I stared at myself in the bathroom mirror. There was something wrong with me. I had my hands planted firmly on the sink counter. They simultaneously felt numb and tingly. Something was very wrong. I rubbed my hand on my face, and when I pulled it away, large, wet flakes speckled with blood came with it. I shot my head back up to look at the mirror and saw my face was bleeding. My skin peeled away, the space where the flakes once were acting as the tear to allow fraying. I placed my hands over the wounds to try and keep myself together, but it did nothing. My skin seeped out from under my hands. I placed my hands on my head in panic, but that only caused my hair to come with them when I pulled them away. I could now see fat and muscles, and my mouth ached. I leaned over the sink to puke, but nothing came up. I turned on the water and tried to wash off the hair and blood, but it was all stuck to my hands. I reached up into my mouth and grabbed a tooth. It practically fell out onto my hand, and the rest started falling out into the sink. Batches of bone and rot polka-dotted my face, and my eyeballs were melting in their sockets. I tried to scream, but all that came out were quiet squeaks.
“Sunset, Sunset!”
I shot up and realized I was screaming at the tops of my lungs. After a moment, I realized that I wasn’t in a bathroom but was still in bed and was surrounded by my concerned friends. I practically slammed my hands on my face, which felt normal except for a layer of cold sweat, and ran my tongue over my teeth, which were all accounted for. Just a dream, it was just a dream.
“Jeez, Sunset, what were you dreaming about?”, RD asked.
I was still too shaken up to answer and noticed Twilight was next to me, holding my shoulders. I grappled Twi into a hug and held onto her like a life preserver. Twilight wiggled into a more comfortable position and hugged me back.
“It’s okay. You’re safe.” Twilight cradled me as I calmed down. The rest of the girls continued with what they were doing but kept an eye on the two of us. It took a while and several deep breaths for me to calm down enough to let go of my death grip on Twilight. “Feeling better?”
I looked down at my hand and flexed it. I no longer had that “very wrong” feeling but still didn’t feel right. It was almost like an impending sense of doom. I grabbed my phone and looked up the symptoms of a heart attack.
“Sunset, are you okay?”, Twi asked, sounding more concerned.
“I’m not having a heart attack, at least.” I put my phone down and ran my hands over my face. “Ough, I feel like crap.”
“Did you have any tests done at the hospital?”
“They took some blood, and the doc said the tests will be done in a couple days.”
Our conversation was interrupted by the smell of breakfast wafting in from the kitchen.
“Let’s get some food in you. You’re nearly as white as Rarity.”
The two of us headed into the kitchen, along with the rest of the other girls. AJ and Pinkie were in there with sizzling bacon, pancakes, eggs, and something in the oven.
“Ya hungry?”, AJ asked.
“Yes”, Rainbow said.
Since we weren’t cooking, we worked to set the table. As the food was finished and the stuff in the oven was revealed to be muffins, we all brought it to the table, and everyone began serving themselves. Everyone dug into their food, but I was less eager.
“You okay?”, Pinkie asked. “It’s not like you to poke at your food.”
“My stomach’s just giving me a hard time.” I was very much planning on finishing it all. It’s just the thought of shoveling food like normal was causing my stomach to have something to say.
“So, what was your nightmare about?”, RD asked. “Ooh, let me guess, you dreamt that your ultra rich family hired a hitman to kill you?”
I looked up at Rainbow in bewilderment, and the rest of the girls shot her looks of disapproval. “No, not even close. Why would you even think that?”
“Well, you were screaming like you were being murdered, and considering recent revelations-”
“Well thanks, now, I’ll have that bouncing around in my head. As far as what I dreamed about, it’s a part of the reason I’m having trouble eating.”
Rainbow got the gist and returned to her food. As we finished and headed back out to the living room, I noticed Rarity’s and my stuff, including our instruments.
“We completely forgot about finding a place to play.”, I commented.
“We can play at my place tonight.”, AJ said. She got affirmative responses from the rest of us.
The seven of us packed up the mattresses and put Twi’s furniture back before doing our morning hygiene. As work’s a thing adults have to do, we couldn’t hang around Twilight’s apartment all day. All of us, except for Twilight, packed up our stuff and headed out. Rarity and I, as usual, headed to the office. Getting in, each of us grabbed our boxes and started on our cases.
