Chapter 4
So, about a year after *shudder*, that, I got my first case as a Detective. Ponies were disappearing in the city of Manehattan. Normally, this would not have even garnered any attention. Ponies disappear in the back alleys and dilapidated bars of that cesspool all the time. But, this time one of the victims was a noble. As a member of a respected Canterlot family, the nobility trusted me more than local police. I admit, I only accepted the case because they were offering me a fat pay check. As much as I felt for the victims of the crime, I really did not want to go to the deepest hell-hole in Equestria, when my specific purpose was thwarting the devil. I know what dieing feels like, and was not looking forward to experiencing it again.
The night before I arrived in Manehattan, I was sitting in my train car reviewing the case, and all the other recent disappearances. Turns out, the noble in question disappeared after a demonstration of her magical power at the Manehattan School of Fine Arts. Looking at the other recent disappearances, I realized that at least five other unicorns disappeared after doing the exact same thing.
"Well, someone has plans for powerful magic users. That is not a good sign. I'll write to the royal guard in the morning. *Sigh*, at least I know where to start."
.................
The next day, as I was walking down Art Avenue, I was going over my plan in my head. It was risky, and involved a little deception. I had not done any covert activities since I first became a pony. After 18 years without so much as a little white lie, I felt a little nervous about diving into the world of deception again. It did not help that my only real weapons were a fencing rapier and a dagger. I like swords, when they are energy based. These weapons were just plain primitive. I approached the school, and saw a poster advertising a show being put on by a mare to demonstrate her gem finding ability.
"Wow, that is convenient." I murmured in surprise."I guess I do not have to be bait after all." Seriously, I was going to show off my abilities, and let the kidnappers come to me. This was better. I just had to watch and wait for the right moment to intervene. I approached the front desk.
" Hello sir. Welcome to the Manehattan School of Fine Arts. Are you here for the grand tour?" asked the secretary.
" Yes, also I was curious about the magic demonstration tonight. Is it open to the public?"
"Of course. I can sell you a ticket right now, if you like. It costs 10 bits."
"Here you are. Do you know the demonstrator's name?"
"Yes, I believe her name is Rarity."
He went on to guide me to the tour group, chatting amiably. I tuned him out. That name, Rarity, sounded very ... significant. It was not familiar in the slightest. I had no memory of anypony speaking that name before, but it was driving my time lord senses wonky (yes that is a technical term. Wonky, I mean. I made up "time lord senses" as a simplifier)
Seriously though, I knew I had never heard of her, but it was like I should have. Like, I had missed a big world-changing event. Something that altered the fate of the universe. And, I had the feeling that somepony, somewhere, was laughing at my ignorance.