//------------------------------// // Eluisive Insanity & Shifting Illusions // Story: Equestria Enforcement Records // by WingmanRed //------------------------------// Officer File: Elusive Insanity “The report we just got is about a possible theft and escaped mental patient pony from the hospital at...” The small red light glowed steadily as the camera was pointed directly at me. Shadow Film was focusing the camera at Officer Virtue as we steadily trotted onwards. “uh, Let’s get a move on, try to keep up!” I said increasing pace and added “We wouldn’t want you to miss all the action now would we?” A small filly had run all the way from the hospital to the station letting us know about the situation. Normally reports were sent by mail to the local outposts that are generally located near the various train stations for faster deployment of guards. During special occasions like the Summer Sun Celebration or any Royal visits there was always an increase in the presence of guard ponies. Even if they are not always in the public’s eye. However this was not a particularly eventful week in Ponyville and with meetings involving the Royal Sisters held in Saddle Arabia there were not many local guards left behind to keep an eye on things. *** Ponyville Station, 16:34hrs, Paperwork The evening had started like any other, sitting on my rump sipping some coffee and reading the local papers. This time there was even a copy of the local schools Foal Free Press. Shuffling around the papers so that it was on the top of the pile there was nothing in particular that stood out. One article was about what vegetables to plant this season, another about a Rainbow Dash fan club and even a small article advertising in the lower corner about a group called the Cutie Mark Crusaders. How cute. Skimming through the article I was wondering how a small group started by a few fillies had recently opened a new branch in Manehatten when suddenly a small chime from the bell above the main door shook me from my thoughts. Lowering the paper and looking around the room the door had already silently closed by itself. My ears perked up and I could hear small panting coming from somepony, but the room looked empty. Rising from my seat I looked slowly over the sanded wood planks with various papers and quills spread out over what I call my desk and saw a small filly heavily breathing looking up at me with an expression that showed concern and worry. With a brunette mane and tail and a small white hat with a red cross on it I assumed she was one of the little nurses in training from the hospital. Moving from behind my desk around to face her I asked in a concerned voice. “What’s wrong, has something happened at the hospital? Are you ok?” She opened her mouth to speak, her eyes as big as dishes and managed to wheeze “wa..tr” Grabbing the canteen from my desk I opened it and gave it to the polite little filly and with a look of gratitude she took a good swig gulping down some of the liquid. Her face winced a little. Swallowing and lowering the canteen she looked at me with a slightly pained expression and finally said something.“Cider? Uh... thanks alot.” Catching her breath and relaxing a little more she began to spill out words, some of which were not intelligible. “I'm...Hospital... nurses... the doctor... escaped... mental!” Seeing my blank expression I had at least gathered that the hospital was in need of a helping hoof she took a deep long breath and concluded. “The nurses sent me here to get some guard ponies to assist in the search for a missing mental patient pony who escaped, the Doctor said she is quite unstable and needs to be found as soon as possible along with a suspected book thief!” Realisation hit me as I finally understood the fast speaking filly so I quickly trotted over to my armor attaching it as fast as I could and started writing out a quick note to leave on my desk for any returning patrols to read if they decided to return to the station. Knowing some of them they would be drinking milkshakes further in town. This was the most excitement since the report of the Missing Princess during the last Summer Sun celebration. Additionally there was the report of a dragon or dragons and then there was that time of a swarm of insect like creatures, but I heard the report for that was eaten. I guess this wasn’t quite that exciting after all. “OH!” the filly cried out waving something around in the air frantically as I finished writing out a very basic report “Here’s a file picture of the patient for you!” Opening her hat and pulling out a small picture of the... obviously troubled pony. I left it on the desk with the report and opened the door to find Shadow Film hastily assembling a camera which resulted in it being juggled around before he got a firm grip looking sheepishly at me. With a splattered milkshake on the bench next to him dripping out of the glass cup into a very sticky looking puddle. I could safely assume he had returned and overheard the entire conversation and was trying to record as much as possible. Rolling my eyes I knew he was going to be on my tail the whole time with that cameras’ little red light glowing. Apparently the higher ups thought it would be a good idea to get some more public attention for the Guards of Equestria since the last few disasters had been solved by civilian ponies one of which was rumored to be one of the Princesses students. So since a student seemed to be outmatching Equestrias finest I was one of the lucky officers to have an assigned camera pony to help increase our reputation and hopefully recruitment. Turning around I called out to the filly “Thanks kiddo, Are you going to b...” seeing her curled up on one of the benches relaxing and probably asleep I decided to leave her there, closing the door quietly. “Ok!” I announced to Shadow Film the little red light glowing brightly “Let’s get moving!” *** Ponyville General Hospital, 18:49hrs, Scene Assessment. Travelling along the cobblestone paths we reached the hospital under the moon and star filled night sky. Fortunately filming at night on the move was not the best thing. Unfortunately there was a blinding light on the camera so I felt as though I was constantly walking away from “The Light”. Approaching the hospital there was already a group of ponies outside talking amongst themselves it seemed that it was only the nurses, a doctor and a single security pony. Approaching them they turned around looking at the camera and the silhouetted figure as the doctor asked in a high and almighty voice. “Are YOU the only guard!?” raising an eyebrow slightly disappointed by the lack of response to the entire situation. “Ahem, I am the initial responding officer of the Equestrian guard. Here to help.” I said responding in an equally high and mighty tone with a touch of the royal voice. “Well then, thank you for coming.” The doctor said inspecting Shadow Film as some of the nurses let out a small giggle “and what is the purpose of your... friend with the camera?” Reminded of the camera the nurses quietened down and one or two of them tried to tidy their manes discretely. “Oh don’t worry about him” I said waving a hoof in the air “It’s mainly to film fellow officers on duty, and enough questions start telling me what’s been going on here?” “Well we had a book thief but that issue has since been resolved” the security pony spoke up in a gruff voice “however during that time we had a patient from level three escape and in the confusion I lost sight of her between the ponyville library and here.” He was looking down at the ground slightly embarrassed about the escapee. “Ok well did you want to press charges against the thief? And at least we know a general area to begin a search first thing tomorrow morning.” At this the security pony looked up at me and the Doctor. “Tomorrow morning!?” The Doctor exclaimed and becoming slightly agitated he replied “No we were not pressing charges that issue has been resolved! Haven’t you been listening? We need to find the missing patient!” “I am sorry, but searching for someone who doesn’t want to be found in the dark is irresponsible. The chance of walking straight past them is too great it wouldn’t even be able to be