//------------------------------// // Part 1: Fiesta Sunset // Story: My Little Pony: The Western // by Conglomerate //------------------------------// “‘Come high noon on one fateful day, the two sisters approached each other in the center of town, they each took three steps back, and drew…’” Twilight flipped the page. “‘Two shots, but only one hit. The Bullet of Harmony struck true, exiling the vigilante from the town and every other. Now an outlaw, the wrathful sister took on the name ‘Marauder Moon’, and scours the desert every night, seeking revenge for what was taken from her, and lying in wait for the right moment to take it.’” She closed the book, its dusty cover leaving an imprint on the wooden desk. “Well, I reckon that’s a clear and present danger.” Twilight deduced, taking the book and slotting it back into her bookshelf. Her door clicked open, and Spike entered her office. “What’s a clear and present danger?” He asked, “Marauder Moon,” Twilight answered simply, leaning back into her chair, “The legend? How will something that don’t exist be a danger?” “Except she does exist, Spike. You weren’t there when it happened, it was the shot heard ‘round the West. I was only a little one when it happened, but everypony knows the duel between Sheriff Celestia and her sister.” “Right,” Spike leaned against the doorframe, he rolled a wheat stalk from one side of his mouth to the other, “I suppose you wanna tell her ‘bout it then?” “I’m sure she knows,” Twilight rolled her eyes, she sat up straight, “I wanna know what she’s gonna do about it though.” “What makes you think this ‘Marauder Moon’ will even make a move after all these years?” “Because the Summer Sun Fiesta is right around the corner. It’s one of the only days where the Sheriff leaves town. What more opportunity does she need?” Spike raised an eyebrow, “And the other Fiestas?” “Have taken place here in Canterlot or in the East. This one’s in Ponyville, just a day West into the desert. I just-” Twilight frowned, and she stared at Spike, “Why are you even here?” “Oh right,” he said, pulling out a piece of paper, “Sheriff wants to see ya.” “Of course.” Twilight sighed, she pulled a pocket watch out of her vest pocket, then got up from her chair. “Let’s go then,” “Lead the way.” Another sigh, and she walked over to the rack on the wall to pick up her hat. Pulling the stetson over her horn, Twilight made sure it was nice and secure before leaving her office. The wooden floor boards of the building creaked as they walked, at the very least keeping them out of silence. “Y’know what she wants?” Twilight asked, Spike shrugged, “Didn’t say.” “That don’t sound like a good thing.” “Maybe she just wants to see ya.” “Doubt it,” Twilight huffed, They stopped just in front of the sheriff’s door, a golden sun emblazoned on it. Twilight lifted a hoof to knock, but hesitated for a moment. “Come in Twilight, I heard ya.” A voice came from behind it. “You wanted to see me, Sheriff?” Twilight asked, pushing open the door, “Take a seat first,” Sheriff Celestia said, she then leaned to the side to look past her, “Spike, wait outside for a moment and close the door.” Twilight quickly sat down opposite of Celestia’s desk, and the door closed behind her. “So?” She asked, “Got a mission for ya.” Celestia opened a drawer and pulled out a cigar. “What kind of mission,” Twilight asked as she lit it. Celestia took a long drag, then tapped the cigar into an ashtray. “The good kind.” “And here I thought you just wanted to see me.” She let out a single laugh, “Listen here, Twilight. I need y’all to go to Ponyville for me.” Her eyes widened, “For the Fiesta?” “Now yer catching on,” Celestia puffed her cigar, “You have to make sure everything’s tip top.” Twilight tilted her head, “Not for security?” “Security? What for?” “Yer sister, Marauder Moon.” Celestia leaned back, blowing smoke into the air, “Now there’s a name I haven’t heard in a while.” She chewed her cigar, “She won’t be a problem,” “How do you know that? Don’t she hate you?” “I don’t doubt it, but Twilight,” She leaned in real close, “I put her down hard, there’s a certain way of doing things around here, and she didn’t understand that. Now she does.” “Ain’t that besides the point?” “May be.” Celestia shrugged, tapping her cigar out again. “Doesn’t change the fact that yer goin to Ponyville, or that the Fiesta’s happening there. Here.” She opened another drawer and threw something across the desk. Twilight barely caught the belt in her magic, and she reached up to hold it fully. Turning it in her hooves revealed an open pouch on one side, right as Sheriff Celestia placed a revolver on the desk. “You’ll need this,” She slid it over. “I thought I wasn’t security.” Twilight said, strapping the holster around her chest and picking up the gun. “Yer still not, but you’ll need protection. There’s been reports of bandits in the area.” Twilight looked up from inspecting the revolver, she opened the cylinder, closed it, then holstered it. “There’s ammo in the locker room, don’t take all of it. And the train’s down, I’ve arranged for you to join a caravan, you can be their security if you want. And don’t be afraid to make yourself some friends along the way.