//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 "Red Gold" // Story: Equestria Noir Case 21 "Blood is Thicker than Wine" // by Jacoboby1 //------------------------------// Chapter 5 “Red Gold” “Private, this has gotta be the craziest idea you’ve ever given me!” Shine Badge growled over the phone “You were pushing it with Blueblood and Hoity Toity, but Pave Diamond is a contributing member of society. She's donated to the widows and orphans fund. She's personally contributed at least half the retiring officers' pensions, and donated a lot of money for the renovation of the stations and jails!” “That doesn’t matter anymore, Shine Badge!” I fired back. “She set this whole thing up! She was the pony who was in the forest!” “It was dark and unless you had a recording device on you I doubt you’ll convince a jury it was her.” “I have Thatcher’s confession!” I said stubbornly. “Which will send him to jail and you have got motive and opportunity. That’s no excuse to go bucking down somepony’s door!” “I can’t believe you’re not helping me with this!” “Private, do you honestly think I wanna let this happen? You never think long term! You realize I still get nobles threatening me for that stunt you pulled with Blue Blood? Never mind what you did to your own uncle!” “Badge, I need to do this! I’m doing what’s right!” “And who are you to say that? What? You think you take down some villains and you think you’re better than everypony else? You haven’t changed a bit.” “Badge, if you don’t get me a warrant… I’m willing to give a repeat performance…” “You can forget about getting any help from me. I’m not going down with the ship if you turn out to be wrong.” With that he hung up… That no good, dirty rotten, cowardly pig of a cop just hung up on me! I felt a hoof on my back and looked over at Twilight. I sighed and let go of my anger. “No luck, Badge won’t give us reinforcements, we’re on our own.” We were standing outside as I walked out of the phone booth. After the argument with Shine Badge I felt a little bit of guilt inside. I didn’t mean to threaten him like that. I just couldn’t believe he would just turn a blind eye to this. He’s the one that hasn’t changed. “Private,” Twilight said “We’ll face Pave together, just like always.” “You really think I’m right about this?” I asked, looking at Twilight. “What if it turns out I’m wrong?” Twilight shook her head and relied, “Private, I trust you above anypony else I know. If you believe that Pave is dirty, then so do I.” “Thanks,” I said with a smile. All right," Grapes said trotting up to us, "we're going to Canterlot, right?" “Grapes," I said, as I looked at her with concern, "odds are Pave is expecting us, she's probably going to have body guards." "Let me guess, the police won't do a bloody thing, right?" Grapes deadpanned. "I could send a letter to Princess Celestia, but that may take time," Twilight said, putting a hoof on her chin. I shook my head and replied, "It'll take too long, they won’t be sending backup so we’re on our own” We're coming with you," Stormfront said, as he was followed by the rest of the Storm Riders, and Dusty. They all stood in front of Grapes as if they were an army. Judging by Grape’s expression however, she was reluctant to send them. "What? No! I need you to keep an eye on the vineyard. It shouldn't be left unsupervised." Grapes said quickly. "But, Grapes, you're going to need back-up! You know that witch has private guards!" Stormfront said adamantly. "He's right, Grapes," Queenie said. "Even I know she can't seem to go anywhere without somepony watching her back... Paranoid old biddy." "You can't go. I swear if I have to bring Lady Weathervane in on this, I will," Grapes said threateningly. That shut them up. The pony in charge of the Royal Equestrian Rogue Weather Emergency Response Team was not one to be trifled with, and the Storm Riders knew it. They walked away, and Grapes turned to follow Twilight as they made their way to the train station, looking a bit guilty. I watched the Storm Riders, though. They seemed to be having a conference, and Earshot and Dusty were sent back toward the Vineyard. I saw Icestorm look at me, and she mimed a zipping motion over her mouth. I nodded and began following the girls towards the train station. I wanted to tell Grapes personally, but I knew it wouldn't help much. It seems Grapes has inspired more loyalty in them then she realizes. I can relate... _____________________________________________________________ The skies wept heavily, and only the weather teams knew what for, as we trotted through the high end quarter of Canterlot. The street lamps providing only a feeble light in the gloom, and of course Grapes had to add her own commentary on the situation. "Ah, Atmosphere,” she said. “Of course for a climatic confrontation, there simply has to be rain." Twilight and I rolled our eyes as we rounded Canterlot Lane and came to where Grapes said the mansion would be. "Ostentatious, isn't it?" Grapes asked, as we looked at the gaudy example of architecture. It was like it was a monument to bad taste, with ugly statues adorning the grounds leading up to it. The place also had various diamonds carved into the pillars. For once, I wouldn’t feel bad for Voidera eating gems off something. "The things