Author's note: Made some minor changes in the first chapter, mostly on the OC characters' background, but it's only minor. I know I said I'd update monthly, but I thought of updating a week ahead. Happy Easter.
Chapter 2
The following day, Hazel went early to work. She had explained to Ed of her intentions. The day prior was one big wake-up call. She needed that book. I don’t even know why I’m saying this, Hazel thought. She had read the book, or she could not read it. There was nothing inside of it. Hazel knew she was missing something. Why would she be given an empty book and be told to that it was important? Perhaps magic was within the pages. She was about to consult a unicorn professor at the local university, until she was assigned to train Snapshot a few months ago. That took away some of her precious time. Perfect timing, she thought. If there was any consolation to this, she did enjoy training him, and he was quite the charmer. Professionally though, he was more of a liability than asset. Also, Twilight Sparkles, as it turned out, was a unicorn. And not just a unicorn, she was the princess’ protégé, and a bearer of the element of magic. If she could get her thoughts on the book, then it would be hitting two birds with one stone. Of course, the fact that she was the princess’ protégé was also a problem. Living overseas or outside of Equestria for five years was courtesy of the princess. She immediately cast those feelings aside. That’s not going to happen again, she thought. Times have changed, and these past few years have definitely changed her for the better…. Well… better according to her standards anyway.
She had made a short trip to the local library and found a lead. When Ed had finally given her his approval, Hazel walked back to her office to get Snapshot. There was no reprimand of any sort. What was done was done. Hazel simply told Snapshot to pack her saddlebags, accompany her to the train station and purchase two tickets for the next train to Ponyville.
Snapshot was happy with the trip. It felt like a vacation, even if it was purely a business trip. Of course business was still business, but if their only objective was to retrieve a misplaced document, that would have left them a lot of free-time to spare. Perhaps this really was a vacation, even if it would just be an overnight stay. They needed it after all, especially after the Canterlot incident.
“I wish my parents were here. They always wanted to settle down in Ponyville.” Snapshot said blankly. “It’s a shame they’re dead.”
Of course mentioning one’s own parents is one thing, to say they are-
“Dead?”
“Yeah. My mother was crushed by a stampede just to bring me to school, and my dad…
Colt burned alive during Summer Sun Celebration, leaves colt orphaned
FILLYDELPHIA, Equestria - A stallion has accidentally set himself on fire for trying to impress his son by launching fireworks just before sunrise. One of the fireworks misfired, creating a chain reaction that caused other fireworks to go off at the wrong time…
“Wait a minute… that was the year the Princess declared a fireworks ban on the Summer Sun Celebration.”
“You can say that.”
Hazel was surely getting some insight about his assistant. Perhaps it was the little details that she may have missed before, but she may have pieced together the puzzle that was Snapshot. She had only one conclusion. Snapshot was a bad luck magnet. It would perhaps explain the death of his parents, Canterlot, and the mix-up she’s currently in. Perhaps, he was under some kind of curse. What if she falls victim next? It was quite likely, though.
The train’s whistle blew loudly. They had arrived in Ponyville train station. After alighting the train, they continued to walk toward the gate.
“Train stations, you always get the feeling of being watched.”
“Strange. I don’t feel anything.”
“Perhaps you’re right.”
“Where are we going again?”
“Ponyville library, but we need to check-in to the inn first.”
As they reached out of the gate, Snapshot picked out a map of the town proper. “You never told me what’s in the book.”
“Well, I can’t really tell you, Snaps.”
“Are you still mad at me, Hazel? I said I was sorry.”
“It’s not that, dear. It’s something I’ve been working on for a couple of months. It’s a solo thing. And besides, it’s a long story.” Hazel argued.
“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, boss, but we’ve got all day.”
“There’s really no way for me to take you out of this, huh?”
Snapshot shook her head. “No ma’am.”
“Fine. Tell you what, I’ll tell you everything I know about it when we get back to the office. Deal?”
“Deal.”
“Hello?” Hazel continued to knock with Snapshot just behind her. They were already just outside the library. The walk here from the inn did not take long. Ponyville was not exactly a large town. One could traverse its outskirts with relative ease. Walking was just the easy part, however. Hazel was never really a patient mare, often doing something so that she could at least get some results.
