//------------------------------//
// Investigation Organization (T) 
// Story: My Little Investigations: Marehunter 
// by Metool Bard 
//------------------------------//


December 13, 9:15 PM
Canterlot Castle
Throne Room
***


I couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu when we walked into the throne room.  I've visited this great hall of stained-glass windows a few times in the past.  Almost every time, I would end up leaving with the fate of Equestria in my hooves.  I'm not sure if that'll be the case this time, but it seems rather likely.  The only way to know for sure is to get a better idea of what's going on.

"Alright, we shouldn't waste any time," I said, turning to Derpy Hooves. "Derpy, I'd like to hear your testimony as to what happened tonight.  Try not to gloss over any details."

"Mom, are you sure you're up for this?" asked Sparkler, still looking rather worried as she carried Derpy over her shoulder.

Derpy nodded. "Don't worry about me, Ammy.  It's really not that bad."

Sparkler opened her mouth to say something, but all that came out was a heavy sigh as she let Derpy go.  Derpy frowned.

"Ammy?  Are you, mad at me?" she inquired.

Sparkler shook her head. "No, I'm not mad at you, Mom.  You didn't really do anything wrong."

"No, I did," said Derpy, her expression drooping. "I shouldn't have wandered off like that.  It's just that this party promised muffins, and I wanted to find some for us to share."

The wheels in my mind began turning. "Spike, make sure you pay close attention to this," I said. "I might want you to take notes later."

"You can count on me, Twi," said Spike with a firm nod.

I turned back to Derpy and Sparkler. "Sparkler, at what time did you notice that Derpy went missing?"

"Pretty soon after we arrived," said Sparkler.

"And when was that?"

"Around ten minutes to seven."

And if I remember correctly, Derpy came crashing through the window at approximately eight forty-five.  Meaning there was roughly a two hour gap between events.  I need to know what happened during that time.

"Derpy, do you remember seeing anypony suspicious while you were wandering around?" I asked.

Derpy furrowed her brow. "Not really.  I mean, I thought I saw the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well at one point, but that was probably just a shadow."

"Do you remember where you saw this shadow?"

"Nope, sorry."

Hmm.  Something tells me that Derpy wasn't just seeing things when she came across that shadow.  It's very possible that it was Mare-Do-Well out there, or her doppelgänger.

"Why did you think it was just a shadow?" I inquired.

"Because I went over to talk to her," said Derpy. "But, I didn't find anypony there."

This doesn't exactly discredit my theories.  Mare-Do-Well has been known to disappear into the shadows when she feels she has to, and her impostor probably wouldn't want to get caught.  There has to be more to this story that we're not seeing.

"Hang on a sec, Derpy," said Rainbow Dash, raising an eyebrow. "Why did you think that the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well would be at the Grand Galloping Gala?"

"That's what I wanted to know," said Derpy with a shrug.

"So, after you tried to find Mare-Do-Well, what happened?" I asked.

Derpy rubbed the side of her head. "Um, I kinda don't know.  I heard some sort of song, and then the rest was just, blurry.  The next thing I knew, I was being carried by Rainbow Dash."

So she was knocked out somehow.  And while she was unconscious, somepony taped a note addressed to me to her body and threw her through the window.  Since the window overlooks the East Garden, it's safe to presume that she saw Mare-Do-Well's shadow somewhere in that area.  But that's still not enough to go on.

"I'm still not sure about this whole Mare-Do-Well thing," said Rainbow Dash, stroking her chin and furrowing her brow. "I mean, she's gone, isn't she?  She disappeared a long time ago.  There's no way Derpy actually saw her unless there's something you guys aren't telling me."

Oh boy.  She has no idea how accurate that statement is.  I promised Mare-Do-Well that I'd keep her existence a secret, and as such, I never told any of my friends about her.  But for her sake, it looks like I'm gonna have to break that promise.  I let out a sigh.

"Actually, there's something I need to tell you guys," I said.

All eyes were now on me.  Best not to waste any time.  I'm sorry about this, Mare-Do-Well.  But my friends have to be on the same page I am if they're gonna help me.

