Twilight, after a great day celebrating the Summer Sun festival, was ready to hit the hay and get some rest.
"Hey Spike."
"Twilight, how was the Summer Sun?"
"Yeah, great thank you. Sadly didn't really see Celestia, but I think she was quite busy."
"Makes sense, it's not all fun and games ruling all of Equestria. I bet you're partied out, right?"
"Ah yeah, you could say that. I think I'm gonna need some good rest."
Twilight peered over at the Cutie Map.
"Anything from the map Spike?"
"Nope, it's been totally quiet for the past three weeks, is it broken or is there really nothing exciting on around here?"
"I wouldn't mind a bit of peace for a while Spike."
”I don't know, seems a bit boring to me. Oh, I have something I need talk about you with you sometime soon Twilight.
"Sorry Spike, but could we leave it for another time please? I really need some sleep right now, I can barely stay awake."
There was a short, breathless pause but Spike responded with a low tone, "Alright Twilight, good night."
Twilight's eyelids drooped effortlessly, she had never found an easier night of sleep.
For all of an hour.
"Twilight."
"Princess Celestia?" she murmured with creased eyelines. It took a moment to distinguish reality. "Princess Celestia! Oh I'm so sorry for any mess, would you like any tea? Is there anything you need?" She dashed around the room in a panic.
"I'm afraid it is not a simple visit Twilight, I have serious matters to attend to, and most importantly, I wish for your assistance."
"Me? Is Equestria under attack?"
"I'm afraid the Royal Library has been robbed, in paritcular the restricted section."
"What?! What pony would do such a thing?"
"I have been looking into it, but we have only just begun. What I request if you could assist us in giving your critical insights into what we find starting tomorrow's morning."
"Of course, I'll do what I can."
"And one more crucial thing please, I want to do an extensive search of the castle please. May you and Spike remain in this room, please?"
"Er, of course! Whatever you need."
"Thank you, I will try to disturb as little as possible."
Spike, woken by Twilight, was brought into her room as Celestia rummaged through practically all of her belongings, the bookshelf was under particular scrutiny. Twilight wanted to ask more questions, but Celestia seemed pretty focused.
"Thank you, I now wish to inspect the other rooms, could you please accompany me?"
With Twilight and Spike close behind, Celestia's extensive search was paired with equally critical questions.
"Where were you during the Summer Sun, Spike?"
"I'm sorry I didn't attend Celestia, please don't be offended, but I've... uh OH I really hurt my back yesterday and I just don't feel great, no sirree. I only come with you out of your request, Princess."
"Hm I see, and how exactly did you hurt your back may I ask?"
"Oh," Twilight interjected. "You told me your back started to hurt before we left I remember. I don't know what I gave you though that was so heavy."
"Those books you had me lift, it must've been the straw to break the Griffin's back I guess, I just couldn't seem to handle it."
"Wow, I thought it was only a few, but maybe I've been too harsh on you Spike, I'm sorry."
"It's okay Twilight, I feel I just need some rest."
"Maybe indeed," Celestia commented "Well I can get you the very best medical service and we can take a look at that back of yours."
"Oh no no no," Spike shook his head. "I'm sure I just need some good rest and I'll be right as rain in no time. I wouldn't want to waste the efforts of your medical staff, Princess."
"Sorry Spike, but I must insist. I will book you in soon and we will have a close look at what happened. Twilight will not get in trouble, I just want a closer look."
"Okayy," Spike painfully grined. "Let me know and I'll make my way."
Princess Celestia stopped in the room Spike showed interest in earlier.
"Tell me Twilight, when was the Crystal Mirror last used?"
"Well Sunset hasn't visited in a good while, maybe a month or so? But I told her she may travel as she pleases."
"Hm, well what is this on the ground?"
She picked up a necklace with a magicless purple gem embedded in it. Spike suddenly spoke in a louder than intended voice.
"Oh I'm sorry, I need to confess something. Erm, Sunset Shimmer actually came by last night."
"What? Really? Why didn't you tell me last night?"
"Oh it's just because she came through, called to me, asked if you were here and then when I said you were busy, she smiled and said she'd come back later for you. That was it. It wasn't anything worth talking about."
"And this object?" Celestia added.
"Oh, that, she must've dropped it. I'd go and return it, but a dog carrying around a necklace might make me stand out too much."
"Hm, well I think I have seen every room now Twilight. I'm sorry to ask of this, but I humbly request that your house, in particular the mirror, is sealed off for a little while."
"Do you suspect something wrong, Celestia?" Twilight asked with worry she was being looked at unfondly.
"I do not wish to suspect anyone Twilight, I just wish to explore every opportunity. I trust you, you are my faithful student and pupil, I just wish for this panic to come to an end."
"What did they steal to have you so panicked, Celestia?"
Celestia did not respond, she just lowered her head.
"So we're gonna have this whole area sealed off, Celestia?" Spike asked. "Isn't that a little extreme?"
"I'll keep it as brief as I possibly can Spike; I'm sorry for all this. I will wait for some royal guards to protect this area and I will provide you all with good beds in Canterlot."
"Thank you for your generosity," Twilight said. "We hope we can help you solve this problem soon."
"And thank you for co-operation Twilight, we began early morning and I will call in the greatest detective of Ponyville."
Suspect list:
Rainbow Dash
Gray Tank
Amethyst Maresbury (Crystal Pony librarian)
Love Joyful
Discord
Starlight Glimmer
Twilight Sparkle
Library staff
Sunset Shimmer(?)
Spike