Twilight Sparkle awoke as soon as the sunlight entered her window. She wouldn't be able to take care of the library today, as usual, because she had to investigate a string of killings. She was used to death by now, though. One of her best friends, Pinkie Pie, was found guilty of killing ponies and baking them into cupcakes. Of course, this was after she had killed Rainbow Dash and herself. She gave a deep sigh. It seemed like everything she had thought she knew about her friends was wrong.
Rarity was a sadist who threw a sewing machine at her (damn things are heavy) and Applejack became a shut-in because she's scared of the end of times. Fluttershy was the only one who hadn't changed. Together they investigated a string of killings by some organization that called themselves the "Reapers". They know this thanks to Pinkie, who was kind enough to leave quite a bit of evidence behind.
"So, Twilight, what do you want for breakfast today?" asked a young purple dragon. He was always up before Twilight these days...
"I think I'll skip breakfast today, Spike. I have to get an early start on the investigations!" the lavender mare replied.
"All right, if you say so. You know, they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and-" Spike was interrupted by the sound of the door closing as Twilight left the library.
"Good luck, Twilight..." Spike said to himself.
---
Fluttershy was busy tending to an injured porcupine when she was jarred by a sudden knock at the door. She knew who it was before she opened it; only one pony who wakes up this early would actually visit her at this time, especially since it was the one they agreed on. She gently opened the door.
"Oh, hello, Twilight. I was... Um... Expecting you..." stated the shy pony.
"Hi, Fluttershy! Are you ready to investigate? I think I've got a good lead that will get us close to the leader of the Reaper organization!" the lavender one retorted.
"Oh, really? What would it be...?"
Twilight paused for dramatic effect, but it just made Fluttershy feel a little uncomfortable.
"Derpy!"
Fluttershy looked surpried. "D-Derpy? The mail-mare? Oh, but... She wouldn't hurt a fly. Not on purpose, anyway..."
"I know, I'm not saying she's a Reaper, but she might deliver their letters without knowing it!" Twilight yelled excitedly.
As if on cue, the bubbly pegasus flew to the Fluttershy's mailbox. Twilight ran to her quickly before she could leave.
"Derpy! Do you know anything about the Reaper organization?" Twilight asked.
Derpy tilted her head, confused. "Do they make muffins?" Derpy replied in a voice decidedly less feminine than that she used around Missy.
"No, they're a group of murderers!"
Derpy shook her head. "If they don't make muffins, I don't know them..."
"Are you sure? Can I see if you have any letters to or from the Reapers?"
Derpy shook her head lividly. "No, no, no, derp! I can't let anypony see the mail! Mr. Postmaster Sir said 'if it happens again, your flank is fired', and I think he means it this time!"
Twilight hung her head and sighed in defeat. Derpy was right, it was illegal to interfere with the delivery of mail. Celestia herself decreed it. She returned to Fluttershy, who stayed behind up the path.
"Did you find anything out, Twilight?" Fluttershy asked.
Twilight shook her head.
"Oh, well... Um... I'm sure that the next lead will be less... Um... Disappointing..."
Twilight had a solemn look about her. "Yeah... The fate of Equestria may depend on it..."