The hour was at hoof. Question felt the anticipation well up inside him. He looked toward the clock, still in disbelief at how little time had actually passed. It felt like he had been doing this for days, when in reality it had been a few hours. He was unnervingly quiet. Rainbow hated it, but was afraid to break the silence.
"This could get very ugly," Question confessed, not looking at her.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean I've been gambling since the start. I can't control myself, Rainbow. When there's a mystery to solve I lose myself in it everytime. I could've backed off long ago, given this to the authorities and let it be their responsibility. But I can't, do you know why?"
Rainbow was unsure if she was actually supposed to answer that question. Even if she wanted to, she couldn't. Anticipation had gripped her vocal cords like a petulant foal who would not let go. Daedalus could only stare at his faithful subject as he felt a similar sensation take over him as well.
"I can't let go because the idea that a rich asshole like him can get away with anything he wants boils my blood like nothing else. But I've been selfish, Rainbow. Don't mistake that. I did this for my own stubborn pride. The second I knew what I stepped into I should have walked away." He paused and then sighed. "And I didn't."
"Quest, what are you saying?" Rainbow found her voice again, it emerged barely above a weak croak.
"I'm saying if this goes sideways, you need to walk away. If this gets to a point where this is all going to backfire on me, then you need to forget about me and this town. Just head back to Ponyville and keep doing what you do best. Being an awesome pony."
"Don't be a martyr you fool," Daedalus spat. Another futile gesture, talking at ghosts who never spoke back. Yet he could not contain himself any longer.
Question looked at Rainbow and smiled with sad eyes. With another deep breath he turned and walked towards the door, ready to see his actions through. Rainbow shot forward and blocked his path. It took a few seconds for the Detective to realise what had just happened.
"You're an idiot," she snarled angrily.
"Agreed," Daedalus chimed in.
"What?" Question balked at the sudden statement.
"You know who you're talking to? I'm the element of loyalty. How can I call myself that if I just abandon you here. I'm not leaving you no matter what."
"Rainbow, I was meant to be your chaperone. I was meant to steer you and that little filly away from danger, not headfirst into it. I already betrayed you. Your honor isn't forfeit if you walk away from me now."
"Oh, trust me, I'm not letting how much of an ass you've been tonight slide. You and me are settling this after we get out of here. But we're both getting out of here. Don't care if I gotta knock that smug Count out to do so."
"He's a Baron, and you intend to fight the entire Trottingham guard on your own?" He asked with a deadpan expression.
"If I gotta, sure. Fought worse things before."
"I can believe that," Daedalus mused aloud.
"The Princesses can't just get you out of that, y'know that right? Neither will your friends. You'd at least be walking away with a criminal record which could greatly affect your chances of becoming a Wonderbolt." Question felt a vein throb on his forehead.
Rainbow paused at that. It was only for a moment, but the Detective could see her gusto falter. Yet Rainbow picked herself back up again twice as fast, raising her head up in defiance, wearing a smirk the entire time.
"Then I just got a cool new prison name. Maybe Rainbow Stab? Maybe I could start my own flying troop? Dunno, but I'm not gonna abandon you."
"That's very sweet, but I'm still hung up on 'Rainbow Stab.' Like what, you planning on shanking ponies now?"
"I would have gone for 'Prism' myself. Find one word names a little cooler," Daedalus commented, amusing himself to give some relief to the tension. It wasn't working.
"Everypony knows that when you first go to prison you gotta make a name for yourself, otherwise they eat you alive. Gotta find the biggest mare in the yard and knock her down a peg."
"Later we're gonna have a talk about how many trashy books you've been reading lately, but right now…" He let out a sigh, shaking his head at her. "What about Scootaloo? Are you going to abandon her for me?"
"That's not the point, I'm not gonna abandon either of you-"
"But you may have to!" Question snapped at her. "That filly has got to get home. You're the best suited to do so. If you pick a fight and get yourself locked up, then who's looking after Scoot?"
"You really think it's gonna go that far?" Rainbow asked incredulously. "Like I get you're worried and this guy has got a lot of bits, but you think he can get you locked up instead? Is that what you're worried about?" Even now she wasn't still fully convinced of the danger of their situation. It frustrated Question somewhat, yet he could not blame her. Her life had been far more sheltered than his.
"Remember the case I told you about the first night we met?" He asked solemnly, dark memories swirling around his head like buzzards. "Money goes a long way…"
"Yeah, I remember, but this is different," she defiantly fired back. "He might be rich, but I've got my friends, and the Princesses, and anypony else who wants to take down that jerk. Have faith in me, Quest. Have faith in yourself."
The Detective felt like he had been punched in his gut. She was not wrong. Not in her blasé attitude to the trouble they were in, but he knew he needed to hold onto his convictions. If he did not, anypony could see right through him. If he could not convince the ponies in that room of what he was about to say, then he might as well walk away. His eyes glanced at the clock again, he knew he could delay this no longer.
"We should go," Question sighed out. "I suppose whatever happens, happens. Just look after yourself, alright?"
He didn't wait for a response as he reached for the door. Rainbow stepped aside but felt a sudden urge to step in again. She resisted just long enough for him to walk through the doorway, but felt something snap as she followed on through.
"Wait, there's one more thing I want to say!" She called out far too loudly. Her voice travelled down the corridors and likely through the entire museum.
"Well hopefully you don't inform all of Trottingham while you're at it," Daedalus spoke through his teeth. Even for a monarch as boisterous as him, he knew when to keep a tight lid on things.
"What's the matter?" Question forced himself to stop. He almost wanted to dismiss her, but he couldn't do that to Rainbow.
"There's something that's been bothering me for a while," she began, pausing as she searched for the right words to say. "There's something weird about your friend…"
"Who? Gumshoe?"
"No, Lens Turner. It's why I actually went to find you. I don't like her."
"Yeah, she has that effect on ponies. To be frank, you're not the only pony she's been off with today." His words trailed off as he thought back to earlier.
"That's the thing. Isn't she super suspicious? Like she wanders around the whole museum, is the only pony who slipped out when the lights went out, just repapears out of nowhere and then is stuck to you like she's the one in charge. Like I know you know her, but-"
"Do I?" Question asked himself.
"What?"
"Do I know Lens? How can I when she doesn't know herself?"
Both Rainbow and Daedalus looked at Question in confusion. He ignored his marefriend, too self-absorbed with the puzzle in his mind space. There he could see the image finally take form. Every piece was now perfectly in place. It was absurd, a ridiculous long shot, but it fit all the same.
"The missing piece," he muttered to himself.
"What?" Both Rainbow and Daedalus tried to clarify.
"I ignored it. Chalked it up to something irrelevant. At best it was forgetful nature, at worst it implied something far more frightening. Yet it is connected. The final player in this game who's been watching over the entire thing."
"Quest, you're not making any sense," Rainbow said flatly.