called a search it would be useless” I stated “I’m sure you all have been away from your other patients long enough, so you should all return to your jobs and let us handle this.” “But you must certainly need to start looking tonight! You see she is not right in the head and has a problem with personal space and in extreme circumstances might harm herself and others!” The doctor pressured. I hesitated looking towards the hospital and the surrounding trees. If this patient was a danger to herself and more importantly other ponies then some extra measures needed to be taken to ensure further safety for everyone. “Fine. I’ll start an initial sweep of the area immediately and I suggest you and your staff carry on with normal duties. Your security pony will make sure the building is secure. “Do you really think she’ll return?” Security asked. “You ponies were the ones telling me she was insane, who knows” I replied “What was your patients name exactly?” “Screw Loose.” The security pony replied quickly without thinking. “Ahem.” The Doctor answered with a frown looking from the security pony back to me “Her name is Cotton Thread.” “Thank you Doctor, I’ll let you get back to your other patients now and don’t worry we will find Cotton as soon as possible!” Turning away from the dispersing group my heart skipped a beat when I nearly ran into Shadow Film, completely forgetting he has been filming silently behind me the entire time. “Sweet apple pie falling on the floor! Don’t stand that close behind me again Shadow Film, I nearly trampled you.” Nodding he took a couple of generous steps backwards and continued recording. Silent as a rabbit. *** Ponyville Outskirts, 04:26hrs, Search and Rescue. Flying through the sky on a night like this felt great. The cool night breeze, the sparsely located fluffy clouds and the wind through my mane. Wind through my mane? My helmet. Where was it... ah mule wigs? I must have left it back at the station. Gradually reducing speed I managed to fly next to Shadow Film after having him on my tail nearly the entire time. We had been checking for any signs of pony life in the area and even stopping a few times to call out the evasive lunatics name praying for a response. Maybe name calling her a lunatic was not the nicest thing in the world but it certainly tried to make you think of things in their horseshoes. Approaching a dense crossroads that led back to the hospital we landed trotting up to the intersection that was flanked either side by dense roughly hedged undergrowth. I started to hear hoof steps coming from around the corner so I increased my speed. Sharply turning the corner I had just enough time to see my warped reflection in someone’s armor when we collided. The pony I had run into tripped and fell into their side as I was knocked onto my back my head swimming, vision blurry and ears still hearing a faint ping from when my skull had hit the polished metal. I could barely hear Shadow Film approaching as I started to focus on the quickly recovering armored earth pony rising to its hooves in the cameras light. “I norder you to play where you are in the bane of the ma-aw” I half yelled half wheezed out at the pony, my tongue not forming the words I had thought. As I was trying to shake away my blurry vision I dragged my hooves underneath me as I shakily stood to face the reckless pony. I was astounded to see the large stallion standing at attention in front of me with his eyes straight ahead and a perfect uniform aside from a small dent with a slight red smudge on the front of his breastplate. “Oui, monsieur.” The yellow earth pony responded politely. “What did you say to me!? What’s your name and rank soldier?” “Fonctionnaire Fromage, monsieur” He stated simply saluting again “à votre service monsieur’’ I looked at Shadow Film with a worried look. How hard did I hit my head? He was grinning as he filmed away, he must be having an amazing time. “Okay, did you catch that Shadow? English please?” The yellow stallion opened his mouth and was about to say something when he looked behind me and closed it. I could hear the sound of hooves falling hastily on the stony road so I turned to look at who this new pony would be. I turned to see an out of breath grey colored unicorn mare with flushed cheeks in a just less than perfect uniform. She stopped in her tracks as she saw the fancy talking pony standing at attention, a pony with a camera now focused on her and me looking at her with a look of wonder and confusion. I think I heard her let out a small ‘eep’ and then taking a few more steps towards me straightening her uniform and stood at attention squinting under the cameras light. “Special Officer Gene Shock reporting sir” She said giving a polite salute and then walking up to the yellow pony she said in a low slow tone “Slow. Down. Fromage. If you keep running that fast I’m going to have to tie you up, not in a nice way.” Fromage relaxed from his attention stance and gave a quick nod to her and then returned to his previous stance looking like a statue while letting out a quick “Oui, Mademoiselle.” Rolling her eyes the grey unicorn returned her attention to me squinting a little from the camera light. “Don’t mind him he isn’t much for conversation” she said waving a hoof past the statue, then raising an eyebrow and both ears added “Where’s your helmet officer....? “Virtue. Red Virtue Special Officer.” Pointing to the camera pony “That’s Shadow Film, wave hello Shadow!” Giving a lazy wave Shadow Film thankfully reduced the brightness of the light and trotted up a little closer to the group. I was surprised he didn’t drop the camera when waving. “mm, yes, hello there.” She responded uninterested “Officer Fromage and I are here to assist in the search for the missing pony we have been hearing about, can you give us a quick briefing?” “Uh, will officer Fromage...” “Yes, yes he understands us quite well. Please continue, what are the details?” she exclaimed in a business manner “One earth pony mare went missing from the hospital several hours ago. She was last sighted leaving the ponyville library heading back in the direction of the hospital when the security pony lost sight of her. Names Cotton thread, white mane white tail, cyan coloured coat with a screw for a cutie mark. I have a recent file photo of her to help. Apparently she has a condition and the Doctor wants her found as soon as possible. I have already searched the area from the sky with no success” “Well of course not, what are the chances of finding her at night. Honestly you should know better.” Shaking her head “I...uh...I know that. I was trying to at least get a good look at the surrounding area.” “Well a notice has already been delivered to the surrounding stations and outposts. The other Officers and the odd Royal Guard will know about her and will be keeping their ears up and eyes open. Did you see anything on your flight? A possible place of refuge? I assume you had no trouble seeing without your helmet.” Officer Gene Shock asked sarcastically. “Nothing stood out I’m afraid but the denser areas covered by heavy trees and barns or even towns may need further investigation.” I said ignoring her previous comment and looking seriously into her hazel colored eyes “I really don’t think this is somepony that wants to be found." Officer Gene Shock shifted slightly in thought as we all stood in silence for a moment. The statue was still standing there with his ears listening for any movement from the surrounding trees. Shadow Film had changed positions and was now fiddling with something on his camera. The night was fading away as the faint light along the horizon started to grow as the sun was slowly raised. *** Ponyville Central, 05:32hrs, Welfare break. It had been a long night with no sleep and a now empty canteen of apple cider. I bet Shadow Film was regretting not finishing that milkshake back at the station. We had all decided to head back to ponyville as the likely place for the missing mare to be hiding. Gene Shock and her fancy speaking statue Fromage were going to check in with the hospital and see if there had been any sightings before heading back to town. I had said goodbye and good luck to both of them adding jokingly