that ponies spend money on,” Grapes said with a shake of her head. “It's almost criminal." I looked around and didn't see any guards patrolling the entrance or grounds. "Looks clear, let's go." We walked to the entrance and I knocked hard on the oak door. "Pave Diamond! Open up!” I yelled. I heard a voice on the other side say, "You lot to the servant's entrance." "Excuse me?" I said incredulously. "Servant's entrance. All police officers, especially low-born ones are to report to the service entrance. They are 'public servants', after all. Madam Diamond's rules. You're obviously new, and don't know this." I just about had enough. I was sick and tired of being told what I couldn't do by some ponies who think they can get away with murder. I turned and bucked the door open. "What is the meaning of this!" the butler yelled as I walked in. He was clad in a suit and looked very cross. "You have NO right to just bust in here like some animal!" I glared at him as Twilight and Grapes flanked me. "I demand to see Pave Diamond this instant," I demanded. The butler started sweating under my gaze. "I've had a very bad day and I don't think you want to prolong it." "Take us to her," Twilight demanded, "or else I'll get my brother to tear this place apart." "Tell Pave that Sour Grapes is here to see her," I said, with a glare. "THE Sour Grapes?" the butler’ asked, jaw dropping. Grapes rolled her eyes. “No, ‘A’ Sour Grapes, I come to-“ Suddenly Twilight’s eyes went wide. “What?! Don’t tell me you found the Mirror Po-“ “Twilight,” Grapes said, regretting her decision. Twilight suddenly looked panicked. “We covered the entrance with a huge rock, and everything!" “Twilight!” Grapes said a little louder. "Because having that many Pinkie Pies was bad enough, but---" "TWILIGHT!" "What?" "It was a joke," Grapes said and then met my look of confusion “"Please tell me you've read the 'Trailtrotter' Series." I rolled my eyes and looked back at the butler. "Like I said, take us to Pave Diamond now!" "I'm so fired over this," the butler grumbled as he trotted off. The butler then led us into a large and spacious living room. The living room was lavishly appointed, with a very expensive glass ceiling. Good for star gazing or weather watching, I would suppose, if it was not simply being used as a status symbol.The unicorn mare inside it was sitting on a couch. She may have been a beauty at one time with a light blue coat and a mane that had turned grey but showed traces of blonde. "What's the meaning of this?" the older unicorn demanded. She had a sour, pinched-in sort of face, with this air of arrogance about her. "Oh, I'm sure you know," Grapes uttered. "Still bitter about your experience at the Gala? You should be glad I made sure you knew your place," Pave shot back. "Eh. I got over that a long time ago," Grapes replied. "And this is the upstart, that's trying to jail all of the nobility? Good job on that jumped up dirt-grubber, but you went too far with the Prince, you watered down excuse for a unicorn," Pave said disdainfully "Pave Diamond, I'm placing you under arrest for the attempt at sabotage of Grapes' business. As well” I narrowed my grey eyes “As the murder of Parsley" "How tiresome” She said with sheer snobbery “You really think you can arrest your betters, fool?" Twilight fumed "Private has done far more for Equestria then you've ever done you pompous old hag!" That’s my marefriend. "Ah. Yes. The Mutt's pet. Why you weren't taught proper unicorn manners is beyond me," Pave uttered, looking down her muzzle at Twilight. "Oh... fewmits, now she's done it," Grapes muttered. "You dare!" Twilight's nostrils flared "Not only do you insult the pony I love, but you have the absolute gall to insult Princess Celestia! If being a true unicorn means being like you, then I'd rather saw off my own horn! I'd rather be an earth pony without my magic than to be a pompous, ugly, fat, waste of space like you! You complete and utter bitch!" Twilight swore. She was definitely mad. I stepped forward and said, "What do you have to say for yourself Pave Diamond, aside from your thoughts about Princess Celestia." "I don't have to explain a damn thing to you, you lowborn piece of fecal matter," Pave said contentiously. "You cannot touch me." "Am I supposed to be scared of you? After all, what have you done in your life time? Grapes here has gotten an entire vineyard together and she seems to be doing very well. In fact, a little too well for your liking…" "Only because her dirt-fornicating father stole my daughter. She was supposed to be married to an upstanding unicorn noble. And what does she do? She runs off with a dirt-grubber!" Pave growled. "Never mind Mom was happier with Dad, than she ever was in this monument to horrible taste," Grapes quipped. "Then it must've been such a shock when it turns out Grapes is more successful then you ever were," I said venomously. "So, you looked for a detective desperate enough to aid in your scheme. Thatcher was the perfect candidate because of his mother marrying an earth pony. So, you planned to finally strike out at Grapes. You hired three ponies to work as temps for Grapes, but in reality they were spies for you. Then two days ago your plan was put into action. All three of them were sent to the