Then something quite unexpected happened. Question Mark shot himself forward and kissed his marefriend straight on the lips. The act was so sudden she initially tried to pull anyway, before relaxing against his touch. He pulled away just as she was enjoying the moment, his eyes filled with admiration for her.
"Rainbow Dash, never let anypony call you dumb again. You are the smartest mare I know. I love you."
Then he walked away. Back to the gallery to see his journey through. Rainbow remained like a statue amongst the rest of the marble figures. Daedalus stood beside her, his mouth left agape as he felt himself wanting to explode in glee.
"HE SAID IT!" He shouted, jumping in the air.
The cyan mare felt her brain overheat as it tried desperately to process exactly what had occurred. Her heart hammered against the inside of her chest so hard she thought it might blast through to the otherside. She then slumped to the floor. It would take Rainbow Dash several more moments to pick herself off the floor and join her coltfriend at the gallery. While she appeared dazed and disoriented, deep inside herself she was smiling harder than she thought possible.
"Mares and Gentlecolts, may I have your attention please?" Question's voice boomed across the gallery.
Instantly a colourful collection of faces turned in his direction. The Guards zeroed in on him as well, their idle chatter dying in an instant. WIth so many eyes now upon him, he nearly missed the two reporters positioned in the back of the room. He could see one bearing the cap of the Trottingham gazette, and her sidekick with his trusty camera. They were as fast as he hoped they'd be.
Question didn't think it possible for the Baron to look even more annoyed considering all that had happened this evening, but every time he looked towards the camerastallion as he took another picture, he looked as if he might puke.
"This is absurd," he grumbled aloud. "Of all the bloody papers to be let in here."
"All of you… well most of you… alright, some of you have been very patient with me tonight and I thank you for that. I am happy to announce that I know exactly who defaced the Portrait of Princess Luna."
A bulb flashed in the distance. The camera was entirely focused upon him now. Question detested the press. Despite his friendship with Lens and his respect for the profession, he hated it in equal measure. He had seen good people dragged through the streets for nothing but a poorly printed word. He knew how fragile one's standing in society could be. This was not the first time he had placed himself before the court of public opinion, yet he hoped it would be the last.
"On the surface this is a crime of petty vandalism. Yet I assure you the roots of this case run far deeper. This is the story of lingering corruption in the heart of Trottingham that has existed since its inception. What you see here is the end result. This was a calculated attack. I know for a fact that the perpetrator worked in corroboration with at least one other individual to pull this crime off. In fact, we have three of them in this very room."
Everypony started to look among themselves, rampant suspicion quickly taking hold. The suspects were kept in a line, pressed firmly against the wall. Spitfire and Soarin stood at the far end of the line-up. The Captain remained composed, yet Question could see a strange doubt behind her lieutenant's eyes, likely brought on by the intensity of the moment. Sweet Nothings appeared defeated. Her head hung low, her focus squarely on the floor. Blueberry looked the closest to breaking. She found it difficult to remain still since her standoffish demeanor had crumbled to dust. Gulliver now found himself amongst the suspects, having realised he had likely been suspected from the start. Noctis was beside him, refusing to look anypony in the eye. Then lastly the Baron, who was seemingly ready to combust on the spot.
"Just in time," Daedalus muttered as he strolled in, followed by Rainbow who still looked considerably dazed. Scootaloo had remained patiently beside Gumshoe, but upon seeing her idol leapt on her back instead.
"The Perpetrator who defaced the portrait. The one on the inside, and lastly the mastermind behind this entire operation. These are the three responsible for all that has taken place this evening. I suspect there may well be more individuals involved, but their identities will not take long to uncover."
Question Mark noticed Lens Turner emerge from behind the other reporters. She always seemed to vanish even when she should've been in plain sight. She wore an uncharacteristically stern expression.
"In the end, there is only one pony in this room who could have defaced Princess Luna's portrait," he said pointing a hoof straight towards the accused. "Is that not right, Noctis Moon?"
A collective gasp rang out as the colourful herd of ponies looked upon the guilty party. Noctis did not move a muscle. She stared Question down with pure indifference, yet the Detective knew this was only a mask she wore. He had seen her break before. Likely, Noctis had already resigned herself to this outcome.
"I knew it!" The Baron cried out. "I told you all from the start it was her! She was the closest to the painting."
"And I must confess, it is as simple as that. While other ponies had the means, navigating the pitch black room would have proved a nightmare. Too many things could go wrong. This was far too calculated, meaning placement was key. With being next to the Portrait, Noctis, you could accurately deface it in the purposeful way you did. It's one thing to scribble over something in darkness, a whole other to place the moustache and glasses with pinpoint accuracy. Do you have anything to say, Noctis?"
"No," was her only reply.
"That's odd. No denial? No admission of guilt?" She ignored his bait, keeping her mouth tightly shut. "Well that's not very sporting of you. Or do you hope if you keep quiet enough I'll forget all about your cospirators?"
Again, she remained tight lipped. Photos were already taken, notes scribbled on a very old notepad. The Trottingham post reporters were salivating at the story emerging before them, and they barely scratched the surface.
"Now as I said, you did not work alone. When we examined the fuse box, we discovered a very curious artifact. Gumshoe?" The elder Inspector nodded to his friend and revealed a familiar cracked black orb.
"This here is an energy drainer," Gumshoe explained. "Absorbs anything from magic, sunlight, and yep, even electricity. Basically, this is responsible for our little blackout earlier."
"The item in question was left in a box with a timer and had been purposely sabotaged to only cause a temporary blackout," Question continued further. "The fusebox was located in the security room. To get inside you need a key."
"Meaning a member of staff had to plant this sucker inside it. Somepony who wouldn't draw attention to themselves."
"Somepony that everypony knows. Somepony everypony trusts. Who do you think that might be, Gulliver?"
Another collective gasp sucked the air out of the room. The old griffon's feather ruffled in surprise as he felt the weight of everypony's stares upon him. He opened his beak to reply but barely a squawk peaked out.
"You!?" Counter shouted out in disbelief. "Of all the ponies in this museum it's the one elderly griffon I took pity on that tried to screw me?" The Baron seemed strangely hurt, far more so than Question would have thought. He may really have had a soft spot for him after all.
"Even I was starting to doubt it could be you, Gulliver. Everything about you at best seemed circumstantial, and not once did I truly get the impression you were hiding something from me. That is until the interview with Noctis. Tell me, what is she to you? Is she more than a conspirator?"
"Don't ask me that," he said, finding his voice. "You can't ask me that."
"Gulliver, stop it," Noctis lashed out, silencing the bird instantly.
"Another sore spot," Question commented. "So Gulliver has worked here for years and clearly at some point he was recruited to this little scheme, but now we have to ask ourselves, to what end? What was the point of all of this? To vandalize a beloved portrait? Was it an attack on her Majesty? The Baron?"