"It's a bit of a long story, but I'll try to summarize as best as possible," I said, clearing my throat. "There actually is another Mare-Do-Well out there.  Let me explain..."

I proceeded to tell them everything about Mare-Do-Well, or at least what I knew.  When I was done, Rarity was the first to speak up.

"So, all this time, you knew the identity of the one who commissioned that Mare-Do-Well costume all those moons ago?" she asked.

"Yeah," I said. "I'm sorry for not telling you sooner, but she made me swear to secrecy."

"It's quite alright, darling.  I understand," said Rarity. "However, what does all this have to do with anything?"

"I found this on Derpy's person," I said, taking out the note. "It's a plea for help from Mare-Do-Well.  She says she has an impostor running around."

"Which means we have a suspect," said Pinkie, taking out a magnifying glass, a bubble pipe, and a brown hat from her mane (don't ask; this is actually very normal for her). "This identity thief could very well have crashed this gala to tarnish Mare-Do-Well's good name."

"We don't know that for sure, Pinkie," I said. "But at this point, it's a good hunch."

Pinkie nodded and started blowing bubbles out of her bubble pipe. "Hmm.  Sounds to me like we need more clues," she mused.

Just then, one of the guards came in.

"Princess Twilight, Captain Spitfire wishes to have an audience with you," he said. "She says it's urgent."

"Let her in," I said.

"Yes, Your Highness," said the guard with a bow.  Using his magic, he opened the doors all the way.  Just as he said, Spitfire was right there waiting.  She was accompanied by another Wonderbolt as well as two civilian ponies.  I recognized the civilians as the famous radio talk show hosts from K-COLT: Vinyl Scratch (better known as DJ P0N-3) and Octavia Melody.  What they're still doing here, I don't know.

"Sorry if this is a bad time, Your Highness," said Spitfire with a salute. "I hope you don't mind if these two civvy ponies join us.  We actually have a lot to discuss."

"Uh, Spitshine?  We do have names, y'know," said Vinyl.

"Vinyl~!  Not in front of the princess!" Octavia hissed.

"It's alright," I said. "Come on in and give me your report."

The four ponies nodded and did as I asked.  As soon as Spitfire got close, Rainbow Dash landed and gave her a salute.  Spitfire and the Wonderbolt accompanying her gave one in return.

"At ease, private," said Spitfire with a small smirk. "It's good to see you."

"You as well, ma'am," said Rainbow Dash.  While this isn't the first time I've seen Rainbow Dash talk to the Wonderbolts without completely flipping out, it's still an odd sight for me.  I suppose the fact that she's part of the Wonderbolt Reserves now means she has to temper her enthusiasm a bit.

After that brief exchange, Spitfire turned to me and cleared her throat. "Anyway, I have some, troubling news to report.  I sighted a bogey in Canterlot airspace that looked like the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well.  When I approached her, she unleashed some kind of smokescreen and disappeared.  Also, my friends here claim to have seen her, too."

I furrowed my brow. "Is this true?"

"Yes, Your Highness," said Octavia with a bow. "At least I think so.  I have no way of knowing for sure."

"Hey, what a coinkcidink," Derpy pipped up. "I thought I saw her, too."

"It seems too convenient to be a coinkcidink, my dear Derpy," said Pinkie Pie, blowing more bubbles out of her bubble pipe.

"I agree," I said, stroking my chin as I started making connections in my head. "Ms. Spitfire, you remember when Mare-Do-Well helped repel that assassination attempt on the Wonderbolts this past January, correct?"

"How could I forget?  I was doing most of the legwork throughout that whole debacle," said Spitfire.

"And Ms. Octavia, you were attending the Manehattan Music Festival in April when Mare-Do-Well assisted in catching a saboteur, right?"

"Yes, of course," said Octavia. "It was quite a, trying experience."

"And Sparkler, as I recall, Mare-Do-Well also helped you take down that protection racket being set up in Ponyville back in July."

"Yeah, that's true," said Sparkler, arching an eyebrow. "But why bring this up, Your Highness?"

