonna send us on a super secret mission? Are you gonna-” “Your assignment,” he said, irritated that the pegasus had interrupted him. “will be asking the citizens of Manhattan if they have seen or know anything about the missing draconequuses. If you find anything, take note of it and bring it back to us.” “Oh,” Rainbow Dash said, a little disappointed. She had really hoped that she and her friends were going to go after a dangerous villain or something else exciting. “Dismissed.” Officer Gruff said as he got ready to leave. “WAIT!!! Wait a minute!” Officer Gruff turned his head and saw Pinkie Pie rush up to him. “Nopony told me that it was somepony’s birthday today!” Officer Gruff just looked at her. “I don’t see why that’s any concern of yours.” “Well it means a lot to me!” She said, while smiling. “I’m Ponyville’s number One party pony!” “I see. Just don’t care.” His face was still grouchy. “Of course you should care!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “I-” “Don’t you have an assignment to take care of?” Officer Gruff asked, his voice getting impatient. “Uh… yes, officer,” Twilight said nervously. “We'll get to it right away.” She didn’t want Pinkie Pie to irritate the stern officer anymore. As they headed out, Pinkie Pie still tried to talk to Officer Gruff while Applejack pulled her along. “Could you at least tell me if there’s anypony’s birthdays coming up?!” She shouted back as Applejack yanked her through the door. Officer Gruff rolled his eyes and moved along.