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “I’m tellin ya to make some friends.” “I have friends!” Twilight defended, “Uh huh,” Celestia leaned back, “Name one.” “Y-” “I don’t count.” Celestia interrupted, Twilight looked down. “It’ll do ya some good, now git out of my office, the caravan leaves in an hour.” Twilight just silently stood up, and moved to the door. “Oh, and Twilight?” She looked back. “Take Constable Spike with you.” Twilight groaned, pulled the door open, then quickly shut it behind her. “So, where you going?” Spike asked, leaning against the wall. “We’re going to Ponyville,” Twilight corrected, “Get yer things, we’re leaving in an hour.” Spike spit out his wheat stalk, “‘Bout time.” Twilight turned the revolver in her magic, it was a simple, dark gray, single action pistol. Unpolished, light wear and tear around the cylinder, and a worn grip. It worked well enough, the cylinder didn’t have any resistance, and the hammer worked fine. Twilight dry fired it a few times to make sure everything was working before loading it and holstering it again. “I see the Sheriff gave you some firepower.” Spike said, watching the whole display. “‘It’s for my protection,’” Twilight quoted, “Apparently there’s bandits in the area.” “Yeah, like Marauder Moon!” Spike taunted, “Quit it, will ya? Sheriff Celestia said she wouldn’t be a problem and I trust her judgement. This is just in case.” “Do you even know how to use one of those things?” “Of course I do!” Twilight said, “You don’t just become a sheriff’s deputy and not know how to shoot a gun.” “What’d you read a book about guns? Doesn’t exactly match real experience.” “I know how to shoot.” Twilight stated, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” “I have half a mind to show you right now!” The cart they were riding in abruptly stopped. Spike fell flat on his face, while Twilight just barely caught her balance as a stallion poked his head through the cloth. “We’re here.” Twilight cleared her throat, and adjusted her hat and collar. “In any case, thank you sir.” He just nodded, disappearing back to the front of the cart. “Let’s go,” Twilight said, “Yeah whatever.” Spike grumbled, fixing his poncho, Stepping out into the bright sun, Twilight looked around, noticing they were just on the outskirts of town. Spike then exited the cart and shielded his eyes from the light as the caravan continued into Ponyville. “You got the checklist?” “Eyup,” Spike pulled it out, “Good, what’s first?” “Ahem.” Spike squinted at the paper, “Make some friends.” “What?” Twilight asked, ripping the list out of his grasp to look, “It don’t say that.” “You still gotta do it.” She slumped, “You heard?” “Eyup, Imma even make sure you do it too.” “Ugh, fine!” Twilight said through clenched teeth, “But after the checklist, that comes first.” “Nuh uh!” Spike shook his head, snatching the list back, “You gotta try to make a friend right now.” “How?!” Twilight demanded, she looked around again, “There’s nopony nearby.” “What about her?” Spike pointed behind her. Twilight blinked, and turned around, where a single pony was walking at the edge of the town. The only thing they could make out at their distance was a pair of overalls and a straw hat, along with a whole lot of pink. “Okay,” Twilight sighed, “Let’s get this over with. She approached, Spike following quickly behind. Once they were close enough she coughed into her hoof to get the pony’s attention. “Howdy there, miss. What’s yer name?” Twilight began, The pony turned and gasped, intaking so much air that she almost seemed to lift off the ground for a moment. “Hooo-weee!” She exclaimed before galloping off into town. … “Well that was certainly something.” Twilight said, “Yeah, I didn’t realize the families in Ponyville were so tight knit.” Twilight frowned, “What’s that supposed to mean?!” “Did you see her teeth?” “Don’t say that!” Twilight smacked Spike upside the head, “I’m sure she’s perfectly healthy, she probably just…” She rolled her hoof, “Eats a lot of sugar or something.” “Whatever you say,” Spike said, rubbing the back of his head, “Now, the list?” “Fine, first thing on the list is transportation. Headed by somepony named ‘Applejack.’” “Does it say where we can find her?” “Train station.” Spike answered, “Good, maybe we can find out why the train’s out.” They started their trek across the sandy town, the wooden buildings roasting in the midday sun. The train station was among them, located at the other edge of the town, it was immediately clear why they had to caravan, as a steam