that Fromage should take good care of his unicorn friend and keep being nice to the mare that was just waiting for a chance to tie him up. I only got a slight grin followed quickly by a death stare from Special Officer Shock while Officer Fromage pretended not to understand me or he pretended to not hear me as they both left. Walking through ponyville followed closely by Shadow Film we both kept an eye out for anything unusual. It was a little hard to do in a town that I had previously found a couple of irregularly sized balls inside a tree and random explosions of confetti at random times in places by a not so random pink mare known around town for her antics. Moving through the market area it was bustling with activity as ponies were going from shop to shop buying or selling. We were both pretty exhausted and it was time to get a snack or at the very least something more to drink. Taking a shortcut through a path between two buildings there was a loud constant banging noise that echoed from between the buildings. Walking past some stacked crates and peaking around the corner at the annoying source of the noise I found myself looking at none other than Cotton Thread. Shadow film moved annoyingly close behind me filming from over my shoulder so luckily he couldn’t see how far my jaw had dropped. Cotton thread was jumping from the top of one stack of crates to the other while banging together a pair of cymbals. This was definitely one of the most absurd things I had ever seen, for at least a week. What was even the point of making the noise? I stood there like that for a couple of minutes watching this mare jumping around banging together these metal plates with her lips moving saying something to herself. I decided it was time to bring this crazy show to a stop as I stepped out from around my stack of crates to confront her collecting my dropped jaw in the process. “Stay where you are! My name is Officer Red and I am here to...” I spoke to the mare in a loud voice but as soon as I had said Officer she had turned around. Upon seeing my armor and unarmored head she threw the cymbals on the ground at my hooves with a near deafening clanging. I jumped back looking down at them and when I looked back up she was on top of the crate above me. She must have had her hooves caught in something because she was hanging down from the crate with her head just off the ground looking up at me with a disturbing smile. “Hey! Hi there! Hay! What’s your name? My name is Hammer Mane!” she said gleefully dripping with excitement, and a little bit of saliva. “My name is Officer Red Virtue and I am here to escort you back to the Hospital under the Equestrian Law and Pony Safety act 327 section C...” I began to say but before I had finished she put both of her hooves on both sides of my face grasping my mane as she pulled me a little bit closer to her. Nearly nose to nose I was staring directly into her wide orange eyes as I reared one of my forehooves ready to move back with my wings completely deployed sticking straight up into the air in shock. “Ted... you’re boring.” She whispered quietly in a creepy way still looking into my eyes; her eyes seemed to shimmer green only for a milisecond. It must have been the lighting. “Cute, but OH so boring. You’re no fun. I'm going to try to find you a helmet! See ya!” Staring at a rope hanging over the crates where the insane mare had been a moment before I looked back at Shadow Film as he was staring there with an expression of a stunned fish. Immediately I launched myself into the air gaining altitude above the rooftops searching for Cotton Thread. It took a few passed around the central area of the town before I spotted her trotting down a side street without a care in the world. Diving and increasing speed I went in to tackle her but she changed directions suddenly to go smell flowers at a flower cart. Spreading my wings to slow down I managed a less than perfect landing as I ran towards her yelling this time. “Halt in the name of Celestia! Stay where you are!” I was only a few meters away this time turning to see me her smile grew. I approached at a slower pace saying “Cotton Thread, you are coming with me back to the hospital.” “Hi there Osifer!” Turning to the slowly retreating pony selling flowers she said in a loud whisper “That’s my friend, I’m trying to find him a helmet for his birthday tomorrow, do you sell helmets?” Grabbing her with one of my wings I was reaching back into my bag for something, anything, to restrain this pony. I wasn’t sure if I had packed any rope. I felt something touch my head and brush over one of my ears as Cotton lowered some sort of flower wreath she had made onto my head. Trying to take a step back to admire her handy work and floral fashion sense I had to use one of my forelegs just to try and keep her still. “Ted! Stop touching me! Guards! HELP! PONY BRUTALITY! “She whined as she continued to struggle. If I had the spare hoof I would have face hoofed. “I'm detaining you until we return to the hospital Cotton Thread, so calm down!” I said loud enough for some surrounding ponies to hear. The last thing we needed was the public getting the wrong message and trying to interfere. Shadow Film was, as usual, getting all the good angles of the struggle. “Who is Cotton thread? My name is Rolling Thunder! “She argued defiantly still twitching but struggling a little less now and added in a small sad voice with the big puppy dog eyes staring at me “Why don’t you believe me Ben Five?” “Shadow Film for the love of Celestia make yourself useful and find me something to tie her up” I said dryly to the silent camera pony. Before he could take a step away Cotton thread started to wrestle more with renewed vigor to get free. My wing not made to hold a psychopathic mare for long gave way as I felt a sharp pain as she grabbed hold of it twisting it back around behind me, my hoof losing its grip as she jumped onto my back screaming “I am the Dragon Queen!” while waving one hoof in the air and the other still holding onto my wing "Kneel before my power!". Two royal guards were rapidly approaching led by Gene Shock and Fromage next to her this time instead of a mile ahead. Regaining my balance I stood up high with the excited mare resting comfortably on my armored back and as the officers approached I did what any sensible pony would do. I fell backwards on purpose pinning the Queen of dragons under me. The pain in my wing was slightly growing but at least she hadn’t bitten it. She was trying yet again to wriggle free from underneath my weight when Officer Shock quickly cast some sort of spell of binding. The spell worked perfectly. On both of us. We both ended up hog tied lying on the ground surrounded by fellow Officers and Royal Guards. “Oh, whoops, sorry Red.” Gene Shock spoke with only a small amount of remorse “At least Cotton Thread is nice and secure! I wasn’t completely sure if it was you or not without your helmet.” “Thanks for not putting an apple in my mouth.” I said bluntly then testing my restraints with a grin “You really do know how to tie up a stallion.” Blushing a little Officer Shock started to untie me with an awkward chuckle when Officer Statue trotted straight up and with a swipe of a knife cut me free. Getting back onto my hooves I looked at Fromage who was now checking on the detained pony and looking back at Gene she looked stunned but quickly recovered and told the Royal Guards they were no longer needed. They both nodded and trotted off to do whatever they were going to do now. I checked on Shadow Film who was still standing maybe a hoof step away from the place I had told him to go get some rope, he was very focused on his job. I walked back up to Cotton Thread who was now secured to Fromages armor resting comfortably and ready to be transported back to the hospital. “How are you feeling Cotton? Did you need a drink before we head back to the hospital?” I asked the wriggling pony “Identification two! Is that you? It’s me! Remember that time you gave me that ride I’ll never forget? That was FUN!” Thread spoke to me from the back of the Statue. “Uh, what was that Officer Virtue?” Officer Shock asked me with a grin and raised eye, she seemed to revel