“Are you going to email your theory to the police?”, Rarity asked.
“No, if she did do it, me saying I think she was involved wouldn’t be enough for a warrant.”
“Maybe the cops have some evidence we don’t and a concerned call from a citizen will be just what they need to get a warrant.”, Rarity said in her mock damsel voice.
“No, they’ve likely already got her on their radar as Wallflower’s neighbor. Not yet.”, I said sternly.
Rarity finally put her hands up in an ‘I surrender’ gesture, and I was allowed to get back to my case. It was a standard suspected cheater, which also meant I, well us, were in for a stakeout. My phone dinged as I was internally groaning at having to sit around for hours. I hurriedly checked it, thankful for the distraction. I was initially confused by the Instabook message then remembered what it was about.
“Who are you? What do you want?”, Royal asked, her irritation and suspicion somehow coming clear through the written message.
“I’m a PI, and I just want you to be safer.”
“What’s it to you?”
I contemplated how to answer. Straight up telling her I'm her sister would likely only get me branded as some crazy online weirdo. I opened up the genetic testing website and went to the family tree page. Both my Instabook profile and the family tree had my full name on display. It was just my name connecting the two profiles, but you can’t argue with genetics. “You took a DNA test some time ago. Take a look at it.”
I placed my phone back down and resumed work. I wasn’t sure how long it would take, but something was blowing up. For the rest of the time it took me to pre-cyber stalk my target, I didn’t get the expected shockwave. This was either going to be a building shaking kaboom or a ripple. “Hey, Rarity, I’ve got some surveilling to do.”
“Okay, give me a minute.”
The two of us packed up our stuff, including two walkie-talkies, and headed down to the car.
“Okay, where to?”, Rarity asked.
“The Champy’s on 64th street.”
Rarity started up the car and drove us across town. She parked the car on the street, near the Champy’s, hopped out of the car, and headed into one of the nearby shops while I stayed and slouched down in the car. We kept our walkie-talkies on us, and Rarity would stay within running distance. All this was to make it look like we were there for business other than stalking. I watched the entrance to the Champy’s for my target to come out while making it look like I was playing on my phone. His lunch break should be starting soon, based on his schedule provided by the client. As it was closing in on 2 o’clock, the traffic was dying down and there were fewer and fewer people. A bit after two, I spotted my target getting into his car. I pressed the walkie-talkie, alerting Rarity.
Rarity hurried back out and jumped in the car. I pointed out the target, and she followed. Staying close enough to not lose the target but staying far enough away so as to not be spotted is a difficult balancing act, but Rarity’s an expert at it. The fact that the average citizen isn’t watching for tails also helps. Our target drove to a neighborhood and turned into one of the driveways. Rarity pulled over around the corner but where we could still see the target, and I pulled out my camera and took pictures of the target and house. Rarity pulled out the snacks she bought earlier, and we waited for anything interesting. As the minutes passed by, we knew we were going to be in for the long ride. I handed Rarity the camera and put my seat back to get some rather needed sleep.
Some time later, I was shaken awake by Rarity. Looking at the time, it was nearly three. Once my brain was booted up and seat’s in an upright position, Rarity showed me the camera. On the screen was a clear as day picture of the target kissing a woman that wasn’t the client. I smiled and fist bumped Rarity.
“I knew it! I knew it!”, Wild Fire shouted. She held the printouts of the pictures Rarity took and looked like she was about ready to light him on fire.
“I’m glad you’re happy with our service.”, I said. “Now, for our full payment.”
“Yes, of course.”
I handed Ms. Fire a tablet to approve the bank transfer. She signed and handed the tablet back to me. “Pleasure doing business.”, I said as I reached out to shake Ms. Fire’s hand. Ms. Fire returned the shake and left with the photos. I turned to Rarity with a satisfied look on my face.
“If only all of our cases were that simple.”, Rarity commented.
“Yeah, next.”
Rarity presented me with another box, which I took.