engine lay on its side by the track, several cars still upright behind it, over the track but not on it. A multitude of workers were gathered around the derailed train, looking to hopefully clear it soon. Twilight approached one of them. “Howdy there, pardner. I’m looking for a pony called Applejack, are they ‘round here?” The stallion sniffed, “Yup, she’s just around back, follow me.” Twilight nodded, but instead of heading towards the train station, the stallion circled around the tipped locomotive. Somepony was shouting on the other side, and as she got closer she could start to make out what they were saying. “-onnect the rest of the carts! Lift them back onto the track! Take them back to the yard! And get this engine out of my sight! What do you want?!” The stallion flinched from around the corner, “Somepony wants to see you, boss.” “Who?!” The voice demanded, “Me.” Twilight answered, stepping around the train, she held out her hoof, “Are you Applejack?” ‘Applejack’ looked her up and down, from her hoof to her hat to her holstered gun to her silver badge on her vest. Twilight did the same, from the orange fur to the stained suspenders to the striped shirt and flat cap. “Walk with me, lawmare.” “It’s Twilight.” “Just follow me,” the mare said, “And the rest of you get back to work!” The workers around them jolted into action, while the mare walked off to the side away from the group. Twilight followed, and so did Spike. “You mind telling me why this train isn’t on the track?” “Why would I know that?” Twilight asked, “Isn’t that what you’re here for?” “No, I’m here to make sure everything’s ready for the Summer Sun Fiesta.” Twilight held out her hoof again, “I’m Deputy Twilight Sparkle, and you are?” “Deputy? Not detective?” The mare raised an eyebrow. “Correct.” She sighed, “Good enough. Maybe you can help me figure out who’s responsible for this.” Twilight tilted her head, “Yer not from around here, are ya? “You just now noticed?” The mare asked, she took her cap off and wiped her brow with an oily rag, leaving a smudge on her fur. She then finally accepted her hoof, “The ponies around here call me Applejack on the account that I’m from The Big Apple up North,” “But that’s not yer real name?” Twilight asked, “It’s the only name you need to know, friend.” Applejack responded, “And I’m in charge of this whole operation seeing as I’m the only one around here that seems to know how trains work.”  “Good, then can you tell me when this will be fixed?” Applejack waved her off, “End of the day at most, but I want to know why this train was derailed,” “Was it not an accident?” Spike piped up, “You tell me,” Applejack said, stepping to the side, “Does this look like an accident to you?” They both looked to see a hole in the track. Blackened metal bent upwards, a small crater left in the gravel underneath, charred ties surrounding it. “What in tarnation?” Twilight asked, Spike ran a claw along the rails, picking up some of the residue. He tasted it. “You think it’s the bandits?” Applejack suggested, “Marauder-” “Hush!” Twilight interrupted, she then turned to Applejack, “Folks do strange things sometimes, you ask around at all?” “None of the rail workers have seen anything, and there’s nothing from the bar either.” “Hmm… Who’s the lawmare ‘round these parts?” “That would be Rainbow Dash,” Applejack answered, “Rainbow Dash,” Spike answered, looking at the list, “She’s on the list?” Twilight asked, “Eyup, number two.” “Well, I reckon we should go talk to her. Applejack, I still got a job to do, but I can start figuring this out as soon as the Fiesta is over.” “Ah, well thank you anyway.” “See ya ‘round,” Twilight waved, she stepped away from the tracks, and began heading back towards the town proper. Spike stole another taste of the residue before hurrying after her, leaving Applejack to get back to her work. “You don’t think it were Marauder Moon that did that, do ya?” Spike asked as he caught up. “No, but… It’s too convenient,” Twilight shook her head, “Something’s definitely up. Where can we find Rainbow Dash?” “The jailhouse probably.” “W- I know that!” Twilight said, “Do we know where the jailhouse is?” Spike squinted at the list again, even flipping it over. “Nope, but you can ask around,” Twilight just rolled her eyes and turned towards the nearest stranger, “Hey there, mister. Do you know where the jailhouse is?” “South side o’ town,” “Thank ya kindly. Let’s go.” They quickly made their way through the town, easily spotting the building at the edge labeled ‘jail’. Twilight pushed open the door and went inside, only to see an empty desk and better yet, an open jail cell, lock clearly rusted and broken. “For a lawmare she sure ain’t doing a good job as one.” There was a gunshot outside, causing the both of them to flinch. Twilight drew her revolver and peered out the front window, yet there was nothing. Another