“Anybody home?” She continued.
Then again, she may just have to wait… or maybe not.
She continued to knock on the door, hoping someone would hear her.
“Looks like nobody’s home.” Snapshot said.
“Well I’m not giving up that easily.”
“I’m just saying we could just come back later.”
“We need to go back to Hoofington soon.” She continued knocking on the door.
“We’re going back tomorrow anyway. We’ve got plenty of time to ask later.”
“Well I for one don’t understand why a public library is closed on a weekday. And it’s almost midday. It’s preposterous.”
“Ahem.”
Hazel and Snapshot looked to find that the door was now open, in front of them stood a young purple dragon. Hazel had been knocking on the door that she had not realized that she had been knocking on the dragon’s head. “Do you mind? Some are trying to sleep.” He said grouchily.
Hazel straightened herself out. “Sleep? At 10 a.m. in the morning?” Hazel asked.
The purple dragon rubbed his eyes off. “Sorry. I was awake all night. Anyway, I’m Spike.” He said trying to sound cheerful. “You must be new here. What brings you to Ponyville library?”
“Actually, I came to see Ms. Twilight Sparkles. You see, there was a mix-up with one of the donations. It’s a black book with a plain cover.”
The dragon was a bit hesitant. Hazel was worried about this. “I hate to break it to you guys, but my boss isn’t here right now. That’s why library’s closed.”
“Pardon?”
“Where is she?” Snapshot asked.
“She’s in the hospital. I found her lying on the floor early in the morning. She’d been reading the books that were delivered. I told her not to overdo it. I just came home from the hospital. Anyway, I can’t really give you what you want unless Twilight says so.”
Hazel made a small sigh. “I see.”
“Don’t worry guys. I’ll tell her the first thing when she comes home.”
Spike then closed the front door.
“What now?” Snapshot asked.
“We’re gonna be here longer than I thought.”
“We should go to the bank.”
"I agree."
The mood at Ponyville Hospital was generally light. Lunch break was less than an hour away and there were not a lot of patients to deal with either. A few of the staff had taken advantage of the lean hours to get an early lunch. Some did not have that luxury though as a doctor approached one of the rooms at the third floor. He had entered the room seeing the patient already awake in her bed. She had been mingling to the five visitors accompanied her when she was checked in. “Glad to see you up, Twilight. I see you’re in a talking mood today.”
“I feel much better already doctor.” She said, almost sounding relaxed.
“You gave us quite a scare there, but a little rest and you could check out perhaps later in the day.”
“Oh that’s wonderful news, doctor.” Rarity replied.
“Well, she’s lucky to have five good friends at her side.”
“Aw shucks. Twi would’ve done the same for us.”
Twilight smiled to that. "Thanks Applejack."
“Don’t forget Spike! Hadn’t he called us, I mean who knows whatever could’ve happened to Twilight. I mean my Pinkie-sense didn’t act up, so I wouldn’t have known and I wouldn’t have told you guys. But luckily, Spike called us.”
“We get it already Pinkie.” Rainbow Dash sighed.
Fluttershy then came up to Twilight. “We’re just glad you’re okay now Twilight.”
“Thank you all. This really means a lot to me.”
“Okay ladies. Time to give Twilight some rest. You’ll be seeing her soon after she checks out later in the day.”
“Well that sounds about right, doctor”, said Rarity. “We don’t want to be a bother.”
Everypony agreed to that. Twilight looked on as, one by one, her friends departed the room.
The five were accompanied by a nurse on-station. She escorted them until they reached the lobby. But before they could reach the main doors, the pink earth pony felt a tingling sensation around her body. The other four took notice one by one. “Pinkie sense.” The rest simultaneously replied.
“What is it, sugarcube?”
“I’m not sure. I usually get this feeling when-” Pinkie looked at the lobby counter. “Ahhh!!!”
“So let me get this straight. Your special talent is sneaking up on ponies.”
“Well if you say it like that, you make it sound so bad. Keeping a low profile is what I prefer to call it. Having a keen awareness.” Hazel explained as they enter the hospital lobby.