"I believe this mystery may very well involve all of you," I said. "Ms. Spitfire, I think you and Ms. Octavia should read this."

I took out Mare-Do-Well's note.  Spitfire took it first, reading it over carefully.

"What does it say, Sis?" asked the other Wonderbolt.

When Spitfire looked up, her face darkened. "We've got trouble, Blaze, and it's not just in Equestria," she said. "Octavia, here."

She handed the note off to Octavia, who quickly read it over before letting out a gasp.

"O-oh dear," she said. "Th-this is quite serious.  Your Highness, what does this mean?"

"I don't know, but I intend to find out," I said firmly.

"Um, hi.  A few of us are out of the loop here," said Vinyl, raising her hoof. "Care to fill us in?"

"Basically, Mare-Do-Well has been replaced by an impostor, and that impostor is somewhere in Equestria," said Sparkler. "She didn't indicate where she was herself, but hey, she's never been known for her straightforwardness."

"We're not limited to Equestria, though," added Spitfire. "The note said she could be in the Griffon Kingdom, too.  Makes me wonder if this is her old creator's work."

While that is doubtful, I understand why Spitfire thinks this.  Mare-Do-Well's creator, Gypsy Moth, was an alchemist captured by the now-defunct Tengu Dynasty a long time ago.  She was driven mad by the dynasty's barbarous culture of treachery and paranoia, and she used her alchemy to become their new empress.  As I mentioned, she created Mare-Do-Well as an assassin to kill the Wonderbolts, but that plan didn't work.  She instead struck up a campaign targeting both Equestria and the Griffon Kingdom, attempting to conquer them both and bring the Tengu Dynasty back.  She was thwarted by Spitfire and was sentenced to spend the rest of her days in prison for her crimes.  She currently resides in a maximum-security facility in the Griffon Kingdom.

"You mean that weird bird lady you were just telling me and Octy about?" said Vinyl. "I dunno, Spitshine.  From what you told us, you really did a number on her.  She'd be stupid to try anything like that again."

"That or crazy, which she is.  Crazy, I mean," said Blaze darkly. "I'm with my sis on this one; this Mare-Do-Well impostor thing definitely has her hoofprints all over it."

"I said it was just a possibility, Blaze," said Spitfire sternly. "Nothing more, nothing less."

"Twilie!"

Just then, we were interrupted by somepony else barging in.  I knew who it was right away, but what would he be doing here?  Curious, I looked up.  Sure enough, it was my BBBFF, Shining Armor.  He was accompanied by Princess Celestia, and he looked quite worried.  Not that I blame him with every that's been going on.

For those who don't know, BBBFF stands for Big Brother Best Friend Forever.  And that is Shining Armor in a nutshell.  Along with my parents, Spike, Celestia, and my foalsitter Cadence (who is now my sister-in-law), he was one of the few friends I had growing up.  He now rules the Crystal Empire alongside his wife, Princess Cadence.  Which is why I'm quite surprised that he's here.

"I heard about the attack on the Gala as soon as I got here," he said. "Are you alright, Twilie?"

"I'm fine, Shining," I said. "Although I have to ask.  What are you doing here?"

"I was gonna surprise you by coming to this year's Grand Galloping Gala and spending some time with you," said Shining.

Aw, geeze.  That's actually really sweet of him.  Truth be told, I've been spending more time with Cadence than Shining Armor, and I don't even see Cadence all that much.  Seeing him at the Gala would've been a real treat.  However, that's all academic right now.

"We were actually just discussing the matter," I said. "It's a long story.  Let me ask you this.  Have you heard anything about the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well?"

"The Crystal Empire gets some news about her activities every once in a while, but it's all vague and kind of unreliable," said Shining Armor. "What about it?"

"Apparently, some bozo decided to take her place and cause some havoc around Equestria," said Rainbow Dash. "I can't speak for anypony else, but I'm thinking that she crashed the Gala."

"Hold on there, RD," said Applejack, raising her hoof. "How do we know that wasn't the real Mare-Do-Well runnin' around?  Didn't she tape that there note to Derpy?"