gunshot, and her ears flicked to the back of the building. She nodded to Spike, and they exited the jailhouse to go around back, hugging the wall. Twilight leaned around the corner, and saw a sky blue pegasus with a revolver in each wing, shooting away from the building and towards a fence with a few cans and bottles lined up. Letting out a sigh of relief, Twilight put her gun away and walked around the corner, right as the pegasus fired. An empty can fell to the ground. “Rainbow Dash, I assume.” Twilight announced, The pegasus turned, pointing both revolvers right at Twilight. “Watch it!” She shouted, ducking down. “Oh, whoops, sorry ‘bout that,” the pegasus said, turning her guns upwards before twirling around her wings and holstering them. “But yeah, I’m Rainbow Dash. Officer Rainbow Dash.” “Uh huh,” Twilight stood, “Well I’m Deputy Twilight Sparkle,” She flashed her badge, “And I need to talk to ya.” “Woah,” Rainbow Dash gawked, “Nice.” “Yer in charge of…” Twilight looked towards Spike, “Security.” “Security.” Twilight repeated, then did a double take. Rainbow Dash tilted her head, Clearing her throat, Twilight continued, “-for the Summer Sun Fiesta, is that true?” “Yessir, ain’t nothin that gets past Officer Rainbow Dash.” “‘Cept for bandits,” Spike said, Rainbow Dash fidgeted, “H-Hey! Them there bandits won’t come anywhere near this town because of me!” “And the train tracks getting blown up?” Twilight added, “Uh…” Twilight held up a hoof, “They may be unrelated, however, I need to know if you can keep this town safe during the Fiesta.” “I sure can!” Rainbow Dash perked back up, “Outlaws beware of the fastest draw in Equestria!” “Fastest draw in Equestria?” Twilight raised an eyebrow, “Darn tootin’! Watch!” Bang In the blink of an eye, Rainbow Dash’s right wing was fully extended, revolver facing outwards and smoking. Twilight stared at her for a moment, processing what happened before finally looking downrange. “You didn’t hit nothing.” “I didn’t?” Rainbow Dash turned her head, “Aw shucks! Hang on.” She fiddled with her gun, opening the cylinder and letting all the bullets fall out, spent and unspent. She then pulled six more from her bandolier and reloaded, flicking the cylinder shut, much to Twilight’s chagrin. “Imma need both wings for this,” She said, folding her right wing around her chest. “Watch!” BangBangBangBangBangBang In less than a second, all six shots were fired. Two cans fell. Rainbow Dash spun her gun around a feather before blowing the smoke off the barrel, satisfied. “What do you think of them apples?” “That was… Almost cool.” Spike said, “You still missed most of yer shots.” She scoffed, “I’d like to see you do better!” “I probably could.” Twilight admitted, “I’d like to see that too,” Spike said, “You still need to prove to me you can shoot.” “Yeah! Me too, or…” Rainbow Dash thought for a moment, “Whatever! You said you were the sheriff’s deputy so prove it.” “I don’t need to prove nothing!” Twilight argued, “Yeah you do. Y'all can’t just walk into my town and say yer better than me without provin it first.” Rainbow Dash stepped away, gesturing with her wing, “So take yer shot, Twilight.” She looked between her two opposers for a few moments before stomping her hoof and grumbling. “Fine! One shot, that’s it.” “Six. I shot six, you shoot six.” Rainbow Dash said, Twilight stared at her, “It’s only fair. And if you lose I’ll follow you around all day, hecklin’ ya.” “And if I win?” “I’ll follow you around all day, singin’ yer praises.” “Great.” Was all Twilight said as she lined herself up with the fence. She drew her revolver, checked to make sure it was still loaded, and took aim, pulling the hammer back. Bang A can fell, Twilight moved to the next. Bang A bottle shattered. Bang Another can. Bang Can. Bang Bottle. Bang Miss, Twilight winced as she emptied her revolver to reload it. Spike nodded, “Not bad,” “So slow!” Rainbow Dash pulled her face with her hooves, “You didn’t even hit all six!” “I hit more than you!” “Nuh uh! If I took as long as you did, I would’ve hit twice as many!” Twilight grit her teeth, “Wanna bet?” Rainbow Dash squinted, “Yer on.” The cans that were on the ground quickly raised back to the fence, settling themselves along each rail. “Six cans each, hit all six first and you win.” “Easy peasy, what do I get when I win?” Rainbow Dash said, “If you win…” Twilight thought for a moment, “I don’t know, I’ll put you in for a promotion or something. But if I win, yer gonna git back in that there jailhouse and do yer job!” Rainbow Dash laughed, “Bad stakes, but I’ll take em. Ready when you are.” “Spike,” Twilight said, sliding the last bullet into her revolver, “Count us down.” “Now this is getting fun.” He said, “Three, Two, One, Draw!” BangBangBangBangBangBang Bang Three cans fell. One can fell. Twilight inhaled sharply as Rainbow Dash took an early lead, but she still had to reload, allowing her a few more shots. Bang Another can Bang BangBangBangBangBangBang One can.         