vineyard in the hopes of sabotaging the place, pesticides, watering powder, anything to destroy the place. But...you underestimated Grapes' ability..." Pave's eye began twitching as her face contorted in anger. "You do know the Canterlot police are on their way to arrest you for breaking and entering," Pave said, frowning. "You have no proof, and your piece of paper is worthless, here." "I'm not done" I growled. "Yes. You are. You, and the Mutt's Pet, and that worthless half-breed are going to jail, to never bother the nobility again!" I ignored her. "Everything was going according to plan but you wanted to send Thatcher as insurance." I went on, "So, Thatcher arrived and met Tree Binder and Maribell. They decided they weren't going to go through with it. They said they were going to come clean but Thatcher knew that he would be ruined if he was found out. So he murdered them both and fled, he then tried to pin the blame on Grapes here." "Once he was gone, he informed you of what happened. You prepared to make sure the police wouldn't assign anypony else. However, you learned that Parsley didn't arrive until two hours later. So then you killed him by using your magic to impale him on the weather vane." "What proof do you have, you worthless watered-down unicorn, that I was even involved?" she asked with scorn. "Exhibit A," I said as I levitated a small evidence bag out of my trench coat. "The powder found on Parsley's forelegs as he was pulled down. Exhibit B" I pulled another sample of Powder "The powder found on the unicorn that talked to Thatcher when he kidnapped Earshot...Exhibit C..." I levitated out the brooch "The brooch left behind by said partner..." My horn glowed a pale grey and all three of the pieces of evidence glowed green, as well as Pave. You can't argue with DNA. No matter what the court, they can’t ignore hard evidence like this. You’ve lost…" Pave growled, her face contorting in an ugly manner. "GUARDS!" Grapes’ face turned into a rather estranged expression. "Okay. I know you hate me, and I'm not too fond of you, either, but I wasn't doing anything to harm you, or your fortune. Why in the bloody blue blazes did you decide to do this now?" she asked. "Why? Because you were doing TOO well! You even had the ear of the Mutt! Your letters to the crowned cross-breeds are common knowledge, and you having royal commissions, AND providing the Garden Party with wine? You were showing everypony that bloodlines don't matter!" Grapes’ eyes showed pure rage. "News flash, you old nag, THEY DON'T!" "Your success, and this chicken-breed's successes, would mean the end of the nobility!" Pave screamed. "Then nothing of value would be lost," Grapes snarled right back. "Pave Diamond," I said, stepping forward, "I'm going to give you one chance. Come clean, and face the sentence like a good mare and I’m sure the police would be willing to cut a deal. But if you do anything rash, I can't be responsible for what could happen. With this evidence the cops will put you under arrest for corruption, murder and whatever the hell else I can get them. Now take it or leave it..." Pave laughed evilly. "I won't take it, and you lot will be leaving! You were a fool to come here, and like fools, you'll be put in chains!" Suddenly about a dozen guards ran in. They were all unicorns and armed with pistols. They aimed it at the three of us. Twilight glared at Pave. "Don't think you'll get away with this Pave!" "I told you I was untouchable, you idiots!" Pave gloated, laughing manically. "I'm sorry about this, guys. I thought this was going to end well for us, and now we're probably going to end up in some Tribist's private dungeon," Grapes uttered. "I should have let Stormy and the others come with..." Twilight smiled at her friend "Grapes, it's okay, we'll get through this. If we go down, we go down as friends," I smiled at Twilight. "Right, we'll make sure you don't get taken away" I pulled out Blackbird "Twilight and I will get their attention, you make a break for it..." "You know, you guys are crazy for doing this, right?" Grapes asked, before levitating a nearby dining table so we could have some cover. "Now I get to prove the superiority of the pure unicorn race, and rid the land of two pieces of filth." Pave uttered smirking. "We pure unicorns will RULE Equestria, and put those other two tribes in their place, just as our ancestors should have done!" Still would have been windegos, you witch!" Grapes couldn't help but snark back. Suddenly, the ceiling exploded downward, sending shards everywhere. Pave screamed, and ducked under another of those heavy wooden tables. As the glass clattered to the floor I saw several shapes swoop in from the rain. The guards fired blindly as I saw the shapes fly around. I levitated the table to me and pulled Twilight and Grapes behind it. I looked to a pillar on my right as ponies were shooting. There was Stormfront and Firestormer hiding behind the pillar for cover. I looked to my left and saw Queenie, Squall and Sirocco doing the same behind another pillar. "What... I... Where'd they come from?!" Grapes asked, looking stunned. I peeked over my cover and ducked before my hat could get hit by a symphony of bullets. I caught a glimpse of Pave making a break for the stairs as the bodyguards