“What does it have to do with a loot?” Snapshot pointed to her cutie mark.
“I… really… don’t know. Maybe it’s something about me being good at surprises?” Hazel suggested, putting on a smile, which seemed to look slightly tense to Snapshot.
“Are you hiding something from me?”
“Oh look, the hospital.”
The visit to the hospital was meant to be quick. They had seen pegasus guards carry the royal carriage along the way, its course, apparently toward the town library. With an escort like that and in such short notice, both concluded only one thing. The royal princesses of Equestria were on a surprise visit in Ponyville. That or Snapshot was ruining her good karma. Snapshot was not surprised by this though. It was common journalistic knowledge that Twilight Sparkle is the Princess’ personal student and a visit to Ponyville would somehow involve her personal student in some degree.
The two approached for the lobby receptionist. “Miss Sparkle’s room.”
“One moment.” Said the receptionist as she looked to her checklist.
While waiting, Hazel felt a strange feeling overwhelm her. She had only felt this once since her prior visit to Ponyville, yet she could not put a hoof on it. Then it came. Five mares headed towards the main entrance, one of them she immediately recognized. “Pinkie Pie.”
“What was that?”
Hazel continued looking at the group without making it look obvious. She then noticed the Pink earth pony experiencing some kind of twitch-like sensation. “Snaps, please tell me this isn’t your first visit to Ponyville.”
“Actually, yes it is. Why do you ask?”
“Oh dear.”
“What?”
Three… two… one.
The pink pony instantly looked at their general direction. “Ahhh!!!” Both Hazel and Snapshot were shaken by the pink pony’s sudden scream. She approached at incredible speed.
“I haven’t seen you in a long time. Omigosh! Omigosh! Omigosh!” Pinkie then looked at the other earth pony beside Hazel. “And you must be new here! Don’t worry, I’m gonna throw the biggest bestest welcome party for you!”
All Snapshot could mutter was a simple… “What?”
“That’s great and all, Pinkie.” Hazel started. “But we won’t be long.”
“Pinkie, who are these people?” Rarity inquired.
Applejack took a good look at the female earth pony. “Well I’ll be. You’re that reporter that went over ‘ta the Apple farm ‘ta write about the annual Ponyville Ciderfest a few years back.”
Cider Festival brings ponies from all corners of Equestria
PONYVILLE, Equestria – Long lines begin to form outside Sweet Apple Acres as the annual cider-fest that happens every October begins later today.
“I reckon’ we’re gonna break our old record last year. Them lines are definitely longer.” said Applejack, a local farmer. “This used ‘ta be a local tradition. I never imagined it could turn into something like this!”
The Ciderfest, well known to Ponyville locals, have also caught the attention of ponies from as far as Las Pegasus…
“Hazel. That’s your name, ain’t it?” She recalled.
“Yes. It’s nice to see you too… Applejack. That’s the one. Anyway, this is my assistant Snapshot. We’re from the Hoofington Post.”
“Hello everybody.” Snapshot greeted.
AJ chuckled slightly. “Silly me. Let me introduce you ‘ta my friends. I’m sure you already know Pinkie Pie.”
“Yes. She drank a barrel of cider. How can I forget?”
“Yeah, she was intoxicated for a week. Anyway, this is Fluttershy.” This was followed by a hello from the Pegasus.
“Next is Rainbow Dash.”
Rainbow Dash approached the two ponies. “Nice to have you in Ponyville.”
“Last but not least, this is Rarity.”
“Oh my.” Rarity started excitedly. “The Hoofington Post. It is such an honor to be at the presence of members from a great newspaper. Perhaps you could do an article about my boutique. It would definitely help with the business.”
“No way, Rare. I want them to first write about my awesome flying skills to be known around Equestria. I’m sure that’s gonna get the attention of the Wonderbolts.”
The two ponies continued with their debate while the two journalists looked to the yellow pegasus with the pink mane. “You seem awfully quiet about this.”
“Me? Oh no. I don’t like to impose or anything. I mean it’s great to be in the newspaper, but I’m not quite comfortable with all the publicity.”