Looking over the contents, my heart went out for the dude. Dognapping, how heinous. “I’m going to go talk to the client.”
“Okay, can it wait a few minutes?”
“I’m just going to walk. It’s close enough.”
“Okay, see you later.”
I packed the case book into my backpack and headed outside. Not many people walked around in this part of town due to it not being that good of an area and all the business being what I call “go there with a purpose” business, opposed to shops and stuff like that. The semi-permacloud cover also left people in a more dreary mood, including myself, and less inclined to walk around outside. There’s no real telling when the clouds will part, as previous permacloud covers have lasted anywhere from a few days to nearly two months with only a couple days to weeks of sunlight. There were still some people around but only like one every few blocks or so. Strangely, I felt as if I was being watched. None of the people I passed even gave me a second glance, so this was odd. It wasn’t like dozens of people were giving me the side-eye. It felt like a single person was staring straight at me. Without stopping, I looked around but found nothing strange. Just keep walking. No one will try anything so long as you keep walking.
The client’s place’s a little under a mile away, so the walk only took about 20 minutes. The feeling of being watched hadn’t gone away by the time I got there, and to my dismay, the door was locked. There was an intercom, so I tried that.
“Hello?”, a voice from the intercom said.
“Is this Stormfeather?”, I asked. While I wasn’t speaking, I carefully looked around for the source of the feeling. With my back to the street, I was easy prey.
“Yes, and you are?”
“I am a detective with Shimmering Diamond Detective Agency. I’ve been assigned to your case. I would like to talk to you.”
Mr. Stormfeather simply answered by buzzing me in. I hurried inside, but instead of heading straight for the elevators, I hid behind one of the pillars and watched the doors. The doors are glass and reinforced by security bars, and the lobby’s mostly barren, say for two pillars and the usual mailboxes, stairs, and elevators. I no longer felt like I was being watched, and no one else came to the doors. If I’m being followed, it’s by no amateur.
I grumbled to myself and headed to the elevators. Once I was inside, I contemplated why I got that feeling. Maybe someone hired another PI to follow me, but who would? Neighsay? What if it’s a hitman? - Ogh, Rainbow, that woman’s going to be the death of me.
I reached my client’s floor and found his apartment. I pulled out my license and knocked. Shortly after, the door was opened, and Mr. Stormfeather stood on the other side. “My name is Dt. Shimmer. I would like to ask you some questions.”, I said while presenting him with my license.
“Alright, come in.” Mr. Stormfeather stepped out of the way, and I entered. It was a simple set up, a couch, TV, table and chairs, basic kitchen, and a hallway entrance.
I walked around the main space and saw a dog bed, two raised bowls, and a basket of dog toys next to the couch, opposite the door. I could recognize the bed as being orthopedic from when Spike needed the same kind. These things can easily reach a couple hundred dollars.
“Would you like something to drink?”
“No, thank you. Could you tell me about what happened?”
“I told your partner everything when I hired you.”, Mr. Stormfeather said, irritation growing in his voice.
“In cases like this, I like to hear it from the horse’s mouth. Anything involving an ex can get pretty messy.”
Mr. Stormfeather let out a low growl but complied. “I broke up with my girlfriend last week. This morning, she showed up here, saying she forgot something, and I let her in to grab whatever it was. We got into a fight, and I left to cool off. When I came back, she and Bobo, my lab mix, were gone. I tried calling her, but she wouldn’t answer. Same story when I went to her apartment. I tried going to the police, but they were worse than useless. They said “We have more important things to do. You can get a new dog.””
I nodded in acknowledgement. “I understand. If the police were competent, I’d be out of a job. Well, I’d have less to do. And that’s coming from someone whose brother-in-law’s a cop.” That got Mr. Stormfeather to snort out a chuckle. “How would you describe your ex? I need to know how she’ll react if I need to confront her. And do you know her apartment’s dog policies?”
Mr. Stormfeather’s demeanor brightened up at hearing that. “She’s real good at acting all friendly and nice but can flip to mean and manipulative in a heartbeat. She’s never gotten physical, as far as I know, but she’s gotten real close, and her apartment doesn’t allow dogs.”