"I might have to side with Private Rainbow Dash on this one," said Spitfire. "The Mare-Do-Well I ran into was acting strange.  It must've been the impostor."

"Well, maybe they were both here, and Spitfire ran into one of them while Derpy ran into another," said Spike.

"But that doesn't explain why the real Mare-Do-Well would knock out my mom and throw her through a window," said Sparkler.

"Everypony, please," I said firmly, drawing myself to full height and spreading my wings. "Senseless debate is not going to get us anywhere.  Right now, we can't say for certain if Mare-Do-Well or her impostor are here."

"Then, what should we do?" asked Fluttershy.

"First, we should make sure we don't forget any details," I said. "Ms. Spitfire, you mentioned before that Ms. Octavia and Ms. Scratch have something to contribute."

"Oh, that's right.  Nearly forgot," said Spitfire. "Octavia?"

"Mmm?  Oh, yes," said Octavia, clearing her throat. "Actually, Your Highness, Ms. Spitfire told me that before Mare-Do-Well unleashed her smokescreen, she heard her mumble something melodic.  I can't say for sure as I wasn't there, but she may have been using Pan's Music Code."

"Pan's Music Whatzzit?" asked Pinkie.

"It's a way to perform magic through music," I explained, remembering the book on the subject quite vividly. "It was discovered by the famous satyr minstrel, Pan.  From what I heard about the incident at the Manehattan Music Festival, the saboteur was trying to get their hooves on it."

"That's correct," said Octavia. "But why would Mare-Do-Well be using it herself?  Or her impostor, for that matter?"

"Actually, I heard something like that, too," said Derpy. "It was just before I got knocked out and ended up going through the window."

Shining Armor rubbed his head. "This is all pretty complicated stuff, Twilie.  You're gonna have to bring me up to speed later."

"I'll be sure to do that," I said. "In the meantime, I have a plan."

"Well, lay it on us, sugarcube," said Applejack. "Whatcha thinkin'?"

"According to the note, Mare-Do-Well's impostor is in one of these four locations," I stated. "As such, we'll divide ourselves into teams, and investigate each area."

"I call dibs on the Griffon Kingdom!" Blaze blurted out, prompting a deadpan glare from Spitfire.

"Hmm.  Fluttershy, perhaps it's best if we take a trip to Manehattan," said Rarity. "I'm, actually quite worried about Sweetie Belle."

"Wait a sec.  Sapphire Shores and the Ponytones are performing in Manehattan tomorrow, aren't they?" asked Vinyl.

"Um, yes."

"Then count me in!"

Octavia smacked her forehead. "Vinyl, focus.  We're trying to help Mare-Do-Well, remember?"

"Yeah, I know.  But awesome music is awesome music, Tavi," said Vinyl. "You of all ponies should know that."

Octavia sighed. "I'd better join this Manehattan group, just so that I can keep on eye on Vinyl."

"Figured you'd say that," said Spitfire with a chuckle. "Anyway, I think I'll have the Wonderbolts check out the Griffon Kingdom.  We have a history there, so it should be fine."  She then turned to Rainbow Dash. "Whaddya say, private?  You ready for your first mission as a member of the Wonderbolt Reserves?"

Rainbow's face lit up like a Hearth's Warming tree, but she still made a concerted effort to keep her enthusiasm in check. "Y-you mean it, ma'am?"

"It'd be a honor to have you with us, private," said Spitfire.

"Heck yeah!" Rainbow Dash cheered, pumping her foreleg.  She then quickly sobered up and saluted. "Um, I mean yes, ma'am."

Spitfire snickered. "Keep up that enthusiasm, private.  I think we're gonna need it."

"Um, I have a question," said Derpy. "What exactly are the Mewlun Mountains?"

"I can answer that," said Celestia, stepping forward. "The Mewlun Mountains are a mountain range in the southeast; just beyond the grotto of the breezies.  It is the home of a nation that has not made contact with Equestria as of yet: The Neko Shogunate."

"The Neko Shogunate?" I parroted. "Why haven't they made contact with us?"

"They are an isolationist society that does not believe in outside influences," said Celestia with a heavy sigh. "There is but one mountain where they allow others to venture."