in the awkward situation I found myself in. “Let’s get moving Fromage, back to the hospital” I said changing the subject trying not to look at Officer Shock or Shadow Film. Fromages response was a predictable “Oui” as he nodded his head a little and started to trot back to the hospital. “Great Idea, you can tell me all about the report you are about to write on the way there!” Officer Shock jeered “Oh and don’t forget to get one of the nurses to have a look at that wing while we are there” Then using her magic she corrected the flower crown that was still on my head and added “You can give this to the lucky mare who bandages that wing, it’s a good substitute for that missing helmet.” Slouching down a little bit more I promptly returned the wreath to the flower cart and handed over a couple of bits for the few flowers I kept and handed them to the mares that were coming with us to the hospital. A little something to wrap up the day. Officer shock smiled a little bit accepting hers while she made a temporary sling for my wing and I got a very wide gum showing smile from Cotton Thread who had relaxed a little bit now on the back of Fromage. “Thanks Ted!” Cotton said as I left it between her hooves. Something to keep her busy looking at or smelling for the journey home... and it’s gone, she ate it already. It had been a long day. *** Ponyville General Hospital, 09:11hrs, Individual Apprehended. Finally arriving back at the hospital several nurses and the Doctor rushed up taking Cotton Thread back inside up to level three. The Doctor didn't even bother glancing at us hen we walked in, he was only concerned for his patient. The last I saw of her was her crazy smiling face waving a hoof at me saying “Bye Fred!” as she was wheeled away on a bed with a doctor already by herside with a vial of something. I went over to talk to the pony behind a desk about my wing and was promptly pointed over to a bench nearby to sit on. After a brief discussion I was taken to one of the rooms where a nurse with a red cross for a cutie mark wrapped some bandages around my wing giving a disappointed look at the lack of medical attention before arriving here. "One of the doctors will be with you shortly to double check your wing but things don't look serious so just take it easy ok?" The nurse warned me while leaving the room to attend to her other patients. Officer Shock and Officer Fromage had left wishing me well or as Fromage said kindly “guérir rapidement”. I had no idea what the buck he was saying but it was amazing he said something at all other than wee. Shadow Film smiled as he watched saying “Today was great! I got some good stuff.” Smiling at the camera pony I replied “Well this is only your first day out in the field. Who knows what could happen tomorrow, I might even find my helmet.” Finally the little red light blinked out. + Officer File: Elusive Insanity Ponyville Station, 10:05hrs, Reported Disturbance. “The Domestic disturbance was reported at 47 Oak trail avenue. Special Officer Shock and Officer Fromage responded from the Evergreen outpost late last night.” “Any further details Officer Arc?” The small office they were in was full of reports and files that had been submitted to the Administration officer, most of these would never see the light of day again however every so often some would be mailed to Canterlot for revision and analysis by the Royal Guard. Basically the room smelled of paper and dust with only streams of sunlight peaking through a small window to illuminate the one and only desk. “Oh so this... really is only a business related visit then, Officer Virtue?” The chestnut maned mare with a grey coat asked sweetly looking up from her paper covered desk at the armored stallion. “Always business Arc, when is there time for anything else nowadays? I haven’t heard anything about the situation since they were sent there. Doesn’t that ring any alarm bells?” “They’re both capable officers you don’t need to worry, it can sometimes take days before reports are sent back to the main stations to be filed away back at headquarters. They might have even taken a, uh, detour on their way back to the outpost together” The earth pony replied casually looking back down to her desk shuffling a few papers around. “Well then I might head out there today instead of next week. There’s a bunch of odd things that happen out near that forest so it’s not going to hurt patrolling it more than once a week.” Officer Red replied, turning towards the door. “You’re leaving now, without your helmet? You didn’t even get me a present.” Officer Arc put on a small fake whine while trying her best to pout. Turning around from the exit to face the mare behind the desk Officer Virtue walked slowly back up to her, sneaking out a small package from his saddle bags as his armor softly clinked against itself. Leaning over her desk slowly and looking directly into her brown eyes she started to shift uncomfortably in her seat blushing faintly not sure what to expect. The sudden noise of a package being dropped on the pile of reports on her desk jerked her away from the green eyes she was watching as she looked at it quizzically trying to figure out what was inside. The grey-blue pegasus made his way back to the door opening it this time and looking back with a grin as the mare poked the new object on her desk with skepticism. “Something I picked up on my last detour Arc. I thought you might like some apple fritters.” As soon as the words “apple” left his mouth she broke out into a wide grin looking from the package that contained apple-goodness back to the door way. As soon as she registered the thought that the tasty treats were most likely deep-fried in evil oil she shot a glance back at the nearly closed door and quickly yelled.“You know I’m watching my figure Red!” Something thumped against the door that sounded potentially bruising as Red latched the door closed, followed by a quick muffled “Thank you!” *** Seven Hours Ago, 47 Oak trail avenue. “Ma’am, I’m sorry it’s getting quite late and I might have misheard what you said. Did you just accuse your husband of not being your husband?” Officer Shock paraphrased the twitching mares’ previous statement as she waited patiently sitting on the couch opposite her. Officer Fromage as per usual was listening while lingering in a corner, taking in everything that was said and every so often he would slowly peel back the curtain of the closest window he was near to steal a glance at the outside. The statues expression didn’t seem to change at anything that was said as if he was always deep in thought. Either that or he really liked those curtains. Officer Gene Shock looked back at the mare with tired eyes waiting for her response. The cups of tea on the table had long since cooled and she barely had any notes written down. “Mrs Keen? Mrs Keen, we cannot help you if you don’t talk to us.” Gene Shock gently said to the violet earth pony. “Um, well yes.” Mrs Keen said quietly without any real confidence in her voice. “Yes..? He isn’t really who he says he is?” “Uh, well he was.” “Your husband used to be your husband but now isn’t who he says he is? Are you recently separated and now he is bothering you?” The officer queried. “Well, yes and no...” “Physically or verbally? We will be able to-“ “-Oh no, please, it’s nothing like that!” Mrs Keen interrupted sitting up straight and looking more worried at the officers. “Mrs Keen, I am afraid I’m lost again. You sent us a message...