“Got it. Thank you.” I left the apartment and headed back out to the street. Before leaving the cover of the building’s awning, I looked around for anyone or anything out of place, but nothing stood out. The ex’s place is close, so I decided to go straight there. The feeling of being watched returned. I spun on my heels and spotted a man in a hoodie quickly averting his gaze from me. I couldn’t keep watching him and had to spin back around to face where I’m going. Okay, plan of action. Need a plan of action. An alleyway came up on my right, so I scurried down it and around the corner to the back of the building. I pressed myself against the building and pulled out my knife. I stayed like that, listening for the sound of footsteps.
I wasn’t sure how long it had been, but even after waiting for what felt like nearly five minutes, I heard nothing approaching me. I checked around for anything, but I was all alone. Carefully, I snuck back out to the street. There was no man or anyone else for that matter, and the feeling of being watched stopped. Did I scare him off, or am I just going crazy? Without a present threat, I continued to my destination.
The ex’s building didn’t have locked front doors, so I went straight inside, and it only had stairs and twelve stories. The ex lives on the top floor. “Fuck me.” Walking up those stairs was not fun, especially with limited breathing. And I’m probably going to have to help the dog down. Great. Reaching the door, I gave light knocks to seem like a normal visitor. Mr. Stormfeather’s ex answered the door, and I put on my best smile.
“Hi, can I help you?”, the ex asked in a damn good fake nice voice.
“Hi, I’m with building management. We’ve been getting reports about a dog. Building policy clearly states dogs are not allowed unless it is a service or emotional support dog, in which case, you would need to alert management.”, I said in my best professional voice, years of customer service experience rearing its ugly but useful head and making me sound like an automation.
“What? I don’t have a dog.”
“Ma’am, I know you have a dog, and I know that dog’s not yours.”
The ex tried to close the door on me, but I pushed my way in, causing her to stumble backwards. I stalked towards her and pulled my jacket back to expose my gun. The ex looked like she was about to snap at me but wised up when she saw the gun.
“Where’s the dog?”, I coldly and calmly demanded.
The ex looked down at my gun then up at my cold stare. “He’s in the guest room.”
I walked past her and opened the first door to my left. Inside was Bobo, locked inside a crate that’s only about the size of a travel crate for him. He looked miserable and wore a diaper that smelt soiled. The only remotely good part of the set up was that he had a full water dish. I hurried to get him out and glared at the ex, who looked at me like she wanted to murder me. Getting into a shouting match wasn’t what I was here for, so I just took him.
His steps were slow and shaky, but he looked infinitely happier to be out of the cage. Getting to the stairs, I walked facing Bobo and a step ahead of him, watching every step he made. The poor guy had to rest between floors, but he trooped on. Getting to the bottom floor, Bobo completely pancaked. I took the hint and sat down next to him. He wasn’t panting. He just seemed to need to give his legs a break.
“Excuse me, ma’am, we have a strict no dogs policy. If-”, some office-y looking lady said.
“Can’t you see he’s resting?!”, I snapped. “This poor guy just spent the last eight hours locked in a tiny crate, without a diaper change, and I’m trying to get him out of here. How can you not have an elevator with twelve floors?”
The lady seemed taken aback by my outburst but quickly regained her composure. “My apologies, ma’am, but our policy’s clear. Dogs are not allowed. What is your name and apartment number?”
“Did you not hear me? Neither of us are residents. He was abducted from his father and locked in a tiny cage and dirty diaper for eight hours. I’m here to bring him home.”
The lady looked between us then, to my surprise, sat down next to Bobo and started petting him as well. “What’s his name?”
“Bobo, I was hired by his dad to get him back.”
“Do you want me to call the police?”
“My client already tried them.”
“Could you give me the name and apartment number of where he was kept?”
“You are quite set on enforcing that rule.”
“When people do something wrong, they need to face the consequences.”
The phrasing of that caught my attention, and I looked over at her with a surprised and knowing look. “1204”
The lady nodded and headed up the stairs. After some more time resting, Bobo got up, and we headed outside. The flat ground gave Bobo an easier time, so we were able to go faster, and we probably wouldn’t have made it up without the elevator. I knocked on the door, and when Mr. Stormfeather opened the door, his face lit up.
