//------------------------------//
// The Recruiting of a Spy 
// Story: The Kingpin 
// by ocalhoun 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 7 – The Recruiting of a Spy


One lavender hoof pressing against Carousel Boutique's doorbell set off an elaborate Westminster Chime, resounding dully through the thin walls.

In no time at all, the door popped open, and Rarity smiled at them from inside. “Oh! Pinkie, Twilight, good evening!”

“Good evening, yourself!” Twilight grinned back.

Rarity, though, stared behind Twilight toward Pinkie.

Twilight's head drooped. “Pinkie's doing something again, isn't she?”

Rarity nodded. “She's just... staring at me with that grin on her face.” She shook her head. “Anyway, was there something I can get for you, Twilight?” Rarity's eyes strayed to the hat on Twilight's head.

Twilight braced herself. If Rarity was being rude enough to leave her friends standing on her doorstep, it didn't bode well for the chances of Twilight's request being accepted. “Rarity, I need you to go undercover for me again.”

Rarity's eyes furrowed. “Twilight.”

“I know it's a lot to ask, and you're probably too busy. I promise this time you won't end up dressed as a muffin, and–”

“Twilight–”

“But you're just the only pony I can trust to pull it off! You're so self-controlled and poised and great with disguises, and–”

“TWILIGHT!”

Twilight froze, blinking. “Yes?”

“I've been trying to say, of course I'll do it. Anything for a friend.” Rarity winked and waved the two of them inside. “Please excuse my mess. I had been hoping to spare you from seeing the remnants of my fall line, but I expect this conversation will require some secrecy.”

“Definitely.” Twilight hurried inside. “Pinkie, the door.”

“Right-e-o, Detective Sparkle!”

Twilight groaned. “Investigator!” Shaking her head, she focused on her new spy.

Rarity grinned back, one eyebrow slowly rising. “So, intrigue and espionage, I presume?”

Twilight raised her own eyebrow. “If I didn't know any better, I'd almost think you enjoy this.”

“Oh, nonsense.” Rarity giggled, glancing away before returning back to Twilight and leaning in close. “So, what is it?” she asked, her eyes wide.

“Well – and naturally we need you to keep this close to your chest – we think Mayor Mare may be running a secret criminal organization in Ponyville.”

Rarity gasped in an appropriately theatrical gesture.

“We need you to infiltrate it, by whatever means necessary, and find out if she is indeed the leader. If she asks questions, tell her Rainbow sent you.”

A grin tugged at one corner of Rarity's mouth. “Consider it done!” Quietly to herself she added, “As soon as I get the right ensemble picked out, of course.”

“Well, thank you, Rarity.” Twilight smiled, knowing her friend would have it covered. “Once again, I'm in your–”

“Twilight!” Pinkie jumped onto Twilight, clutching tight and forcibly turning her head. “Twilight, look!”

Mid-groan, Twilight spotted something just outside the window: a rainbow-colored pegasus slipping by, wearing dark black saddlebags.

“Come on!” Twilight yelled, shaking Pinkie off of her, “We've got to catch her!” With Pinkie hot on her tail, she sprinted out through the door, barely taking time to even open it first.

Rarity's magic closed the door behind them. Darkness returned to the piles of old fashion strewn around the boutique. Slowly, softly Rarity giggled to herself. “Oh Twilight, you haven't the slightest idea, have you?”