“ Gene started to say rubbing her face slowly with a hoof. “I'm sorry, it’s just that... he... he has been, well, off.” “Mrs Keen, please we have been here for long enough. Why are we here? Do you feel threatened or are you afraid of your husband?” Gene Shock said a little rougher than she meant, even prompting a quick expressionless look from the silent officer. “I'm sorry, no one else seems to believe me. Honestly I think something weird has happ-” the sound of the front door being opened and closed stopped the mare from completing her sentence. The statue changed from a motionless typical guard to some sort of intimidating authoritative figure who in no time at all using some hidden cat like reflexes positioned himself at the open entrance leading into the lounge with a hoof already on the hilt of his sword. “Honey! It's me, but I think I need to hurry and report a-“ The stallion stopped dead in his tracks as soon as he rounded the corner from the main entrance into the sitting area. Seeing a large yellow officer with full armor blocking the entry and another rising from her seat in the background with his wife would be enough to make anypony jump with shock. Recovering quickly and adapting to the new situation the dark grey stallion found himself in he addressed his unexpected visitors. “Well, hello Officers. I hope everything is alright?” Mr Keen said with a forced smile trying to lock eyes with his wife. Failing he looked back at the officers in his lounge. “No cause for alarm sir. My name is Officer Shock and my sturdy companion here is Officer Fromage” “Oh, excellent! Perfect. I was just about to alert you fellows to a possible fire a few blocks away. I stopped back here to check on my darling wife but I was heading to the local fireponies station to report it of course.” Mr Keen said quickly looking back and forth between the officers. His ears at full attention twitching slightly with eyes full of worry but something seemed odd to Officer Shock. She disregarded it as a possible form of distress due to the situation and begun to press the stallion with questions to gather key information as fast as possible. “Mr Keen, please, where did you see this possible fire? How long ago was this? Do you think anypony is nearby or inside?” Officer Shock questioned one after the other with new found urgency. “Not that far east, there was a lot of thick smoke and I am not completely sure...” “Thankyou Mr Keen, I would ask that you continue on your way to the Fireponies station and raise the alarm if it has not been done already. We will head straight there immediately. Mrs Keen will you be alright here ?” “Oh yes, I am quite sure, yes, I think” Mrs Keen said slowly not looking at her husband. By the time she had finished talking Officer Fromage had already pushed past Mr Keen and exited the building as Officer Shock passed Mr Keen and replied over her shoulder to Mrs Keen. “We will be back as soon as we can Mrs Keen!” turning to Mr Keen she added “Are you coming Sir?” “Oh, yes. Of course officer I will not dilly dally long but there is something I must get first from my room and then I will be on my way to the station as you have requested of me.” Mr Keen replied to the mare officer with a wide smile. “Thankyou again sir for your assistance. I will see you later.” Officer Shock said as she passed through the door turning briefly as Mr Keen slowly closed the door behind her his eyes reflecting an odd color from the light reflecting from inside. “Yes Officer, do be careful. We will await your return.” *** The smoke surrounded the entire homestead before rising high into the air drifting with the breeze across the night sky before dispersing. The grassy meadows and paddocks had a different layer of smoke slowly crawling across the small hills and cascading down into the lower areas forming warm pools of misleading fog trying to hide from the cool night air. As the Officers approached they could see the immense smoke. It seemed to be everywhere but interestingly enough there was only a slight glow coming from inside the actual house itself. Galloping as fast as they could through the smoke they had to slow their pace as the smoke enveloped them making visibility increasingly difficult. Officer Shock tried to use an illumination spell but the smoke would not yield while their eyes began to tear up. The front door gradually revealed itself and Officer Fromage rushed at it with the intent of breaking the door down. To his surprise a mare opened the door coughing excessively trying to get away from the smoke and he managed to stop right ontop of the ‘welcome’ door mat. “Please!” The tan coated mare tried to scream desperately at Fromage but all that came out was mostly a terrible choking noise. Looking at him with reddened tear filled eyes she collapsed to her knees before him. Officer Shock caught up and resisted the urge to slap the big stallion on the back of his helmet for running head first into a dangerous situation and leaving her behind again. “Officer Fromage! Stop standing there and carry this mare back to the road immediately and help her as much as you can until further help arrives!” "Madame..." "Now!" She yelled, hoping that the volume of her voice would help overcome her own concerns. One unnecessarily quick salute and a worried look at Gene and he raised the mare as carefully and quickly as he could while coughing heavily and steadily retreated into the thick smoke leaving her alone. Turning slowly and looking into the smoke filled house through the door she coughed several times. Using some spare cloth from her bag, she dampened it with her canteen of water and fitted it around her muzzle as best she could to help against the thick smoke. She was not sure if there were any other ponies inside, even if she yelled they would most likely be unconscious or worse by now. She considered the smart thing to do would be to return with Fromage and await further help. “Mommy!” a small voice screamed with obvious exhaustion and desperation. Officer Shock made her decision without further hesitation and was quickly enveloped further into the glowing smokey house. *** 11:00hrs. 12 Oak Trail Avenue, Reported Fire with possible civilians inside residency. “Officer Shock?” The pain on her left shoulder and back faded in and out as the world was a black haze. Trying to look around through stinging eyes she was able to see several blobs around her and in the sky silhouetted by a reddish glow in the background. What had happened inside the house? The sudden slap across her cheek jolted her from thought and blinking a few more times her vision started to sharpen. “Mademoiselle.” “You, you hit me?” Officer Gene Shock stated with a raspy voice and stared at Officer Fromage with wide wet eyes and a slightly stunned expression on her face. “Oui.” With that he offered a quick salute of respect and trotted over to one of the fire ponies standing on the edge of the path to engage in some form of communication. A Pegasus with some sort of mask and bright yellow uniform flew overhead with haste pushing a dark cloud towards the glowing field behind her. One armored stallion without a helmet and a camera blocked her view of the hazy night sky so she sat up slowly coughing a few times with her head vaguely reeling. “Welcome back to the land of the conscious! That hoof print that Officer Fromage gave you adds a nice touch of red to those cheeks of yours that compliments you under the-” “-Shut it Red, get that camera out of my face.” Gene snapped, her head throbbing around her horn. “Take five shadow, I’ll come find you soon.” The camera pony reluctantly left the two alone and then realising there was much more to film he hurried off in the direction of the red glow and smoke. “Gene, how are you doing? The medic said you will have a cough for a few days from the smoke and those burns might take a while to heal. They also need to take you back to the hospital to check that everything else with you is ok so take it easy and don’t stand up. Oh and they said you should drink sum water take this.” “How long have I been out? Tell me what the hell happened to me Red, everything’s in bits and pieces at the moment” Gene asked quietly with her head leaning on one hoof for support and the other trying to open the water bottle. Half a dozen more Pegasi were flying through the sky, each with a specific task most likely concerning clouds. The smoke was significantly decreasing and the slight night breeze brought forth fresh air. The glow was slowly fading and with it the surrounding landmarks and trees were retreating into the shadows of the night. “Here let me open that for you. You were meant to be responding to a domestic disturbance and I had to follow the other emergency ponies when I heard of a possible residential fire. I didn't expect to find you here passed out.” Passing back the water bottle the mare snatched it back and drank half of it. “I had to help, there were other