I perked up. "Hang on, Celestia.  Back in July, I remember meeting a great dragon philosopher named Kohryu.  He said his home was to the southeast just beyond our borders.  Could that be the mountain you're talking about?"

"It's possible," said Celestia.

I knitted my brow.  These connections are starting to get uncanny.  As part of the protection racket Sparkler took down, Kohryu and his acolytes, the Four Benevolent Animals, were cursed and trapped inside mystical gemstones.  Mare-Do-Well played a major part in freeing them from that curse.  I'm starting to think that there's a reason for this.

"Maybe we should go see our old friend, Ammy," said Derpy. "He probably misses us, and since he's super smart, he'll help us find Mare-Do-Well!"

"Well, maybe," said Sparkler. "I'm not too fond of this Neko Shogunate, though.  They might not let us snoop around."

"Aw, don't worry about it," said Pinkie Pie. "I bet if we throw them a big party, they'll love us in no time!"

"I, don't think that's gonna work, Pink," said Applejack, obscuring her eyes with her stetson.

"We won't know until we try," said Pinkie.

Applejack sighed. "In that case, I'm comin' with ya.  We can't have you startin' any wars like you did in Appleloosa."

"Hey, that was a fluke!" Pinkie protested.

"Sure it was," said Applejack, rolling her eyes.

"Alright, let's settle down here," I said. "It looks like we all know where we're going."

"I guess so," said Spike. "I suppose that means we're staying in Canterlot and trying to find Mare-Do-Well here?"

"Indeed, Spike," I said. "You're welcome to help us out if you want, Shining Armor."

"You know I would in a heartbeat, Twilie," said Shining with a smile. "Although I'll have to let Cadence know what's going on."

"I'll take care of that," said Celestia. "Kibitz!"

An old tan unicorn with a bushy mustache and a pocket watch for a Cutie Mark ran in. "Yes, Your Highness?" he asked.

"Send a letter to the Crystal Empire informing Princess Cadence that Shining Armor will be indisposed for a time here in Canterlot," said Celestia. "Also, I'd like four passports for the Wonderbolts, four train tickets to Manehattan, and an airship ready to depart for the Mewlun Mountains first thing tomorrow morning."

Kibitz blinked in confusion. "Um, sure.  Anything you say, Your Highness," he said, scribbling the information down on a piece of parchment. "Might I ask what all this is about?"

"It's for an important investigation," I said somberly. "An investigation to save a friend, and probably all of Equestria."

Kibitz recoiled, his spectacles flying off of his face. "What?!  Equestria's in danger?!"

"Not quite yet, but it might be if we don't do something about it," I said.

"Uh, alright.  Yes, I'll just, make a note of that," said Kibitz.

Celestia let out a small chuckle before placing a hoof on my shoulder. "It seems you have your work cut out for you, Twilight."

"I suppose I do," I said with a smile. "Don't worry, Princess Celestia.  I'm up for the challenge, as is everypony else here."

There was a chorus of acknowledgements from everypony else in the room, except for Kibitz, who simply muttered to himself as he continued scribbling.

"Alright, everypony.  It's pretty late, so I suggest we all get some rest," I said. "We've got a big day ahead of us."

"I'll arrange rooms for everypony," said Celestia. "Kibitz, if you wouldn't mind..."

"Y-yes, of course," said Kibitz nervously.

With that, we all headed off for bed.  Many questions remained unanswered, but then again, that's how most mysteries start.  I should know; I've read enough of them.  Nevertheless, I know that no matter what, we will prevail.  I believe in my friends, and I believe in the magic of friendship.  It is that magic that helped me, Spitfire, Octavia, and Sparkler create our bonds with Mare-Do-Well.  And it is those bonds that will save her from her devious doppelgänger.

...

At least, that's the idea.  Again, I firmly believe in the magic of friendship.  I'm the Princess of Friendship, after all.  I have no doubt that we'll find some way to come out on top.  However, even now, I can't help but wonder how the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well got herself in such a predicament, or what dangers lie in store for us.  I really hope she's okay, wherever she is...