"It wasn't any of that, oh no," Gumshoe took over, eyeing the guardsmen to make sure they were at the ready. "This here Mares and Gentlecolts is a Celestia damned criminal empire right in the heart of our fair city."
The reporter who had been scribbling notes went teary eyed at the announcement. She must have thought this was the scoop of her lifetime. The photographer was taking pictures at a rapid pace, clearly in agreement with her. Gentle murmurs and whispers were exchanged amongst the ponies. Only Gulliver, Noctis and Counter Fiet remained silent, each in varying states of shock and fear.
"Are you suggesting this actually has nothing to do with the painting?" Spitfire suddenly stepped forward. Some of the guards eyed her and held their spears tighter, but Gumshoe called them off as she approached.
"Not quite. The painting is in fact part of said empire."
"You realise that because of the cultural significance of that painting, that any tampering of it can be treated as an act of treason?" Spitfire pressed. Question was surprised, blinking as he processed how she knew that. "I learned some things in school, and the academy drilled into me the proper decorum when it came to royalty. Even minor snubs can be perceived as far worse in the eyes of the law."
"No way would the Princesses lock somepony up for looking at them funny," Rainbow brashly cut in. She quickly corrected herself when she realised who she was speaking to, saluting Spitfire.
"I agree," Spitfire said as she waved her off. "What I'm asking is, are you suggesting that the painting is connected to criminals? That's a very bold claim, some would say a stupid one."
"I would proudly hold myself to that statement because that is not the original portrait of Princess Luna." Question stood fast, holding his head high. "That is in fact a fake."
Again, another gasp rang out. Daedalus rolled his eyes at the scene. "At this rate, you'll all die of oxygen deprivation."
"In fact, I would be so bold as to suggest that quite a few of these artworks are forgeries. Perhaps even half of this very gallery."
Calculated eyes swirled around them. None of them would really be able to tell from just a mere glance, yet the suggestion had an effect on ponies. One minute something was exactly as it always was, the next you see every flaw upon it. Lines now looked wonky, brustrokes irregular, did their pupils always appear that way? It would only take an expert to tell them apart, but paranoia did not care for professional opinion.
"This is slander!" Counter Fiet roared. Question sighed, knowing it was only a matter of time before he erupted. "Don't you dare write another word or I will sue for libel," he barked louder, switching his focus to the reporters.
They stared at him briefly, looked at one another, and continued on anyway. Counter shook his head in disgust and stepped towards Question Mark, but the guards did not let him through, pinning him forcefully against the wall in retaliation.
"Get off me!" They ignored his command. "The disrespect is sickening. I will have all of you thrown out onto the street for this."
As he pushed against them, Question turned to face Sweet Nothings. She looked up from the floor and into the Detective's eyes. No words were exchanged, none needed to be, both knew exactly what was about to occur. As if a switch was flipped in her brain, she shook off her dreary state and put on her award winning smile.
"Well not quite half, but a fair few are not the genuine article," she began.
"Wh-what?" Counter spluttered out as he made out what she said, his blood running cold.
"Not just in this museum as well, I happen to know quite a few works that might not be on the up and up. Ever heard of the Filly with the Pearl Earring? Perhaps the Final Dinner? I would suggest they need a quick once over…"
Gumshoe threw an eye towards Question who nodded in response. He strode up to Sweet who fluttered her eyelashes at him.
"You seem to know a bit more than you should?"
"Maybe, but I'll tell you what. If you agree to turn a blind eye to some of the less savory details of how I know, then I can divulge with you certain things that will blow your mind."
"Well when you put it like that, how could I say no?"
A bittersweet smile crossed Nothing's face. She did not know what the future held in store for her, nor was she likely to completely avoid jail time. Yet for the first time in far longer than she could remember, her heart felt lighter than a feather. She had lived with a strange weight for so long she had forgotten what it felt like when it wasn't there anymore.
"You idiot!" Fiet screeched. "Have you lost your mind?"
"Piss off, Counter," her voice reverted back to her actual accent. "Game's up, just let it die for once will yer?"
"You dare speak to me that way?" The Baron had completely snapped. He was practically heaving as he looked ready to burst from his own skin. "This city is mine. It is my birthright and I will not allow its legacy to die in my lifetime! Do you hear me!?"
With little warning, The Baron showed a surprising amount of agility as wriggled out of the grip of Trottingham's finest and leapt towards Sweet Nothings. What he might have done when he reached her, nopony would know. In his state of frenzy, any rational thought had entirely left him. He might have struck her, throttled her, or perhaps ran past her and headed for the exit.
Blueberry Crush would have none of it. She shot forward and met him at the centre, clocking him with a stiff right from her forearm. As soon as the strike connected, the lights behind Counter Fiet's eyes went dark. He slumped to the floor and sprawled out like a ragdoll. A sense of catharsis washed over her instantly. For the very first time, Question spied a smile crawl on her face. In that moment, they had failed to notice the camera flash just as the strike had connected.
Blueberry had little time to revel in her victory as the guards swarmed them. They pushed her back against the wall and dragged Counter across the room. A quick checkover showed he was okay, but clearly concussed. As the excitement died down and the spike in adrenaline washed away, Question got back on track. Unbeknownst to him, that would be the very last time he would ever see Counter Fiet.
"Well that was needlessly dramatic," he commented.
"What an idiot," Rainbow spoke up. "What the buck was he thinking?"
"I suspect that was the problem, he wasn't. He just saw red. Fascinating to watch somepony who has never lost in a day of his life finally taste bitter defeat."
"Pride makes the fall that much greater," Daedalus surmised.
"So that's it? It's over?" Rainbow pressed.
"Nuh-uh," Scootaloo spoke up, bouncing off Rainbow's back. "There's still somepony else!"
"The young Scoot is right," Question nodded towards the filly. "The Mastermind."
"You mean to tell me if there really is a mastermind, they willingly stayed in the museum instead of watching from the sidelines? Doesn't seem that smart," Spitfire added.
"I've got to agree with the Bolt," Gumshoe stepped in. "Why are you so damn certain that they're among us? Who could it be if not Noctis? I mean she's got the bits and status."
"Let's go back to the motive. I am convinced that everything here tonight was intentional. In reality, Counter Fiet was in trouble well before the painting was vandalized."
"Cause whoever did this wanted to prove he's full of shit," Blueberry grumbled loudly.
"Not the words I would use, but essentially, yes. By defacing the painting, it would in turn have to be fixed, which in turn would reveal that it was a forgery."
"Isn't that flawed though?" Spitfire questioned. "It's his museum, surely his staff would be the ones to check it."
"That's why it had to be on the opening night. Most of his curator staff are not present this evening, they've likely been working up till today and we're given the night off. Inevitably then this would lead to the guard being called and from there you have the snowball effect. When inspectors need to take it in as evidence, Counter would inevitably refuse, then the mare or stallion behind the curtain has the exact circumstances to unload a more direct investigation."