“Bobo!” Mr. Stormfeather scooped Bobo into a hug and nuzzled him affectionately then jumped up and hugged me. “Thank you! Thank you!”
“I appreciate your gratitude, but please let go.”, I said in my robotic professional voice.
“Oh, sorry.” Mr. Stormfeather released me from his hold and returned his attention to Bobo. “Do you want your payment now or?”
“That matter can be dealt with tomorrow. I expect to see you at my office.” I left the two together and went on my merry way back to the office. As soon as I got a block away from the client’s building, I felt like I was being watched again. I looked around again and even up the buildings. It was like my pursuer was invisible. Without anything to fight, I had no choice but to hurry back to the office. A light jog was all I could manage with my limited breathing, but I made it back quickly. Those yellow halls never made me feel so safe. Aw great, I’m starting to feel sentimental towards this place.
Entering the office, Rarity was packing up her stuff. I headed over to the window and looked down at the street. There’s a person in a hoodie, leaning against the opposite building, but that was it, wasn’t even the same colored hoodie as the earlier guy. Could’ve changed his hoodie.
“Sunset, are you okay?”, Rarity asked.
“I’m either being tailed or Rainbow got me paranoid.”
“What do you want to do?”
“Not go anywhere alone, for starters.”
“Alright, any theories?”
“Several, but I haven’t even confirmed I am being followed.” I headed back to my desk and marked my case as ‘complete’ and ‘awaiting payment’. I packed my things up as well, and we headed to the garage. We were once again walking down the dark hallways of the building, kinda freaked out and scanning for jump scares.
“How did your last case go?”, Rarity asked, once again, trying to ease the tension.
“It went well. I was able to reunite Bobo with his dad.”
“Bobo?”
“The dog” It was then I realized what happened. I lost my professional separation with the case all because I saw a creature locked inside a confining cage. “Great, I’m losing my edge.” I pinched the bridge of my nose.
Rarity rubbed my shoulder and gave me a compassionate look. “What happened?”
“The ex locked him in a cage the size of a travel crate and left him in a solid diaper for eight hours.”
“Were you ever-?”
“I don’t know about diapers, but I wasn’t literally locked in a cage. It was his face. The sheer misery and being deprived of love.”
Rarity pulled me into a hug, but we broke it off quickly. Creepy ass hallways ain’t the place for hugs.
Rarity pulled into my garage and dropped me off. Playing with the old band was a nostalgic trip. I had some pep in my step as I headed inside, but it was gone the instant I saw the thing in my staircase. I was scared and angry. How dare this thing come into my life and terrorize me and not even give me a chance to punch it? I stomped up the stairs and straight through the thing. I guess I’ll know if touching it caused my nightmare last night.
I placed my guitar back in its hiding spot as soon as I got back to my apartment. I had dinner at Sweet Apple Acres, so I just went straight to winding down. I changed into my PJs and went over to Mustard’s terrarium. He was wide awake now, and I pulled him out. The first thing he did when I picked him up was try to bite my fingers, as usual. He’s a hunter. I brought him into bed with me and laid him on my chest. He scurried around on me as I watched him. It was small, but these little moments are what life’s about.
“I should cash that check and make sure my will is up to date. Even if I don’t die next week, I’d still be a good idea. Fluttershy will take you. Twi will like my guitar and probably enshrine it.” I felt sleep calling me so put Mustard back and climbed back in bed. My thoughts turned to the thing again, but I was done with that for the night. I grabbed my second pillow and smashed it on my head. It stopped the thoughts, and I closed my eyes before they could start up again. Instead of sleep, my phone thought it was important I attend to the new message. At this time of night? I grabbed my phone and opened up the message. It’s from Royal.
“Never contact me or my family again.”
I was blocked on everything. I checked my other sisters’ accounts, and it was the same for them. I couldn’t say I was surprised, but it still hurt. Selfish fucking bastards, I didn’t choose to be born. They’re acting like it’s my fault we share a cheating scumbag of a father. I held my pillow to my chest. I felt like I needed to cry, but no tears came.