//------------------------------// // 1: The Inciting Incident // Story: The Disappearance of Sacred Records // by Lillup //------------------------------// The scenery of ponies celebrating and fireworks lighting up the sky was picturesque like a well-crafted painting. This showcase was for the Summer Sun festival, a celebration dedicated to the ruler of Equestria, Princess Celestia, who watched them from a balcony alongside her sister Luna. "Have you spotted Twilight in the crowd, dear sister?“ Celestia asked. "Indeed I have, though she has been busy with her friends and catching up with acquaintances,“ "I see, she has truly come a long way from when I first met her, hasn't she? She used to not let friendship in her heart, but now everyone seems to know and adore her. Maybe she could take over for us in the future?“ "If I may sister, I believe she is still too immature.“ "Oh come now Luna, we've both seen each other's immature side, immaturity is not something that disappears with age. A little is okay.“ "Ha, quite true I suppose. Though I feel she needs more time and experience.“ "Yes of course, we can ease her in, but I feel confident she is on the path to being one of us. I mean, she just reformed Starlight Glimmer the other day, so she must have something truly special about her.“ Their conversation was cut short by the door flung open by a E.U.P royal guard. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Your Highnesses.“ "It must be rather serious,“ Luna commented. "Are we under attack?“ "It's not as urgent as that, but there has been theft in the Canterlot library restricted records.“ "What?!" Celestia exclaimed with raised eyebrows. "Somepony managed to take som-“ Princess Celestia galloped forward through the open doors giving little notice to her surroundings. She eventually made it to the library, which the other guards were looking around. "Did you see anyone come near here? Anyone from the hall?“ "Oh Princess Celestia; I'm afraid not.“ Celestia began frantically checking the bookshelves for empty spaces and her agitation did not dissuade. "Sister,“ Luna panted, short of breath from trying to keep her Sister's pace "What ails you this much? I have never seen you so uncomposed. They are important records, but we can find them.“ "This is very serious Luna and I truly wish you understood how serious this is; do not act as if I am over-reacting.“ Her coldness took Luna aback, but she decided to back off for now; she could see how this could stress her out. Feeling disassociated from the situation, she walked back towards her quarters. Celestia stopped her part-way. "Well there is one important task I ask of you, Luna. Please observe the crowds attending the Summer Sun festival and make a note of any abnormalities within the crowd, even if it is someone you know and trust. Take names and notes of anything odd about their appearance, if you don't know them well or any suspicious behaviour. Report to me later.“ "Yes, Sister.“ With that, she went outside, trying not to get noticed from a distant to get involved in conversations. She noticed Twilight and her friends drinking punch and making conversation. She knew Twilight could be trusted, right? There was no need, but no, she had to be critical, no matter who it is. Twilight looked fine, but she noticed something odd about Rainbow Dash's tail; it was missing a few of her rainbow hairs, looking messy. She proceeded with these judgemental observations until Celestia herself appeared on the balcony. "Everypony, thank you very much for attending the Summer Sun festival. I hope to see you all next year.“ The crowd started mumbling to each other. "That's strange, isn't it?“ "Shouldn't this be going for another hour or so?“ "Well, no helping it I suppose.“ Noticing the crowd's behaviour, Celestia elaborated. "I apologise it may be earlier than expected, but we have important business tomorrow and need to end a little earlier, but I wish everyone a good night and farewell.“ This brought up the mood a little more and everyone began to slowly leave. Luna flew up to meet Celestia. "Sister, how has the investigation inside gone?“ "We have found some pieces of evidence, but we will have our resident detective come tomorrow to give their opinion; I also wish for Twilight Sparkle to take a look, her critical eye may be of great aid. How was your search?“ "I did as you asked and have a good few names, but none seemed outwardly suspicious.“ "That is plenty, I will call them all in tomorrow for questioning.“ "Sister, is there a theme with the books that were stolen?“ "No, it was a strange collection of books, but they must be for a particular purpose; no-one would risk getting caught with theft here for meaningless reasons.“ Celestia paced round the room. "Please share your lists of names with me, Luna.“ Luna silently passed her the list. Rainbow Dash Gray Tank Amethyst Maresbury (Crystal Pony librarian) Love Joyful Discord "Okay, it is not a bad start, but I have some names that definitely need adding, even if they didn't attend.“ Starlight Glimmer Twilight Sparkle Library staff "Twilight? Are you sure?“ "Well, why did you ask Amethyst?“ "Well, she's a librarian, she would have a motive for wanting to steal books.“ "Is Twilight not the same though?“ "I suppose you're right, so that's why you want to watch over those who investigate, including Twilight, correct?“ "That's correct, I will not turn a blind eye to anyone. Now, we'll have a lot to do tomorrow, so feel to get some rest. The guards will take turns searching this place from top to bottom. I want to check a few places myself, they could still be hiding in the castle out of sight after all, but I have somewhere out of the castle to check too.“ "Okay Sister, please make sure you get some rest though; do not wring yourself dry.“ "We will see.“ With that, she flew straight back to the library and began checking the staff room cupboards. "Well, what do we have here?“ She found rainbow hairs in the cupboard. Not drawing immediate conclusions, she carried on checking places the pony could still be hiding, but it did not turn up anything. "One more place I wish to check tonight.“