"Hold up," Gumshoe cut in. "You didn't tell me that. This mare or stallion or whatever they are, your saying this mastermind is an official? Like a politician or head of a law firm or…?"
"Perhaps even more." Inwardly, Question sighed. There really was no backing out now, he was putting all his chips on this theory.
"You're getting into conspiracy territory, Mate." Question hated when Gumshoe called him that. He only used that word when he was genuinely annoyed. It was an unspoken codeword to say 'you've gone too far.' "You really want to bank on that?"
"Nothing else makes sense. If all of this was done with the intention of exposing Counter Fiet, then that means the Mastermind's position is so great that the guard will have to be forced to act on an inquiry. All of this is useless though if there is a pony involved willing to prosecute a stallion as powerful as Counter Fiet. It is not unreasonable to assume that said pony is heading up this little plot as well."
"That's the problem, Mate. The assumption part."
"So you're saying they're scared of Counter coming after them?" Rainbow pressed.
"Possibly, or more likely, they themself are notable enough that even their presence would set him off. Wouldn't take long for him to bury as many leads as possible, and while I doubt he's popular with the criminal underbelly, anypony ratting on him would sink themselves as well."
"So who is it?" Scootaloo asked.
"There's only one pony left, Scootaloo. One pony who has been here from the very start."
Question Mark scanned the room once more, his eye's meeting with every soul contained within it. He could feel his heart thumping away against his rib cage. The silence was deafening. Yet he was certain beyond reason just who the mastermind was. Without another though, he pointed his hoof directly at the accused.
"So just how long have you been impersonating Lens Turner?"
One last collective gasp flooded the room. All eyes rested on the accused who stared at the Detective in bewilderment. Daedalus only now noticed that the journalist had been surprisingly quiet during the whole affair, not even taking notes of her own. This was a big story, yet she seemed content to vanish, merge into the background and disappear from sight.
"Um, Question," Lens nervously giggled. "I know you've been under a lot of stress, but maybe you're missing the mark here. Pardon the pun. Not to step on your hooves but-"
"But what? 'It's me. It's always been me. Don't be silly, it's your best mate Lens Turner.' You can't pull the wool over my eyes any longer. You are not the mare you claim to be."
"Whoa, Quest, this is getting kinda crazy," Rainbow stepped between them. "Like I know what I said, but-"
"And you were right, Rainbow. There is something weird about Lens Turner. From her appearance, to her stories, to just about everything about her. I've ignored it because I thought it was my paranoia getting the better of me." He pointed his hoof directly at her mane. "The style is slightly off. Her mane is wispy with three pronounced curls. Lens is very particular about this, she can barely leave her house unless her mane is exactly to her liking. That's the thing about Miss Turner, she's obsessive. About details and her own life and history."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Rainbow pressed.
"Earlier today, the pony wearing Lens Turner's face claimed to have interviewed Princess Luna. This is impossible. Lens was banned from the castle grounds five years ago after she tried to take a scandalous shot of Celestia's supposed cake binge eating habit. Even if she was to sneak in, Luna would have never granted that interview."
Lens noticeably winced. It was an involuntary reaction, one she regretted making the moment she had done it. For the ones who looked at Question in doubt opened their eyes wide at the realisation there was something to this after all. A simple slip and suddenly the accused looked guilty as sin.
"Then I presented you two stories of past cases, both of which I made up. You claimed to remember them, yet of course that is impossible."
"Look, I'll be real with you, I'm losing my edge." The accused spoke, suddenly becoming teary-eyed in the process. "It's been a rough year. My mind is playing up with me and I feel like I'm playing catch up constantly. I'm not the same Lens Turner you know, but it's still me. This is all a big misunderstanding."
"At one point I might have bought that story. Your crocodile tears do you no credit."
"Look, let's just talk this out. We arrest who we can, grab a drink, and talk-"
"What drink?"
"What?"
"What is your alcoholic beverage of choice?"
"Well, um," she paused far longer than she should. All eyes staring at her like tiny daggers pressing against her flesh. "Cider?"
"Lens Turner hasn't been drunk a day of her life. She has a chronic fear of anything that alters her perception of reality, whether it be drugs or alcohol. She won't even touch hard lemonade. You know that but you're panicking, you're getting sloppy!" Lens Turner stepped back as if she had been struck in the snout. "You would have had to do some sort of background check on Lens before taking her position. You've mimicked her voice patterns and mannerisms, but one by one it's all melting away."
"Oi, leave her alone," Gulliver squawked at him.
"Ah, the canary sings. Fitting you perk up for your conspirator."
"I-I-It's not that!" He lied poorly. "I can see you're just bullying her. Shouting her down to make her look guilty."
For the first time that night, Noctis looked noticeably angry. A vein throbbed near her horn as she whacked him on his pointed claw. The old griffon blushed and stepped back into position like a foal.
"Can you prove it?" Gumshoe muttered softly in Question's ear. "I need more than an accusation. If she really is in disguise, we'd need to force her out."
Question Mark went quiet. In this moment of silence, ponies began to speak. They spoke softly a single word that emerged over and over again; changeling. This was of course something the Detective had considered as well. However, he knew that wasn't what the faux Lens Turner was. A ling in practice was able to cut themselves off from the hivemind, this effectively made them invisible to other lings who were searching for their own kind. However, it did not make them immune to an attempted connection. If a ling attempted to connect their mind directly to another, he would feel nothing if it was a pony, but if it was a ling - even one cut off from the hivemind - there would be a familiar tingle in their horn. Question Mark felt nothing as he attempted this connection.
There was only one other option he was aware of; this likely pony was a very powerful mage. This was not a mere illusion, to interact with the space she did she physically had to alter her own body. Question Mark was never the strongest magic user, but he knew enough to understand the level of ability was well beyond him. So now how best to expose her.
"To risk coming here, you needed to see this. This was personal for you. Your only problem tonight was me. To infiltrate Lens turner you need to do a background check on her, know who she knows, and of course I would come up at some point. So there you are at the entrance, waiting to walk in and begin this whole charade, when I waltz up to the grand reopening as well. You must have panicked. Can't avoid me all night, can you? Eventually we'll meet."
"Talk about dumb luck," Rainbow muttered.
"I'm so glad I went to this thing now," Scootaloo beamed as she watched on in awe.
"And as I put this all together, at first I was genuinely puzzled… why did you help me? Surely you would want to sabotage me, the more I look into all this, the more likely I discover your plans as well. You showed me the broken energy drainer, you steered me away from the wrong suspects, and not once did I suspect you were actually deceiving me. So why? Because our goals are aligned. You realised that we wanted the exact same thing, for the truth to be unearthed and for Counter Fiet to pay for his crimes. That's when all the pieces fit in place."
"You said that before, why repeat yourself?" The fake Lens spoke sharply. "You're stalling aren't you?"