ponies... where are the other ponies that were inside?” “Relax.” Officer Red simply stated, trying to preventing the worried mare from rising and running off to Luna knows where. She slumped back onto the small mat separating her from the well trodden dirt path that used to lead to someones home. “Everyone is accounted for. There are a couple of medical ponies checking over the filly you saved and the older mare Fromage had carried to safety. Actually I think one of them might be a vet or a dentist or something. Anyway it seems like the only harm that has happened was to the house. From what I have heard it wasn’t a normal fire, the immense smoke makes that quite obvious. The interior of the place is pretty rooted. All you need to do now is relax. We will be finished here shortly once some wagons arrive to bring you all back to the hospital ok? Gene are you ok, you don’t look so good?" Her eyes started to become unfocused and everything seemed to grow dim. Even the sounds around her became distorted as she lay back staring up at the shining sky her head swimming with the pain from her horn growing. “HELP, get over here I think she might need CPR!” Red yelled then stepping closer to the mare trying to get a better look at Officer Shock. A sudden hoof to Officer Virtues Jaw sent him two steps back and firmly seated upon his tail with the sound of metal grinding upon rocks from his armor. Glancing at the mare he could only place a hoof to his jaw and look at her in surprise. “No...CPPPRR... idiot.” Officer Gene shock mumbled finally and her head fell softly upon the mat covering the ground slipping into unconsciousness. 19:22:14. Ponyville General Hospital Recovery Ward. Patient: Officer G. S. “bzzzZZZZZzzzzz-” Her ear twitched. “-bzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz-” She mumbled something incoherent barely awake but fidgeting beneath the sheets. “-BBBZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.” A, now, completely awake and very cranky unicorn sat up in her bed thrashing around with the sheets only to become entangled in them realising some sort of insect had invaded her sleep and maybe even her bed. It wasn’t the insect noise that was terrifyingly annoying to wake up to. It was when it stopped, right next to her head. In a last frustrated effort her magic lit up the entire bed spread throwing it all up into the air waving it back and forth until finally intending to throw it out the closest window. As the sheet was halfway out the window, a pitiful sacrifice to the sun so that its glare would hopefully be easier on her eyes, the door opened. The nurse stared at the unicorn who was now half in the bed and half out with no sheets, covered in sweat with magic enveloped around sheets that were nearly out the window with a look that was ready to kill something. Gene froze and her cheeks began to redden even more as she tried to think of a reasonable explanation to give to the nurse. Her mane must look like a birds nest and the room around her looked like a hurricane had come. Out of the corner of her eye a small beetle flew out from the crumpled sheets back inside and straight through the open door past the nurse. The insect was either the stupidest thing she has seen so far or some sort menace living in the hospital to intentionally make things worse for the patients. “I...I’ll come back at a better time and tell the Doctor your... up.” The nurse replied gingerly retreating from the room. “Wait!-” Gene yelled but the door had been closed before she could say anymore. “Gah!” She sighed surrendering to the forthcoming day by lying back on top of her bed drifting back to sleep. *** Equestrian Guard Training Academy Canterlot. 15 months ago. “Hmm, ahmm” Captain Redscotch murmured to himself, paying little attention to the nervous pony in front of him. Looking up from the files in his hooves he raised an eyebrow and asked simply “You graduated from Celestias Canterlot Academy for gifted unicorns, yet you only want to be a guard with further aspirations of an Equestrian Officer? There is so much more you could do with that qualification alone out of the list you have provided me.” Gene Shock sat up a little straighter and insisted “Sir, please, it’s what I have chosen to do. I cannot even think of doing anything else with my life, I can help do so much!” “Well I’m thinking you’re over qualified for this position...” Gene stood up as straight as she could in front of Captain Redscotch. The polished redwood table was the only obstacle separating them as she gave him a stern look of determination while his eyes kept looking down at the reports completely unamused. She was used to getting what she wanted, and if she didn’t get it she would keep trying and working towards her goal until she achieved it.”Sir. Are you honestly refusing this magical graduate a position with the Royal Guards or as an Equestrian Officer? On the basis that I’m… to… too good for the job?” “And what if I am Miss Shock?” He said quietly. Gene Shock was fuming. She could feel her cheeks heating up and her neatly brushed mane was starting to look unkempt as she slammed a hoof down on the refined desktop. “Are you insane?” She asked slightly raising her voice then added quickly “Sir.” He chuckled bursting her balloon of hot air as she sat back down confused. “Your right, maybe I am. I am not going to make you an officer.” Glancing up finally to look into her angry narrowing eyes he added with a grin “I would like to offer you the position of Special Officer. That is if you want it? I feel as though your input would be better received and other ponies would have someone to look up to and learn from a shining example.” The office seemed a little brighter now as Gene tried to relax and with her eyes getting glossy with the formation of tears she looked down. With a big smile and rising from excitement she said “You've been thinking about this for a while, haven’t you?” “We try to keep an eye on potential applicants and outstanding achievers. I believe you are just what we are looking for, however that doesn’t mean you get to skip all the training. Off you go.” “Now?!” “Yes, right now report to Staff Sergeant Bur. You have wasted enough of my time today. You're Dismissed.” He said with an amazing poker face leaning back into his chair. “Oh, thank you so much Sir! Its true what your wife told me the other day at the GreenSeed Cafe!” Gene Shock said rushing around the table to give the Stallion a hug. “You spoke to my… hnng?” The Captain began but was cut short while being squeezed by the short mare. Then releasing the stallion and rushing out the door with it slowly closing behind her Gene Shock replied with a smirk and a wink “You didn’t think I would have a meeting with you about my future without doing a little research would you?” Giving the door a death stare as it clicked shut. Captain Redscotch sighed and mumbled to himself “She’s going to do just fine.” *** 18:22:14. 47 Oak Trail Avenue. Residence of previously reported domestic dispute. Officers Virtue and Fromage had helped take their companion to the hospital with the other medical staff. Seeing how Officer Shock was out of commission for at least a few days the statue had briefly said something about their previous job before they were called away to the fire incident. Officer Arks information about the disturbance was limited and Officer Fromage did not have much to reveal of the situation so it was up to officer Virtue to check up on things and see if everything was alright. Reaching the correct house and after a reassuring nod from the statue the Officers approached the front wooden door side by side followed by the camera pony. A small 'Do Not Disturb' sign was hanging from the door handle. Perhaps he expected the Officers to bash down the door or something cool like that. Red raised a hoof into the air intending to knock on the door a few times. ShadowFilm zoomed in on the door hoping for a forceful knock maybe even a few dramatic pounds on the door if he was lucky. “Mmmmffhh” The muffled sound was barely audible from the other side of the door yet it caused both of them to stop. Officer Red became like Fromage frozen with his hoof mere inches from the door and the