One can. Rainbow Dash grunted, then quickly went about reloading again. Twilight aimed another shot. BangBangBangBangBangBang Bang One can.         One can. Bang Hit BangBangBangBangBangBang Bang Rainbow Dash’s last can hit the ground first, Twilight’s falling just a split second later. “Yeehaw!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, literally jumping for joy. Twilight just shook her head, taking off her hat and holding it by her chest. “Good shootin’, Twilight.” She looked up, confused, Rainbow Dash was holding her hoof out. She tentatively reached out and shook it. “You may be slow, but you certainly ain’t bad.” Twilight furrowed her brow, but dropped it a moment later, she put her hat back on, “I s’pose I should look into getting you that promotion.” “Psh,” Rainbow Dash waved her off, “Promotion commotion, I don’t care ‘bout none of that.” “But you won?” “That’s only half the fun. Yer a riot Twilight Sparkle, I like you. Though, if yer truly serious, could you put in a good word for me with the Wonderbolts?” “The military branch? I’m the wrong pony to ask for that.” “Shoot, well it was worth a shot.” “Quite a few actually,” Twilight said, looking downrange, Rainbow Dash joined her, and they both watched as the fence fell apart, a plume of dust left in its wake. “Must cost something fierce to shoot like that.” “Nah, I got plenty of ammo,” Rainbow Dash said, she felt up her bandolier, revealing just two bullets left, “Or maybe not. Darn.” She quickly dropped to the ground to sift through the sand, managing to pick up a few more bullets. “Careful not to waste all yer ammo here, might need it later,” Spike said, “What makes you say that?” “Ma-” Twilight stuck a hoof in front of him, “There be bandits afoot, and with the train tracks the way they are, they might try to make a move or something. Be on guard is what he’s trying to say.” “Is that why yer here?” “No.” Twilight sighed, “I’m just making sure everythings ready for the Fiesta. Yer here to protect the town. What’s next on that list, Spike?” “Entertainment, Rarity.” “Now there’s a show!” Rainbow Dash said, “You’ll like her.” “You know where to find her?” Twilight asked, “Saloon, center of town.” “We best be off then,” Twilight tipped her hat, “Goodday, Officer Rainbow Dash.” “I’m comin’ with,” She responded, “What? Why?” “I still won, I get to follow you for the day. Besides, I’m due for a patrol anyway.” “Ugh, fine. Come along then.”  Rainbow Dash just smiled and followed her as they made their way back into town.  By the time the sun was on its way down to the horizon, the three of them found themselves outside one of the corner buildings, the faint sound of a piano coming from inside. Stepping inside, Twilight was met with a well decorated bar, furnished tables and booths, a chandelier, and a small stage with a piano off to the side. A familiar pink pony stood behind the actual bar, surrounded by bottles and taps of all types. She waved wildly as they entered. “You want I should buy you a drink?” Rainbow Dash asked, “Later,” Twilight said, “We should find Rarity first.” “Yeah well,” Rainbow Dash squinted around the saloon, “I don’t see her out yet.” “Imma ask,” Twilight walked up to the bar. The pony tending to the bar was without a doubt the one from the edge of town, but instead of her previous outfit she wore a much better fitting vest and bowtie. “Evening, what can I getcha?” She asked, Twilight stared at her for a moment, especially her teeth as she smiled. She then shook her head, “I’m looking for a Miss Rarity, is she ‘round?” “She’s plenty ‘round. In fact, yer just in time! Hyuck! The show’s about to start!” Tilting her head, Twilight pulled out her pocket watch again, “The show starts at five?” “Yessireebob!” “Well thank ya, and…” Twilight turned to see Rainbow Dash and Spike sitting at a table, “Two whiskeys and a water please.” She placed three bits on the bar. “Coming right up!” The bartender poured the drinks. Twilight picked them up and headed over to the table, setting the water in front of Spike, and one of the shots in front of Rainbow Dash, saving the last for herself. “What’s this for?” “Well, it wasn’t part of the wager, but I figured I’d at least pay for the first round.” Twilight said, “Hold off on more though, I wanna get through this checklist first.” “So is Rarity here?” Spike asked, sipping his water, Downing her shot, Twilight grimaced, “Barmaid says she’ll be out during the show at five, we got ten minutes.” “That checks.” Rainbow Dash tipped back her shot as well, “Yer in for a treat.” “So you’ve said,” Twilight leaned back, “While we’re waiting, who’s next on the list?” “Uhh…” Spike pulled it out, “One Pinkie Pie, in charge of drinks.” Twilight turned in her chair, looking back at the pink pony at the