"No, I emphasise that point for one reason. Just drop this charade. You and I are on the same side, and this game is over now." Question took a few steps towards her. Instinctively, the fake Lens stepped back until she hit the wall. "So why go on pretending? All I need to do is commission a unicorn in this city to create a dispel on your illusion-"
"You can't," the fake Lens said calmly. Her entire demeanor changed. There was no shock upon her face, no rattling of her knees or sweat on her brow. She glared at Question with neither malice or rage, simply apathy.
"I can't?" He pressed, not allowing her change to shake him. "Even at this hour, you can always find what you need in Trottingham."
"I do not doubt your claim, but alas, you will find most magic can not best me." Her voice shifted too, it sounded significantly more refined, but there was a power behind it. If she bellowed at him, he suspected her vocal tones alone could launch him into the air.
"So you're done pretending then?"
"That I am, Detective. This has been a most memorable evening, but as you say, the game is over."
Lens Turner's body was surrounded by a white glow. Question felt his heart stop in his chest as it dawned on him what was happening. His gambit had paid off, but he still did not know who was about to be revealed. The guards in the room instinctively switched into fighting position. Everypony else took a collective step back at the reveal. The only ones who did not we're Question, who stood his ground, and Rainbow Dash who walked up to his coltfriend and stood by his side.
What was once Lens Turner began to grow much larger. It quickly became apparent that the being was the size of an alicorn. Sure enough when the glow faded, a dark blue princess with a shimmering mane was standing in place. Daedalus felt his jaw nearly unhinge as he felt a familiar flutter in his chest. He knew this pony very well indeed.
"Princess Luna!" Rainbow squawked.
"Lulu…" Daedalus breathed out.
"Tis I, Element of Loyalty. And no, I have not forgotten about the door." Despite her veiled threat, she smiled coyly.
Question Mark suddenly felt very small. He had just called out one of the most powerful beings on the planet in front of the press and an entourage of notable people. His confidence melted away and he was left with the same feeling he had when he first spoke to Rainbow; sheer bloody panic.
"Your Majesty!" Gumshoe saluted her Highness. He fared no better than Question. The rest of the guard did the same.
"At ease, all of you." The Guard did as she commanded, but still seemed on edge.
Spitfire eyed Luna with a mix of contempt and unease. She hated being caught off guard. Soarin joined her at her side, muttering about an escape plan. Blueberry shrank into the corner. Now actually faced with one of the pony's she was taught to hate, she realised that this was not the time to spout her usual propaganda. Sweet Nothings kept her cool, but in front of royalty even she buckled. Gulliver and Noctis shared a look and simultaneously let out a sigh.
"Question Mark?" She called upon him
"Y-y-yes?" He stuttered like a mess.
"You believe yourself to be very smart, don't you?"
"Me?"
"Is there another Question Mark that I am unaware of?"
"No, you're Majesty. At least I hope not…"
"So again, you believe you are very smart?"
"I suppose so."
"Where has your bluster gone? Your confidence? Your gambler's spirit?"
"Think I dropped it when you showed up."
Princess Luna laughed. Her bellow reverbarted off the walls and lined the hallways with her smooth chuckle. Despite the enormous pressure Question felt from her mere presence, he could not deny his comfort as her joy washed over him. At the very least, his knees weren't shaking anymore.
"This has been a most wondrous night."
"Princess Luna, I have failed you again," Noctis approached the alicorn with shame across her muzzle. "Forgive me."
"Oh, Noctis. You did all you could. Neither of us could have seen tonight playing out the way it did."
"I told you something was gonna go wrong the minute I saw him," Gulliver cut in as he pointed towards Question. "Curious eyes that one. Still no idea why you wanted me to talk to him."
"For exactly where we are at now. Be at ease, my subjects, this is a boon for us."
King Daedalus danced around her. He took in every detail from her horn to her hooves. He lost himself in her image, her form. This truly was the Princess of the Night, Luna, his Lulu. She looked well, almost identical to how she appeared before her corruption, but without the bitterness and misplaced anger. His heart swelled in his chest until he was snapped out of his trance by his faithful subject.
"You're going to have to catch me up to speed here," Question interrupted, regaining some of his composure. "There are a fair few gaps here that need answering."
"And I shall. I have nothing to hide anymore."
"First, I assume Lens Turner is alright?"
"You can see for yourself you ninny!" A familiar voice called out behind him. There in the flesh was the real Lens Turner, beaming at him from the entrance way. "You really stuck your neck into this one, I've never been more proud of you."
"So I take it you were part of this too?" Question asked, trying to keep the smile from spreading on his face.
"Lens Turner has been from the very start. I owe much to her invasive methods," Luna vouched for her.
"You actually got an interview with her?" Question asked in genuine surprise.
"Sort of," Lens confessed sheepishly. "More I stumbled on her making plans for all this and kind of got roped into this as well."
"So where did all of this begin? I assume it was when you discovered the forged painting?"
"Somewhat, but I was not the first to lay thine eyes upon it," Luna motioned behind Question.
"That was me," Noctis said, stepping forward. "I was at the beginning of this whole affair."
The enigmatic Noctis Moon was on full display. The camera's gears whirled in place as shot after shot was taken of her. She did her best not to show it, but the pressure of the lens was getting to her.
"This night was not the first time I met the Baron. He was actually one of the first noble's I met when I garnered my estate. I was told that one should remain in his good graces, so it would have been a poor move to turn down his invite. He was very… flirty."
"He had less than noble intentions? Not surprised."
"I do not believe he would have jumped me, but I felt uncomfortable the entire time," she winced, recalling the memory. "He was flashy and tried to show off his vast collection of paintings. That was when he slipped up." She motioned towards the portrait. "He had the forgery amongst them. He claimed it was on loan to him, that it would travel between his estate and the summer palace. This was a blatant lie. I held my tongue, but I could see the imperfections instantly."
"Why were you so confident?" Noctis grew quiet. She eyed the reporters who waited on her every response. She looked towards the princess who only shook her head.
"I can not say here."
It was the kind of answer that Question Mark absolutely detested. It always meant someone was hiding something from him, but in front of Princess Luna, he did not want to challenge the point, so he left it alone.
"Continue then."
"Shortly thereafter, I contacted Princess Luna over the matter. She took an interest in my story right away."
"The one who drew that portrait was very dear to me," Luna explained, speaking slower to maintain her composure. The Detective could only imagine the memories locked away in her ancient brain. "I had not seen it since I returned. Truthfully, I assumed that it was destroyed. When Tia confirmed to me that this was not the case, I raced to see it myself."
"When I met her Majesty at the summer palace, the painting was different from the one at the Baron's home. It was the genuine portrait."
"And I assume you did not see the forgery in the flesh until tonight?" Question cut in.
"That is correct," Luna confirmed.