statue seemed to remain indifferent. “Mfhh” “Uhh...” Red said quietly unsure what to do now looking back at Shadow film, the camera still pointed at the door. “We should probably come back... later.” “Seems like they have kissed and made out... UP” Shadow film said quietly quickly correcting himself. "Well, I guess... we can check back later..." Treading carefully they all moved away from the door leaving the house with covered windows behind. Little did they know what really lay waiting behind the door in the shadows with a dark green conjured dagger. Mrs Keen was bound and gagged with her violet coat matted and mane disheveled. She was trying desperately to make as much noise as she dared but through her tear filled eyes she could see the armored ponies through a crack in the curtains walking away. “Now now now my darling” A dark shaped pony like figure said calmly walking out of the shadows illuminated only by a faint green glow from its head. “The more you struggle the more its going to hurt... yourself.” Her eyes widened clearly seeing this monster for the first time directly in front of her. It was black and shiny with wings, fangs and holes. Holes seemed to pepper its body and its large cyan eyes didn’t seem right. Eyes that were directly looking into hers. Its magic wrapped around the cloth uncovering her mouth finally. “What have you-“ “Tut tut. I will ask the questions Mrs Keen, since you nearly unveiled my cover. Years of planning, months of research and reconnaissance and weeks of watching you and your husbands boring worthless lives. You are perhaps fortunate that you have been asleep all this time since that stunt you pulled yesterday getting word to those idiotic authorities. Now that you are awake...” It walked closer to the lavender pony licking its fangs hungrily as she pulled against her restraints and squirmed in the cushioned armchair. “What did you tell them?” “NOTHING! I swear, please leave me alone. Whatever you are!” Mrs Keen started to cry again but all the tears seemed to have left her for now. Its horn started to glow brighter and brighter still looking at the helpless pony trembling in the chair in front of him. So much time and effort nearly ruined by a single mares suspicions. “It’s time we had a very, in depth, chat my dear wife.” *** Unicorn Training Barracks. Two years ago. Intense pain resounded through Cadet Shocks head and chest as she tried to recover after the power spell attack. “What in Luna’s name was that one?” She asked her instructor. “You don’t seem so confident now Cadet. Believe it or not but there are other places aside from Equestria that practice magic” “You couldn’t go easy on me for the last week of training before final assessments could you?” “Do you really think once you graduate it will be easy? Besides this was a more recent form of magic learned from beyond our borders-” “Where? Why are you only showing me now? Who taught you?” “I only show you so that perhaps one day it will help you. The magic is from a far waste stricken land-“ “-Well gooood morning Miss Shock! “ 20:27hrs Ponyville Hospital Recovery Ward. Patient: Officer G. S. A pony in a white lab coat and a stethoscope around his shoulders stood at the foot of her bed studying the clipboard in front of him. The same nurse that walked in on her before was checking the medical equipment keeping busy and moving around the room. Gene just stared blankly at the stallion with bloodshot eyes. “Don’t give me that look Officer, I am sorry for having to wake you but you have been out for a while now and you really need to eat something.” “Ugh, I guess it’s ok Doc.” Gene replied still a bit drowsy and rubbing her eyes. “How long have I been out?” “Hmm well you were brought in early this morning so don’t fret the world has not changed a bit.” “How is the mare and filly I was brought in with? Are they feeling ok?” “They have already been discharged and ordered to take it easy for a few days, they left you that vase of white tulips on your bedside table and told the nurses they would love to say thank you again when you are ready.” “Aww” Gene said laying back down on her bed looking at the pretty flowers starting to relax again. “Your fellow Officers were here for a few hours as well while you were asleep keeping an extra eye over you however I’m afraid I had to ask the camera pony to leave, we try to keep film equipment out of our wards.” If that Shadow camera pony was filming her while she slept... she would definitely break the lens. Maybe a different part of the camera, or the pony. “Do you happen to know where they are now and when they said they would be back?” “They said they would be back around-” Looking at the closest clock on the wall and pausing a few seconds “-now.” “Great, well thanks a lot Doc, I’m going to jump in the shower before getting stuck into that food.” “Now hold on now, before you go running off there’s paperwork you will need to fill out at the nurses station once you are done. For the next few days I do not want you running around Equestria, you will be back to normal in a few days. Your coat might take a bit longer. I hope I will not see you in here anytime soon Officer Shock, I need to attends to some other patients now so farewell!” and with that she was alone in the white sanitary room with a tray of something green left for her on the side table. Slowly making her way to the bathroom she closed the door and paused looking at herself in the mirror. Singed tail and some missing clumps of her dark grey coated legs. Wait dark grey? She still had a thinly covered layer of powdered ash or soot over her body that had not been protected by armour, not to mention her mane looked like it had been struck by lightning. Things could have gone much worse though. She was lucky to only have some minor burns and scratches, nothing a few days and a shower couldn’t fix. Her armor covered most of her coat and mane so she decided she would wear it constantly for a few days or weeks until everything was back to normal even though it was the parts of her body that weren’t covered by armor that were affected. There was a knock on her room door and she could hear Reds voice in the other room looking for her. Then a few seconds later another knock on the bathroom door. “Uh, Special Officer Shock?” “Shower. I’ll be out in 10 minutes.” “Alright, we’ll wait at the nurses station for you” *** 21:56hrs Ponyville Hospital Recovery Ward. Patient: Officer G. S. Forty five minutes later Officer Shock exited her room wearing her slightly worn armor. Ignoring the stallions sprawled out on the waiting room couches and chairs she started talking to the nurse about her paperwork. After signing the necessary documents it was finally time to leave. “So, who’s hungry?” Shadow Film asked out of the blue. Without his camera he seemed to use his mouth more. “Great idea” “Oui , petit homme” “Lets get outta here then. “ Red said jumping up from one of the chairs. “Wait, while I was out did you guys check on Mrs Keen?” “uh well about that, I don’t think they were fighting anymore” “What do you mean? Did she tell you everything was ok?” “He means they were having-“ Shadow Started to say. “-They were busy when we went to check on them. That’s what he means. I was going to follow up tomorrow” Officer Virtue said quickly cutting off Shadow. “Ugh Stallions. So you didn’t check on the pair? You just assumed they were all happy and back to the typical family home and left?” She rolled her eyes and glared at them all. “Well... yes ma’am.” Red replied looking at the yellow officer who seemed just as ashamed as he did. “We are leaving this instance. I cannot believe you stallions.” Officer Shock said with a huff shoving open the main hospital door without holding it open for the following stallions.” "So.. no food then?" Shadow Film called out after them. *** 23:32 Oak Trail Avenue. Revisiting Officers Red, Fromage and Special Officer Shock. “OPEN UP IN THE NAME OF THE SUN AND MOON” Special Officer Shock yelled while hammering on the door. She had sent Officer Fromage to check the perimeter of the house and make sure no one left from the back door. Officer Virtue stood back and a little to the right of Gene Shock as she banged on the