advanced. "Anypony have any bright ideas?” I asked. “I could use some thank you" "Get those guards down!" Grapes shouted. "Pave's getting away!" Stormfront shouted in turn. "Aye aye, Cap'in!" Squall yelled. Grapes' eyes looked up at the rain falling through the broken ceiling onto three of the guards. From above, three snowballs beaned the guards, and Icestorm came flying in. The guards fell as they were hit hard. Grapes gestured something to Icestorm and the pegasus began flapping her wings like crazy, bringing a cold air onto them. The wet guards suddenly shivered in the cold wind and passed out. The water made it so they had little protection from it. Icestorm then flew back behind her pillar as the other nine guards shot at her. "I hate to disrupt the weather team's work," Grapes uttered, "but it's for a good cause. Use the storm clouds to subdue the rest of those guards!" Storm nodded and flew straight up, Firestormer at his side. They took some of the storm clouds and flew back down with them. I took some shots at the guards to keep their attention on us. Storm and Firestormer then kicked their clouds, sending down lightning bolts that zapped four of the guards. I took some shots and hit a guard in the leg, taking him out of commission "I think we can break through, but we need some cover!" "Sirocco, whip up a windstorm, for us, please," Grapes called. The Arabian Pony flapped her wings and the wind built up so fast a cloud of dust and glass covered us. I looked to Twilight and Grapes "Come on!" The girls followed me as we made for the stairs. One of the guards came out of the dust and aimed his gun at Grapes. But then Squall came out of nowhere and tackled him full force. We followed the stairs and left the fighting behind. Using the glamour spell we followed Pave's DNA until we reached the roof. We all stood and watched as Pave turned around to face us. I levitated Blackbird and aimed it at Pave. "It's over Pave Diamond!" I called. Suddenly Pave reached into her dress and pulled out a strange syringe. She laughed and said evilly, “A little gift from a friend of mine, this won’t turn me into a mongrel. However, it will give me more than enough power to kill you all!!!” She stabbed it into her leg and her horn glowed brightly. I fired a shot at her but the bullet grazed a shield she brought up. She then fried a magic bolt at us and Twilight threw up a barrier. It just barely managed to hold it off. Grapes and I hid behind the cover as Twilight tried to keep Pave's continuing bolts at bay. "I can't hold her much longer!" Twilight said, her voice strained. "Okay, enough of this," Grapes growled. She lifted a heavy stone urn with her levitation and sent it barreling right at Pave. Suddenly I could see how easily she could have given an overweight stallion the boot over her gate. The effort was futile, however, because the urn shattered on Pave's own shield. I fired the last of my bullets at Pave and swore as they had no effect. Just how was she getting this power? Where did she get it more like? My thoughts were cut off as a huge blast from Pave sent all three of us flying. I fell to the ground next to Twilight as Pave laughed. "You three thought you were a match for me? ME! I OWN the police, here, and practically all the Nobles, too." She laughed but then I saw Grapes get up, a trickle of blood on her face and her glasses were cracked from the impact. "And yet, you still can't get them to take you out on a date, can you, you withered old prune?" she said, her horn glowing a little. I stood up and faced her, "Pave, you may say you own the police, you may say you own the nobles. But there is one thing you can never own. That is our will to stand up to ponies like you." Grapes and I stood together and Twilight as well. I looked at them both "We've only got one shot at this girls; put everything you got into them. Grapes and I may be hybrids, but two half-bloods can make one full unicorn. We can overpower her if we hit her with everything we've got!" All three of our horns glowed as we fired our blasts at Pave. The three beams formed into one and Pave tried to put up a shield to defend herself. But her shield cracked under the onslaught and the beams broke through and hit her square in the chest. She went down for the count, her power gone. When it was over I slumped against Twilight as my energy was drained. I watched as Grapes walked to her unconscious grandmother, looking rather worse for the wear. I walked to her weakly, using Twilight for support. I levitated Grapes' glasses off her nose. I used what little magic I had left to use Dad's repairing spell on it. The glass healed like a cut and I gave them back to her. "It's over Grapes, now she can finally be put where she belongs. Be proud you aided in doing something great" "True,” she said as she put her glasses back on. “Never mind Dusty won't have to worry about her trying to ruin his relationship with Queenie." The Storm Riders came flying up to the roof, surrounding Grapes. Stormy embraced Grapes, who returned it, smiling. I walked to Pave and laid the cuffs on her. I looked back as the other Storm Riders joined in a group hug. They fought like a family together. Grapes, you really have something special here. May it always be this way for you.