"That is a lot of faith to have over a stranger…" Both Luna and Noctis remained firm, not giving anything away. "So when did this become a full investigation?"
"I could not act until I had something more tangible. That is when I came into contact with four individuals. The first was Lens Turner."
"I was chasing a rumor about the royals around the same time. When I saw that Princess Luna was in town I thought I'd 'bump into her.' Anyway-"
"What was the rumor?" Question grinned as Lens went wide-eyed.
"... That's not important. Anywho-"
"No, go on, what was the rumor?"
"... That they were all wereponies. Anyway!"
Question maintained his composure, but it took all his willpower not to collapse on the floor into an explosion of laughter. King Daedalus had no such restraint. The monarch loudly roared with a thunderous chuckle heard only by him.
"When we did meet I kinda broke into the palace again. She wasn't mad though, actually impressed. So she hired me to dig further into it. That's when I snapped this."
She handed Question a single polaroid. Rainbow and Scootaloo crowded around him as they recognised it as the portrait of Luna. Yet the young filly was quick on the draw.
"That's the fake!" She exclaimed.
"Good eye, how could you tell?" Lens asked.
"Guess I learned a few things today," she chuckled.
"You got them the proof they needed to move forward then?" Question pressed.
"It was still not damning. The court system is less strict than I remember," Luna bemoaned. "Yet it was enough for me to investigate formally. That is when I encountered the griffon called Gulliver."
"At your service," he bowed. His worry and fear had eased off and his elderly wry smile had risen again.
"As you can plainly see, I am one to take a direct approach. When I can, I see to matters personally."
"You're used to doing things on your own? A thousand years of isolation will do that I suppose."
"Yes, well," Luna shuddered at the memory. "I had arranged to take the place of Lens Turner early on. Not just her though, numerous disguises were required to infiltrate where I needed to go. Whether as a construction worker in this museum, or even a servant of Counter Fiet, I managed to work my way just about everywhere. Gulliver is a griffon that speaks more than he should, initially I thought him a useful tool."
"Old reliable, that's what they call me," he joked.
"Yet I soon realised that not only was he blatantly aware of the falsities of these artworks, but he was actively dropping hints to anypony who paid him the slightest heed."
"Yet nopony actually bit until you came along?" Question pressed and Luna nodded.
"I practically knew more about these paintings than the Baron himself," Gulliver spoke to him. His tone became far more serious. "Was just a job at first, the longer I walked these halls though the more I fell in love with the art. I studied their history, I've even painted a few pieces myself. It hurt me to see what he was doing. Caught on quick, but what could I do? Thankfully, the Baron never paid me much mind, was just another drone to him. Meant I could speak openly and it would never get back to him. Still, I can't go around shouting to the heavens it's all fake, so I could only hope with the right nudge, ponies would start to take notice of what I saw."
"The rest, as you might say, was history. I introduced myself formally to Gulliver and now we had a worker on the inside."
The room fell silent as everypony waited on Question's next response. This whole scenario was surreal. He stared down at the floor and went over the whole story. He wasn't clairvoyant, there was much information that he could not have known of going into this mess. Yet what he was able to guess and unearth fit perfectly within Luna's retelling. Now there was one more part that eluded him.
"That covers your conspirators here, so who are the other two that you spoke of?"
"Why not ask us yourself?"
Standing at the entranceway were two ponies Question Mark had never seen before in his life. Instinctively he felt cheated. Can't beat a puzzle without all the pieces, right? Yet his annoyance was quickly replaced with confusion when he noticed the sudden look of shock on Scootaloo's face. Her eyes opened wide and her jaw nearly hit the floor as she leapt off Rainbow's back.
"Mom! Dad!" She sprinted towards them, colliding into both and embracing them with a massive hug.
"They actually came," Rainbow said in utter disbelief.
"Sorry to make such an entrance on ya, but the Princess didn't want us to step in just yet," Snap Shutter explained as he hugged her back.
"But we couldn't wait a second longer," Mane added. "The minute we saw Counter Fiet being taken away we just had to see you."
"When it's convenient then," Rainbow darkly muttered.
"Snap Shutter and Mane Allgood had been in the employ of several investors these last few years. One of which was Counter Fiet," Luna elaborated to the Detective. "Though they spoke rarely to him, they were able to garner information out of him due to his desire for rare treasures."
Question Mark looked at the photograph again. Among the paintings did indeed appear to be artifacts of some kind. He didn't have the foggiest what they were or what era in history they came from, but he quickly saw the connection to what Luna was saying.
"He's a pricey hoarder basically."
"I knew of these two from their reputation. Convincing them to exploit his desire for artifacts was an easy task."
"Little bugger practically confessed to near murder the minute we showed interest in harbouring and smuggling stuff from other countries," Shutter elaborated.
"He specifically requested us to swap out priceless artifacts from other museums with fakes he would provide. He offered more bits than we have pooled together for entire expeditions," Allgood confessed.
"So this was to garner more evidence against him?"
"Correct, Detective."
"And so finally we come back to this very evening... " Question began, pausing ever so slightly as he allowed the barrage of new information to settle. "The real portrait was meant to be delivered here, yet you and I both know it's arrived at the Baron's manor instead. With the fake piece on display, Noctis would deface it, Gulliver would prepare the lights to go out, and you would masquerade at Lens Turner to oversee the operation. So what exactly have the real Lens and Scootaloo's parents been doing this whole time?"
"Bagging the prize, mate," Snap bellowed out.
"I led Luna's guard to his manor," Lens explained. "They've acquired her royal visage. The painting is back home in Canterlot by now."
"You mean the Shadowbolts?" Lens nodded. Rainbow felt unease just at the mention of their name, and Spitfire fared no better. "So all of you were the insurance policy. If this all fell apart, you'd at least have the real portrait."
"Counter Fiet is a slippery stallion. I did not want to risk losing him. So as you put it, this was to ensure at the very least he did not keep his stolen goods."
"Wait, you've reclaimed all of it!?"
"And even though the Shadowbolts are undercover flyers, they've already synced their investigation to the one you and Gumshoe we're doing here," Lens added.
"And that is where you have come in, Question Mark." The way Luna spoke his name, the Detective felt like he was being knighted.
"When we sent the tickets, we wanted to celebrate it all with Scootaloo," Mane added.
"We thought her and her mates would want to come down and we'd take 'em round the city. It was gonna be a big surprise when she arrived and we were standing there."
"So you really did expect three fillies to travel across the country to meet you in a city they've never been to before?" Rainbow asked, rapidly losing her patience.
Snap Shutter and Mane Allgood looked at one another as if this was truly the first time they had actually thought through their plan. They looked back at Rainbow and could only respond with sheepish smiles.
"Questionable parenting aside, you must have spotted us from the train?" Question cut in, fearing a fight. "So why did you avoid us in the first place?"
"That's cause I was there," Lens stepped in again. "I was with them when the train arrived a bit early. The second I saw you I knew the situation had changed."