door causing the little sign on the handle to drop to the floor. There was no reply and nothing could be heard this time and all the windows were still covered with no signs of life. “Break down the door Red.” “Um, ma’am-“ “NOW OFFICER RED VIRTUE!” Turning around and kicking with both rear hooves the door gave a loud crack and some of the wooden panels showed signs of splintering yet held steady. Shadow film whispered something into her ear as Officer Virtue prepared for another attack on the door. However before he could Gene placed a hoof on his shoulder and moved passed him turning the handle with her magic. The door opened into the dark house with a prolonged squeak. With his short sword drawn Officer Virtue took the lead followed by Officer Shock ready to use her magic at a moment’s notice. Behind her Shadow Film followed filming everything he possible could trying to hold the camera steady as he trembled with excitement. “If anybody is home make yourself known!” Silence. Red cautiously walked down the hall signalling that he was going to go into the lounge room as Gene turned right into the kitchen and dining area. Shadow film followed Red with the camera light illuminating his back and the walls on either side. A tail and lavender legs were hanging over the end of the couch but the rest of the pony was concealed from view. Signalling Shadow to stay by the doorway Officer Red slowly made his way around the couch bracing for the worst possibility. Mrs keen was there looking up at him. She blinked trying to focus on the armoured pony and had a hard time trying to talk with the cloth covering her mouth. “Its ok, we’re here now, I’m so sorry...” Sheathing his sword he stepped closer and pulled down the cloth to allow her to speak. “He...it's still here...” The camera light went out and the room was completely dark apart from the faint beams of moon light trying to find their way into the room. Mrs Keen let out a small whimper. “Shadow?” Silence in the darkness. “SHADOW?” Officer virtue re-drew his sword and it glimmered faintly as his eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness. Straining to hear any danger he could only hear the movements from the couch and a very faint humming or fluttering sound. Slowly moving towards the closest window biting the curtains and pulling them off the wall. The room was basked in the dim glow of the full moon. Mrs keen was still on couch and only shadows tail was visible at the doorway but before rushing to his aid some sort of thing slowly revealed itself from the corner of the room thumping down softly on the carpet as it landed. It had a black coat, a crooked horn, large cyan eyes and insect like wings. “What the uc-“ Its horn flashed green and immediately the officers hind hooves were frozen in some sort of green goop Raising his sword the green flashed again and the sword was propelled behind him through the window landing outside. Gene Shock appeared and suddenly filled the room with bright blinding light causing everything to fade out to white. There was a horrible shriek and as the light faded random beams of green were shooting from the things head covering the ceiling and walls in the sticky substance. Officer virtue could only force himself to blink and struggle to get free while being temporarily blinded. There was small electrical crackle followed by a zap and a final sound of something heavy landing hard on the ground. The silence returned. The sound of hooves crushing broken glass approaching Officer Red was the next sound. Slightly recovering he could only make out a figure approaching him. With another smaller glow of magic he was free to take a few steps back getting into a defensive stand. “Stand down Red. Its only me. Sorry I just need to catch my breath.” Officer Shock explained to the skeptic stallion. “Where the hell did that thing go?” “I tazed it and Fromage tackled it to the ground while you were being glued to the ground. Sorry about the sudden light spell.” “Oui.” Finally being able to recognise more than just blobs the room was in a state of disarray. A lamp was broken, the window was smashed and Officer Fromage was lying on top of a bound insect like pony thing struggling to hold it down. “Sneaky, filthy, argh my eyes, you will all pay for this foolish attempt to subdue me!” It cried out from underneath the large yellow stallion in a shrill voice. “Mrs Keen...” Officer Shock began turning to the mare hugging into the couch. “Is...is it over?” “Yes. Your safe now.” Freeing her finally from her bonds Gene gently helped her to her hooves. *** 08:00hrs. Ponyville Station, Debriefing. “The Fire investigators surmised that the fire was magically caused and temporarily maintained by a spell. By the time emergency crews arrived and started attempting to extinguishing the source most of the smoke had already significantly reduced. However there did not seem to be one blazing fire, it was almost as if the spell was trying to stay inside the wooden structural beams to burn as long and slow as possible while somehow having a massive output of smoke. We expect now that this incident will be linked with the recently detained...suspect.” Officer Virtue stated to the small group of gathered Officers. One of the younger local Officers stood up and asked “Well was he, this thing, working alone? We don’t even know who it is or where it comes from! What in all of Equestia was its motive, what does this mean?” “An initial report has already been sent to Canterlot as high priority by a Pegasus Officer who should have already arrived and delivered the message. So to answer your question, I don’t know many details.” There was a low murmur through out the group. Of all the strange things that can happen in Equestria this one was definitely an odd one out. Some sort of monster posing as a loving husband trying to get information about...everything? From the back of the room sitting next to Officer Fromage Officer Shock added. “We are still questioning Mrs Keen. However she is still in a distressed state and we have yet to find any trace of her real husband-.” The door to the cramped meeting room flew open slamming against the wall as all eyes turned to the doorway with some hooves reaching for weapons and some horns glowed ready. Everyone was a little bit jumpy after hearing the disturbing report. “By order of the Princesses this investigation is hereby closed. All information and relevant material is to be surrendered to Her majesties Royal Guards.” A mare in a dark suit like clothing with shiny reflective glasses stated loudly for all to hear as she entered the room flanked by two royal unicorn guards in their shining gold armor. Outside the window another four guards stood around a carriage. “Hey, wait a second this isn’t your jurisdiction and who sent yo-“ Officer virtue walked up to the mare standing a full head taller than the little earth pony. In one fluent movement the gold mare reached into one of her pockets and drew out a single scroll breaking the seal and pressed it up to Virtues muzzle. “Read it and weep Officer.” Grabbing the scroll and quickly skimming the contents it was definitely from Canterlot. A Royal inquisition. The flanking guards had moved into the room taking everything that seemed of any relevance to the case as the rest of the officers looked around at each other not sure what to do. “If all this paperwork is going to Canterlot I am going with it back to headquarters.” Officer Shock rose up and walked towards the mysterious mare. "This is my case". “I am glad to hear that. It will make things significantly easier. Officer Fromage and Officer Virtue will accompany you or they will be escorted back to Canterlot with you. You three were the first responders after all. Oh and your friend with the camera is already waiting for you in the carriage, poor thing dropped his milkshake when we persuaded him to come with us.” “Who the buck are you lady?” Officer virtue said placing the scroll on top of one of the Royal Guards already large stack of confiscated documents. “All you need to know is that your case is not the first in Equestria. You will be coming with me to Canterlot, Captain Redscotch is becoming impatient with your tardiness.”