bar, “You don’t say? I guess we’ll talk to both of them after the show.” “Good luck with that,” Rainbow Dash said, “It’s gonna get purdy crowded in here.” True to her word, ponies began trickling in, filling up the tables and booths steadily while they waited. Soon enough the place was full, and not long after a familiar face walked in. “Mind if I sit here?” Applejack asked, pulling out a chair, “Go ahead,” Twilight said, “We’re just waiting for the show.” “I see you’ve met Rainbow Dash.” “Officer Rainbow Dash,” She corrected, “Right,” Applejack rolled her eyes, “Are you two going to talk about the tracks?” “We could,” Twilight began, looking at Rainbow Dash, She shrugged, “Sure, what do we know?” “Well, it happened just yesterday,” Applejack said, “There was an explosion, and the next moment the train going out was on its side. There’s no witnesses or suspects, and no clear motive either.” Rainbow Dash nodded, “Some sort of explosive were used,” Twilight added, “A small one.” “Do any of y’all know what it was?” “Dynamite,” Spike answered, licking his lips, “Weren’t no TNT or gunpowder.” “Were it bandits, where would they even get access to that sort of thing?” Twilight asked, “I doubt they bought it, and there’s only one pony ‘round town with access to dynamite, and that’s-”  Rainbow Dash was interrupted as the piano sharply picked up. They all looked to the stage as the chandelier dimmed overhead, leaving just a single light to illuminate it. Red curtains closed, and the piano changed its melody to a faster, upbeat tempo. It then finished its verse, and the curtains opened, revealing an extremely well dressed pony. Frilly dress, long sleeves ending in poofy cuffs, a dazzling necklace, curly blue hair peeking out from a bonnet wrapped in lace, and a saccharine smile. She began to sing along with the music. “A smart and stylish girl you see, Belle of good society Not too strict but rather free Yet as right as right can be! Never forward, never bold Not too hot, and not too cold But the very thing, I'm told, That in your arms you'd like to hold. Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! I'm not extravagantly shy And when a nice young man is nigh For his heart I have a try And faint away with tearful cry! When the good young man in haste Will support me round the waist I don't come to while thus embraced Till of my lips he steals a taste! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!” Some of the crowd joined in on the chorus. Twilight began to nod along with the music. “Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! I'm a timid flower of innocence Pa says that that I have no sense, I'm one eternal big expense But men say that I'm just ‘immense!’ Ere my verses I conclude I'd like it known and understood Though free as air, I'm never rude I'm not too bad and not too good! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!” The pony on stage struck a pose, and all the patrons clapped and stomped, some even whistling. The cheering continued well past the curtains closing, and even as the lights returned and the piano returned to its regular tune. “Some show,” Twilight said, “I guess we know that don’t need checking,” “We can still talk to her though, right?” Spike asked, “If the opportunity presents itself,” “She sings almost every night, makes quite a lot of tip money I hear.” Rainbow Dash said, “You know her?” “Not personally, but I come here every now and then.” “Same here,” Applejack piped up, Twilight nodded, “That just leaves Pinkie Pie then, and she’s doing a good enough job as is,” They all watched as she zipped around the bar, taking orders, pouring drinks, and serving them all in the same turn. “Yeah, we’ll probably have to wait till it clears out before we can talk to her.” “I’m fine with that,” Twilight said, leaning back, “Looks like everythings in order for the Fiesta.” “‘Cept you still got a job to do,” Spike said, Twilight froze. “And it seems yer doing well enough. I’ll leave ya to it.” “My my, I thought I saw some new faces in the crowd,” A voice came from behind her. She turned, seeing the pony from the stage walking up to their table, “You Rarity?” “Why yes, I am. Why, you heard of me?” Rarity pulled out a fan to fan herself. “Just today, but you do some mighty fine singing.” Her smile dropped a bit, but she covered it with her fan, “Well thank you kindly. Who might you be?” “Deputy Twilight Sparkle.” “Oh my! It isn’t every day somepony like you comes into town, though I suppose it makes sense with the Fiesta tomorrow. May I sit with y’all for a bit?” Twilight looked at the rest of the group, then she and Rainbow Dash scooted out of the way to make room. Rarity then pulled up a chair, inspected it, then exchanged it with a cleaner one from underneath one of the other patrons. “So, am I right in my assumption that yer here for the Fiesta?” “Just about, I’m making sure