"Why?"
"Cause I know you, Dummy. I know you never let anything go. If you were there, that means you were headed to the gallery. The tickets were meant to be for Mane, Snap and Scootaloo. They only accepted to keep appearances but they never actually planned to attend. I knew you'd sniff out whatever bullshit story they'd cook up about not going, and from there who knows what you'd do next."
"That is when I realised you could be of some use to us," Luna spoke softly. She seemed hesitant, almost as if she was being careful with her words.
"What?" Noctis and Gulliver asked simultaneously.
"I apologise to both of you, but this was all decided at the final moment. I wanted you all to maintain the charade as long as possible."
"You've known about me since I arrived. You've had me tagged since I stepped off the train. You incorporated me into your plan." Question spoke slowly as he let it all settle in. "You were taking a chance on me."
"You're not the only gambler in the room," Luna said with a smug smile. "As I said, Lens spoke highly of you. Yet it was a gamble to let you run amok. You have surpassed all my expectations, Detective. You have sped up our investigation efforts tenfold."
"Of course! You must have anticipated it would take weeks at least to get a firm confirmation the painting was forged. Yet I forced things along far quicker than Counter Fiet could prepare for. He was isolated from his lawyers and anypony he had in his pocket."
"Wait a second… Did you call for me?" Gumshoe cut in, suddenly feeling rather small himself.
"Who?"
"The Princess. I wasn't meant to be on call tonight, but I received a message directed to me specifically to bring the guard to the museum. I thought you sent it to me!"
"Nah, that was me," Lens explained. "You're the one inspector in this city that would stick their neck out for Question. Had to be you or this would have got a lot trickier."
"I fear I come across as quite duplicitous," Luna confessed. "I have lived in the shadows my entire life. My work has always been out of sight. Yet now I will tell you all the rest." She turned towards the reporters and flashed her horn. "Thank you for attending this evening, you are no longer required."
The reporters vanished and so did the guard. Unseen to the small gathering, everypony who had puffed out of existence remerged outside the museum entranceway, struggling to process what had just occurred. All that was left were the key players in this strange little game, all huddled around the Princess as she nudged Noctis forward.
"It is time," she said.
"Are you sure?"
"It is only right."
"Yes, of course," she acknowledged, doubt still dripping from her voice. "Detective, you asked me how I was certain that the painting was a forgery?"
"I did."
"I knew because I know that painting very well. I was the one who painted it."
A strange silence fell upon them. It allowed Question the moment he needed to digest her words. The implication was astonishing, if not assuredly untrue. Yet with the way she held on to this confession, she at the very least believed it with her very soul. Seemingly so did Princess Luna as she made no attempt to correct her. He looked the others in the eyes, most seemed skeptical, yet he still held onto her conviction.
"To clarify, you were the one who painted this portrait a thousand years ago?"
"Yes."
"How?"
"First you must understand something that is not public knowledge," Luna stepped in. "I was technically not the only one sent into banishment. Many joined me in their own self-imposed exile."
"We could not join her ladyship on the moon, so we replicated the method Celestia used. We transformed ourselves into stone that would release us on the day of her Majesty's return."
"You became statues?"
"A similar method was used upon Discord," Luna added. "As I understand it, they hid themselves in what would become the catacombs of this very city. Left untouched the entire time."
"And you were one of her loyal subjects?" Question asked Noctis.
"Yes. I make no secret that I adore Princess Luna. I painted that piece on the eve of her final moment before her transformation into Nightmare Moon. I wanted to capture the sorrow and madness in her eyes. Her silent passion. I still consider it my finest work."
"So you had your own army ready when you came back to earth?" Blueberry stepped forward.
Luna threw a curious eye towards her, noting that her hoodie was now inside out. Blueberry recoiled at the intensity of her stare. Yet the Princess drew back and smiled.
"I did not know of them until I had reverted back from my maddening state. I truly thought I was alone upon my return."
"That's why there were Shadow Bolts all those years ago!" Dash shouted. She jumped up and down in excitement as she put two and two together. "They tried to get me to join them. I only just realized how weird it was there was already a whole flying squad for you."
"Again, I was unaware of their existence. Most of my subjects reverted back far from the Everfree Forest. The Shadowbolts were likely the quickest to actually catch up to me and attempted to intervene on my behalf."
"That also explains their attitude," Spitfire muttered. "The way they did things seemed really old fashioned. It's all making too much sense."
"Once we gained our bearings and figured out what had happened, we felt defeated…" Noctis hung her head low. "To learn that all our waiting was for nothing as Luna seemingly betrayed all she stood for, to put it simply, it crushed our spirits. We split apart in search of new homes, fresh starts in an unfamiliar world."
"Once I was reinstated as Princess, myself and Tia looked over Twilight Sparkles report on the matter and discovered the mention of Shadowbolts. I have been systematically attempting to contact any who awoke in this strange time with me. I have found many of my kin, but many others have chosen to remain in shadow."
"So what of this family you spoke of?" Question pressed Noctis. "Did they wake up alongside you?"
"They really are my family, or rather my descendants. I had no one you see, but with public records I was able to trace my family line all the way to a small community at the edge of Equestria."
"Never say the record keepers of this country aren't efficient," Daedalus muttered.
"Convincing them we were related was tricky, but eventually they allowed me to stay. The rest is what I told you. I encountered Princess Luna again, but of course she recognised me from before."
"What a strange story," Question mused. "Who would have thought the Baron's demise was caused by events put in motion a thousand years prior. His family was likely a criminal clan that helped fund this city on the ruins of Luna's defeat. Almost poetic."
"I think its just dumb luck," Dash added.
"Thank you, Rainbow," her coltfriend replied dryly.
"So what now?" Scootaloo spoke up, growing a little bored of all the talking.
"Now I must take my leave," Luna answered. "It will be morning soon and there is still much to do. Before I go however, there is something I wish to say to all of you…"
"You do?" Blueberry trembled, realising the Princess was turning to her.
"Yes, little one. For you I will give you a little bit of advice. You can not wash yourself in the waters of hate and walk away clean. Take that from somepony who learned the hard way."
Blueberry did not respond, she instead hung her head low and let the words settle over her. Luna switched her gaze towards Spitfire who stared up at her defiantly.
"Your Highness," she curtly greeted.
"For you, Captain, an apology. I was wrong in how I handled your group. What I said in that interrogation room was the truth, that it was meant as a lesson. Yet I acknowledge I went the worst way about it. If you would entertain the notion, I would like to start again. With me, you and the Shadowbolts as well."
"I will consider it," Spitfire replied. It was a non-committal answer, yet Question suspected Luna's words had broken through Spitfire's feathered exterior.
"And Soarin, look after her. If nothing else, Spitfire is a mare who has chosen her allies well."
"I always will, your highness." Soarin let off a goofy grin as his Captain lightly punched him in the shoulder.