“What brings y’all here to Ponyville anyway?”
They both looked at each other, Hazel giving her assistant a stare. “It’s a long story.”
The receptionist soon found what she was looking for on the checklist. “Ah yes. Room 309.”
“Thank you.” She then looked to the five. “We really must be going now.”
The two shook hooves at the five friends before leaving them. “You’d think the Hoofington Post is so popular, they’d actually know yesterday’s news.” Snapshot remarked. They then proceeded inside.
The five ponies immediately left the building after parting ways with the two journalist.
“They seem nice.” Fluttershy started.
“Well I do hope she reconsiders my request. The Hoofington Post is only the second most popular newspaper in Equestria after the Manehattan Times. Imagine all the orders I could get. A good review here could mean big.”
“An article about my awesomeness here would be bigger.”
“Will you two knock it off! They did say they ain’t stayin’ here fer long.”
“Easy for you to say, Applejack. You already got your chance in the spotlight.”
“I’m just saying Rare.”
“Well I know I’m going to throw Snapshot one big party, even if she won’t stay long.”
“It’s a shame they would visit the hospital. I mean I would feel bad for whoever they’re visiting.”
“Applejack, what room did they say they were visiting again?” Rarity inquired.
“If I heard it right, I think it was Room 309.”
Applejack overheard the room number they intended to visit. It did not register at first, but why do those numbers sound familiar.
“It’s strange. That room number seems strangely familiar though.” Rainbow replied.
It did. Applejack thought she had just seen that number. They were just at the third floor, after all. She suddenly stopped her pace. “Wait a minute! That’s Twilight’s room!”
The other four stopped dead on their hooves and looked to each other on the sudden realization.
“Should we go back?”
“That would be a great idea my little ponies.”
The five ponies were surprised to be in the presence of the two alicorns along with their escorts.
“Perhaps our stay in Ponyville will be much longer than I’ve previously thought.” Hazel said as two were in the presence of Ponyville librarian in her sleeping form.
“I call lunch.”
“Perhaps. Nothing we can do from here.”
Snapshot looked over the young mare. “Boss, look at this.” He pointed just over the purple mare’s head, slightly concealed between her right ear and mane. Hazel quickly came to him, seeing it for herself. “Burn marks. Highly unrecognizable though.”
“What do you think it is?” Snapshot asked.
“I’m not sure. Take a photo of it. Perhaps we can look at it later.”
Taking a photo took an incredible amount of skill. For starters, there were two ways to take a picture with a camera. One was by using fixed supports attached to the pony’s shoulders. These would hold the camera. The other way was without them. A camera was strapped around Snapshot’s neck. One had to literally stand in two legs to hold the camera, creating a balance problem for a four-legged creature. Luckily, Snapshot was one of the few that have mastered taking photos with just a single hoof. It was something he was proud, it was his cutiemark after all. It was also helpful that his camera had a timer. He held it in front of his face and took a picture. After the flash, the marking behind Twilight’s ear began to glow.
“Uh, boss?”
Hazel took notice. “I think we better leave.”
Without delay, Hazel and Snapshot reached for the door and were surprised to see who were behind it. Neither party moved an inch. Hazel and Snapshot simply stared the five mares they had met earlier, now accompanied by the royal sisters.
“You!” Both Princess Celestia and Hazel replied simultaneously.
“You know this mare?” Princess Luna asked.
Hazel composed herself more. “We’ve… shared… a history.”
Silence ruled the room yet again.
“Okay. This is awkward.” Rainbow Dash quietly said to her friends. They had always pictured the princess to be calm that projected a sense of confidence. So it was a surprise to see the princess in an uncomfortable position.
“Well… will you look at the time. It appears that noon has struck. If you’ll excuse us, we shall be taking… our… l-lunch.” Hazel replied as she made a bow before exiting.
Snapshot soon followed. “You’re majesty.” He made a quick bow to both of the princesses. Exiting his bow, he soon followed his employer.
There was again an awkward silence.
Finally, the princess of the night spoke. “Well, they seem… nice.” She said. “Wait a minute. Sister, were they not the ponies from yesterday’s news?”