everything’s fine and dandy for it. You were actually next on my list.” “Well I hope my performance speaks for itself,” Rarity said, “It does, I don’t have a doubt in my mind about yer part, nor Pinkie’s at the bar.” Rarity looked over, “She is quite good isn’t she?” “We were hoping to talk to her after it quiets down a bit.” Rainbow Dash said, “Y’all could probably get her to close early, folks’ll be much more thirsty tomorrow than today.” “We’ll give it a moment,” Twilight said, “Care for a drink?” “Oh, no.” Rarity shook her head, she pulled her bonnet off and placed it on the table, “I have more to sing tonight, though since yer offering… Pinkie, sweetie!” She flagged her down with her fan, “Could ya get us four whiskeys and a water please?” She nodded, and a moment later all five drinks were on the table. Rarity took the water for herself, then passed a shot to everyone else, including Spike. He glanced around, then carefully reached for it, only for Twilight to pull it out of his grasp. “Oh no you don’t, yer not old enough for this.” “Please, Twilight, can’t I have something stronger than water?” She squinted at him, “Fine,” she turned to Pinkie as she raced past, “Do y’all have any milk?” “We sure do, hyuck. Straight from Shy Ranch!” Spike just crossed his arms as she ran off, but accepted the glass anyway when she came back. “Who wants this?” Twilight asked, sliding the whiskey to the center of the table. “I’ll take it.” Rainbow Dash reached forward, “Hold it right there, officer.” Applejack intercepted her, “You’re both two down already, this one’s mine.” “Says who?” Rainbow Dash unfurled a wing. “Says me.” Applejack reached for a pocket “Fellas,” Twilight interrupted, “It’s Applejack’s, it’s only fair.” Rainbow Dash grumbled and folded her wing, while Applejack quickly downed the shot. “Hold on a minute.” Rarity said, “Officer, Deputy, and you work at the train station, right?” She pointed to Applejack, She nodded, “I’m not interrupting business talk, am I?” “Not current business,” Twilight answered,  Applejack exhaled loudly, but didn’t say anything. “Good, then who’s this handsome young fellow?” Rarity asked, leaning over the table. “W-Who, m-m-m-me?” Spike asked, he quickly wiped away his milk mustache. “Yes, you,” Rarity fluttered her eyelashes, “I’ve never seen the likes of you before.” “That’s Constable Spike, and he’s assisting me with my work here.” “Oh my, a deputy’s assistant, you must be quite the helper.” “I am, it's true.” Spike blushed, A strange thumping came from behind him, and Twilight looked over to see his tail wagging through the chair. “Yes…” Twilight rolled her eyes, “With his help my job’s almost done for the day, which I guess just leaves the train tracks.” “It would be nice to get back on that.” Applejack said, “If you two could stop arguing over a shot, you act like there ain’t none left.” “There ain’t none left!” Pinkie Pie announced, ringing a bell, “Rest o’ it’s reserved fer the Fiesta! Come back then!” A wave of complaints and groans came from the crowd, and half of them immediately sat up to leave. Rarity placed her head in her hooves. “There goes my audience for the night, thanks Pinkie.” “Yer welcome!” She replied, zipping by to begin clearing tables. “I suppose that fixes that,” Rainbow Dash said, “Now we can talk to her at least.” “It sounds like everything’s in order,” Twilight tilted her head, “Why do you want to talk to her?” “It was as I was saying earlier, the only pony ‘round these parts with access to dynamite is Pinkie.” “Are you telling me she’s the one that blew up the tracks?” Applejack slammed a hoof on the table. “That don’t sound like something she would do.” Rarity said, “No, I’m saying she might know where the dynamite came from, and who had it.” “‘S a good lead,” Twilight nodded, “Knowing where it came from’ll narrow it down.” “You are talking business,” Rarity realized, standing up, “Well I won’t keep ya.” “Wait!” Spike shouted, They all looked at him, and he quickly covered his mouth. “What if you know something?” He murmered, “About dynamite?” Rarity asked, “I’m sorry, honey, I don’t believe I would.” “Hold up, he may have a point.” Twilight said, “You seem to have a knack for noticing faces in a crowd. Has there been anypony unusual through recently?” “Well…” Rarity thought for a moment, “Unsavory characters pass through town all the time, but… Now that you mention it, there haven’t been as much for a few days.” “What about Ol’ Darkie?” Pinkie Pie popped in then hurried away to another table. “Ol’ Darkie?” Twilight asked, “Yes,” Rarity nodded, “Yes, just a few days ago a real strange pony came in. They sat in the corner booth right after noon and stayed there until closing time, didn’t even order anything.” “What did they look like?” “I haven't the foggiest, they were dressed entirely in black, I couldn’t even see their mane or tail, and they had