It was a typical late autumn evening for the little village known as Ponyville. The summer birds were singing one last chorus before flying south, the trees were freshly bare from the Running of the Leaves a few days prior, and the first nip of winter wind was just tangible beneath the warmth of the brilliant crimson sunset. Most of the village ponies had retreated to their houses for a supper of freshly picked autumn crops; only a few pegasus sunset artists and the occasional late diner were still out and about. I was in my office, wrapping up my file on the Bungle Boy case, a petty thievery of an amulet from Filthy Rich by some diamond dogs which constituted my first case since setting up shop in Ponyville a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, the Ponyville Police Force jumped on the crime and took the reins before I could find the amulet itself. I should probably introduce myself: Private Investigator Clandestine Clear, dark tan of coat and brown of mane with hints of early graying. I used to be a crack detective in the Royal Law Corps., but I struck out on my own so as not to be chained by the book of regulations. This was by all accounts a peaceful time, but one for me about to be shattered by my biggest case since becoming a P.I.
About six o’ the clock Spike, the young dragon assistant of one Twilight Sparkle, who was local librarian, Bearer of Magic, and protégé of the princess, burst through the front door of my cottage on the outskirts of Poneyville, barely managing to stay on his feet as he stumbled in.
“Investigator (pant, puff) Clear!” the purple dragon with green spikes called out breathlessly, bending over and bracing his clawed hands on his knees. “Mr. Clear! (huff) I’ve (puff) brought-“
“A communique from the Princess, and urgent by all appearance,” I deduced aloud as I exited my office.
“What? Yes, how..?” He stammered, starting to catch his breath.
“Here, Spike, sit down on this couch here, I’ll fetch you some water.”
“Thank you,” he fairly flopped down upon my blue and green plaid couch. As he sipped at the glass of water I brought him, I read the letter he had rushed to me.
Dear Investigator Clear,
As you have assisted me in the past while a part of the Law Corps., so I need you again. The jeweled Elements of Harmony have disappeared. I have included a ticket for the eight-thirty train from Ponyville to Canterlot. The Bearers will accompany you. The fate of Equestria may rest on your shoulders.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia
“Well Mr. Clear? How did you know?” asked Spike, who had finally rested enough to hold an intelligible conversation.
“Know what, Spike?” I said distractedly.
“That I was bringing a letter from the Princess!” He said impatiently.
“Oh, between the scroll with the royal seal and your having obviously run all the way here from the library at dusk, it was obvious. Now then,” I said snapping to action, “go and help Twilight pack, I’m sure she is freaking out. I expect to see you and the Six on the platform at eight sharp tomorrow.”
“Why-“
“Go on, I need to pack.”
“Don’t you want me to send a reply to the Princess for you?”
“No, the Princess will only expect a letter from me if something goes wrong. It is reply enough that I arrive at the palace tomorrow. Now go!”
Spike hurried to the door, and left to hike back to Ponyville in the dimming light. Meanwhile, I went upstairs to pack my saddlebags and get some sleep. The following day would be a long one.