"You are the one called Sweet Nothings?" Luna addressed the white mare.
"I am, your Highness," she answered with a curtsey.
"All I will say is when you have inevitably served your time, choose your allies more wisely, and use your mind for something a bit more constructive." She noted a flash of irritation across Sweet's maw, who corrected herself and bowed again. "Then we have you, Gumshoe."
"Me, mam?"
"Yes, you. It takes a lot of courage to do what you did today. Question Mark is lucky to have a friend like you."
"Damn straight he is," the Inspector beamed.
"Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty, you above all represent an ideology I hold most dear to my heart. Not once did you abandon your 'friend' despite his less than friendly deposition. Next time though, don't be afraid to clip him around the ear."
"Yes, Mam," Rainbow saluted, making Question feel suddenly unsafe.
"Little Scootaloo, you have a bright future ahead of you no matter what path in life you take. Hold onto your loved ones, to your friends and extended family and they will help carry you to the pony you are meant to be."
"Yes, Mam," Scootaloo perfectly mimicked Rainbow Dash, earning a chuckle out of her idol.
"And lastly, Question Mark," Luna seemed strangely cold to him. He felt himself shiver under her glare. "Be careful of the secrets you keep. We all hide things from one another, but there is a time and place to show our true face. Otherwise, it may be too late."
Her words. Those damn words. Showing his true face. She knew. Both Daedalus and Question knew that she knew. For the Detective he had no clue how, yet Daedalus was fully aware. If Luna had been involved in the royal wedding she would have sussed out the fake Candice easily. She knew the signs and tells of his people, and even a spell of two that can pierce behind the veil. And she had learned them all from the King himself.
Question Mark could feel eyes upon him. None more prominent than Rainbow's who's suspicion felt like a burning mark against his skin. Then Luna smiled at him and the tension settled quickly.
"Yet you have a good heart. The passion I felt from you burned so brightly it would rival my sister. Carry that with you no matter where you go and I think you will turn out just fine. It was a pleasure, Detective."
She bowed her head to him and Question swallowed the lump in his throat. The surrealness of a changeling being shown such respect by the highest authority of ponykind had not fully settled into him. He chose to bow back and leave it there.
"Now I must depart. Farewell everypony." She looked ahead of her as Deadalus met her gaze. She paused for just a moment, and if the old ling didn't know better, he swore she smiled at him. In a burst of light, Luna vanished, along with all her conspirators, minus Mane Allgood and Snap Shutter. Daedalus felt a twinge against his heart as she left him behind once more.
"Well this has been a memorable evening," Sweet perked up. "I say we should all have a drink and-"
"Head straight to the station," Gumshoe cut in. "We got some questions first."
"Spoil sport," she pouted in response.
"What about me?" Blueberry asked.
"You? I should bring you in for breaking and entering and at minimum, conspiracy for assault as well…" He paused as he looked her up and down. "But it's not worth it. You get a warning, don't throw this away."
Blueberry said nothing back. She looked around the room, before nodding at Question Mark and walking out of the hall. Nopony stopped her. Question would never see her again. Gumshoe and Sweet followed behind. Sweet gave Question one last sultry look as she departed, and a wink to Rainbow which made the cyan mare boil. Gumshoe gave Question a tip of his hat and stopped at the entranceway.
"Before you leave the city, I better get a pint from you. You owe me."
"Consider it done," Question smiled back.
"And i think we have some long overdue catch up time with our little Dingo," Shutter announced as he rubbed Scootaloo's belly.
"We have our own hotel room with a bed just for you, how about staying with us till you have to go back home?" Allgood added with a nuzzle.
"Can I!?" Scootaloo jumped up and hugged her parents, her joy overwhelming her. She looked back at Scootaloo and Question and settled down. "Can I?" She asked now with less certainty.
"Of course, Squirt," Dash spoke through gritted teeth. "You have fun with your folks."
Scootaloo leapt on her father's back as she began to ask a thousand questions at once. Her hyperactive voice disappeared into the distance as Dash and Quest stood still in the middle of the room. They were the last two standing. With a look they gave each other a strained smile.
"Bedtime?" He asked
"Totally," she groaned. "I feel like I could sleep till winter."
The outside of the museum was truly a crime scene. Caution tape was everywhere and the ruckus had drawn the attention of more reporters and even a small crowd. Rainbow and Question flew away the moment they went through the doors. The journey back to the hotel room was a somber one. Both ponies had so much to say, yet neither was quite able to form it into words. So they settled instead of an uncomfortable silence. Daedalus followed quietly along, his heart filled with a complex feeling he dared not delve into.
Neither bothered checking back in at the front, instead they landed at the bedroom balcony and walked inside. The awkwardness did not subside. They pondered around the place, until each one reached their bedroom door. Question pawed at the handle, feeling he had to say something before drifting off to sleep.
"Quest?" He heard her call out to him.
"Yes?"
"I didn't know you could be a jerk like that." He felt like a dagger had plunged in his heart. Lost in his other side he forgot how his words and actions could affect others. "But I can be a jerk too."
"Don't say that."
"It's true. I've been a real jerk to my friends before. I'll probably be again. I don't hate you, and I'm not mad anymore. I just want you to know that."
"You shouldn't forgive me so easily. That was all on me tonight, not you. I was selfish and reckless. I could have gotten you hurt."
"I wouldn't have done anything different. And even if you were an ass, you were pretty cool."
"Cool? You thought I was cool?"
"Don't make me say it twice," she snorted. He smiled back at her and they fell into silence again.
"Well, it's been a long night. We should-"
"I love you too."
Time froze. The machinations of Question's brain gave in at the mention of those words. In this fleeting moment he had forgotten what he said to her back at the museum. In a second of joy and realisation, he had confessed to her what he was unsure he was ready to say. He felt a momentary panic, qualmed by a sudden disbelief over what Rainbow had just uttered.
"... What did you say?"
"I love you too." Her cheeks were rosey red, but she didn't look away from him.
They moved without thinking, walking up to one another as the world faded away. They kissed and kissed again. Neither wanted it to end. They pressed against one another so tightly it was as if they feared that the other might vanish before them. In the midst of their passionate moment, they had failed to notice their hotel room door slowly open.
"ARE YOU TWO DATING!?"
Scootaloo stood at the doorway with her parents in tow. It did not take long for Question to piece together that they likely popped in to grab Scoot's things. Rainbow looked down at her biggest fan in sheer embarrassment and then buried her head in her coltfriends shoulder.
"Kill me…"
Before the scene could play out any further, Daedalus noticed that it was starting to wash away. He was finally free to move on from this period of time. There was a sudden loneliness in his soul, but as he watched Rainbow remain close to her stallion, he couldn't help but smile. He whistled an old tune as the world fell apart. An old song from a time long since forgotten, one he suspected only one of other being might still remember.