something covering their face too. Pinkie says they were staring at every customer that walked in, and that they were winking the entire time.” “Winking?” “And they weren’t carrying any dynamite, were they?” Applejack asked, “You’ll have to ask Pinkie for the details. She’s the one that got a better look.” Rarity sat back down and sighed, resting her head on her hoof, “I think I’ll have that drink about now.” “Aren’t you gonna sing?” Twilight asked, “To who?” Rarity gestured around the saloon, all the other patrons had cleared out. “You? Not unless yer paying.” Spike quickly began checking his pockets. “What’s there to drink anyway? Ain’t there nothing left?” Rainbow Dash wondered, “Oh Pinkie never really means that. Well she does, but that’s only for the stuff at the bar. The stuff in the back is reserved for after hours.” “What's she got in the back?” “Nothing good, just… ugh…” Rarity covered her mouth with her fan, “My Papi’s Moonshine!” Pinkie Pie slammed a jug down on the table, she squeezed a chair between Twilight and Spike and sat down. “So did y’all wanna talk to me ‘bout dynamite?” “How’d you know?” Twilight asked, “I been listening, hyuck. Wanna buy some?” Pinkie Pie shook her head, and a red tube fell out of her mane. It rolled across the table, stopping dangerously close to the candle in the center. They all leapt out of their seats, Spike falling backwards in his chair while Twilight whisked away the stick of dynamite away from the open flame. Applejack stumbled out of her own, and Rainbow Dash dove for cover behind another table. Rarity ducked beneath their current one while Pinkie Pie just sat there, smiling. “Careful!” Twilight yelled, she quickly extinguished the candle before cautiously setting the stick back down. “Have you been selling dynamite to whoever asks?!” “Nosiree!” Pinkie Pie grabbed the stick and pushed it back into her mane, “No no, my papi taught me to make sure I never sold to nobody who’d use it for bad.” Rainbow Dash peeked up from behind the other table, “So yer saying you didn’t sell the dynamite that blew the tracks?” “Mm-mm, nope.” Pinkie Pie shook her head, everypony flinched, but no more dynamite flew out, “Course, there was that break in a few nights ago. Papi’s been booby-trapping the house ever since, hyuck.” “Of course, somepony stole it.” Applejack said, “So it were bandits!” Twilight deduced, “Marauder Moon!” Spike shouted from the floor, “You gotta warn the sheriff!” “I’m gonna warn her regardless! Bandits with dynamite ain’t something you just ignore.” “Marauder Moon?” Applejack asked, “Isn’t she just a legend around here?” “The realest legend you’ll ever know.” Rainbow Dash said, “Everypony knows the shot heard ‘round the West.” She turned to Twilight, “Is she really back?” “I was hoping not, but things are lining up too well. We could have a serious problem on our hooves if things keep going the way they are.” “Hey Twilight?” Spike asked, getting up from the floor and pushing his chair back up, “When’s Sheriff Celestia due to get here?” Twilight put a hoof to her chin, “Since the train’s down, she’ll be caravaning like we did. If she left today, then she’ll get here by next sunrise at least.” “And what if her caravan gets hit?” Rainbow Dash brought up, Twilight sucked in a breath through clenched teeth, “Ain’t much we can do about that, but this whole thing seems to be just happening around here. I figure the sheriff gets here, we get to her first, then skidaddle back to Canterlot.” “Except the train isn’t down,” Applejack interrupted, “The track was fixed earlier this afternoon, and we sent a train not long after. It should be coming back tonight, if the sheriff is on it…” A single gunshot came from outside. Everypony drew. Twilight her revolver, Rainbow Dash her two, Applejack reached fully into her pocket and pull out a pair of horseshoes, Spike unsheathed a knife from his side, Pinkie pulled a stick of dynamite from her mane and lit a match, Rarity flicked her hoof and a derringer zipped into her grip. They all aimed at the door, watching and waiting for any sign of movement Silence. Complete, and utter silence. Twilight gave a single nod, and they all rushed to the saloon doors. She peered out over the top, but only saw the empty street, illuminated only by the rising moon and the light coming from behind her. Pushing out the doors, Twilight checked the corners, and swept the entire area. Nothing. Except for a glint in the center of the road. Twilight glanced at it, then slowly began moving towards it, checking every angle around her. Once she was close enough, she could see exactly what was laying in the dirt. A revolver, pearly white grip, golden inlay, and a sun emblazoned on the cylinder. “Oh no…” She picked it up as the rest of the group stepped out of the saloon. Opening the cylinder revealed all six bullets, primers still intact. To Be Continued…