//------------------------------// // CMC: Mystery Detective's // Story: Unforgotten // by Riddle-Me-Think //------------------------------// I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Scootaloo’s wings buzzed with energy as she drove her scooter quickly over the dirt path that lead into Ponyville. In a wagon attached to the back of her scooter, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle held on tight as their crazy driver pulled sharp turns and sudden jumps of air. By now they were not nearly as fazed by all the stunts their friend did, but also knew the pegasus filly’s tendency for crashing. “Where do you think Feather Weight would be today?” Sweetie Belle asked while glancing about, as if expecting to just spot the young colt. Thinking for a moment, Apple Bloom suggested, “Sugar Cube, maybe? It’s Saturday an’ all.” Looking over to Scootaloo for any other ideas. Even if she wasn't able to see the look given by the yellow filly, Scootaloo said, “There’s a small arcade in town. We could check there too.” “He could be at tha’ pool in town too.” Appel Bloom soon added in, “It’s really hot out, so I can see ‘em there, or at home.” Tapping her chin, Sweetie Belle pointed over Scootaloo’s shoulder, “Let’s head to Sugar Cube Corner first. We can get something to eat there, even if Feather Weight isn't there.” Gripping the handles a bit tighter, Scootaloo grinned, “Aye aye, Captain!” Revving her wings up to pick up more speed, sending her friends tumbling back in the wagon. As the three hurdled into town, the few ponies who decided it wasn’t too hot out, pricked their ears at the sound of shouting. Particularly, the words that pleaded for Scootaloo to slow down. Hearing the the warning, most ponies scrambled to the side in time for a bluer to pass them up, accompanied by scramming and shouting of two fillies. “Left! LEFT!” Apple Bloom shouted, waving her hooves as they nearly clipped by one pony. At her suggestion, Scootalloo made her scooter twist and turn, going around a light post. She didn't make it completely though, as the wheel caught the post and made them spin in one spot before being shoot off again. “Cabbage cart! CABAGE CART!” Sweetie Belle joined in with warning their driver after the dizzying spin. She suddenly found herself griping the sides of the wagon as they hit a small ramp, sending them skywards. They didn't get enough hight though, as the scooter and wagon that followed, ran through the veggies and scattered them. “MY CABBAGES!” The owner shouted in despair as he chased and picked up what was left of his produce. Sweetie Belle wanted to shout back an apology, but was cut off when Apple Bloom warned, “GRANNY!” Pointing at an elderly mare slowly making her way a crossed the road. With a jerk, Scootaloo made their ride swerve left sharply to avoid the elderly mare. Just as quickly, they were jerked right when Scootaloo noticed another pony, and did all she could to avoid collision. Gasps and shouts sounded from each pony they passed, and miraculously missing each one on the way. Balancing out, the three fillies let out a collective sigh. Looking amongst one another, they all laughed as the excitement started to dwindled down and the adrenaline begin to fade. Wiping her eye, Sweetie Belle said, “Wow, that was—” Then felt her eyes widen while shouting with a pointed hoof, “TREE!” Scootaloo, who was busy laughing at the time, had completely taken her eyes away from the road, and now headed straight for a tree. Leaning to one side and pulling, the small pegasus forced her scooter to make another sharp turn, scraping the side of the tree. As tree bark flew into the air, the orange filly fought to regain control of her ride, only to panic when both her friends shouted, “HOUSE!” Thankfully, to the relief of the pony townsfolk and both passenger fillies, Scootaloo did eventually slow down when approaching their destination. The two fillies without wings let out sighs of relief and jumped out as soon as they could, while Scootaloo park her scooter and the wagon off to the side. With that done, they all headed inside, chatting to one another and trying to puzzle out what to do if they couldn't find Feather Weight. The only option they could think of was either trying to find him the next day, or meet up with him at school. Before they were able to open the door to the bakery, all three fillies ran into somepony and stumbled back. Looking up, they came face to face with their least favorite schoolmates, whom in turn, didn't look any more happy to see the crusaders. “Hey, why don't you watch where you’re going!” Was Diamond Tiara’s first response to being ran into. She picked herself up and brushed the nonexistent dust off her pink coat complaining, “You could have hurt me, running into me like that!” Scrunching her face up, Apple Bloom pointed out, “It was a accident. An’ ya’ll didn't fall that much!” “Say’s you.” Silver Spoon, Diamond’s right hoof pony, said while fixing her glasses back into place, “What if somepony was behind us, they would have tripped over us and fell!” Rolling her eyes, Scootaloo grumbled, “Yeah right. You’re just trying to blame us.” Getting up and moving past the two rich fillies. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom followed their friend’s lead and moved past Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Huffing and turning their heads away, both of the richer fillies strutted off, doing their best to ignore the crusaders. They had more important thing to do then bug them at the moment. No need to waste a Saturday over those blankflanks. Was their shared thoughts in that moment. Likewise, the crusaders didn't look back and did all they could to ignore their ‘mortal enemies’ and keep their minds on their current goal. Taking a look at the surrounding ponies amongst the table, keeping an eye out for Feather Weight. After a while searching, they didn’t find the colt and decided to seat themselves and snack on something. Taking a few minutes to decide what they wanted, they order of a few milkshakes. To pass the time, they talked over any ideas they could come up within Rarity’s mystery problem. Sweetie Belle quickly found herself the center of attention as her friends asked questions on when things had started. Thinking back, Sweetie Belle told her two friends, “It happened a few days back. After Scootaloo dropped me off, I came in and started looking for my sister. I didn’t see her, so I started calling out for her.” Tilting her head, the small unicorn said, “I found Roma after I started climbing the stairs. She asked me to keep quite because Rarity was sleeping.” Both of Sweetie Belle’s brows drew in as she said, “I don't know what happened, but I could tell she was crying. I could see how her eyeshadow ran down her cheeks. I’ve seen her do it enough to notice.” Curious, Apple Bloom asked, “Do ya think wha’ happen t’ ya sis, had somthin’ t’ do with Roma?” Trying to remember more about the brash mare she had seen around her sister and by extension, her sisters friends. Shaking her head, Sweetie Belle said, “I don't know. She has been living with us since it happened. Her and I have been helping Rarity deal with whatever happened to her, but I don't know if I’m really helping.” “What happened after you seen your sis?” Scootaloo asked, “Maybe there’s something we can use.” Sighing, Sweetie Belle told the orange filly, “Nothing besides Roma telling me to stay and watch over Rarity while she talked to some ponies.” And slowly gained a thoughtful look saying, “…But, she told me not to let anypony but herself, Rarity's friends, those two twins staying at Apple Bloom’s, and Masquerade.” “Wait, who’s Masquerade?” Scootaloo was quick to stop her friend there to voice her question, “And why would Roma want only those ponies around Rarity?” Feeling more lost by the moment. Thinking over what she knew, Apple Bloom said, “Well, my sis is Rar’s friend. I ge’ that. So is Twilight, Rainbow an’ the others.” Seeing as the yellow filly was still thinking, Sweetie Belle answered Scootaloo’s other question with, “Masquerade is Twilight’s special somepony. Don't you remember, we made a column on him when we were Gabby Gums?” Staring at the unicorn for a while, Scootaloo asked, “We did?” Racking her head for ever doing that. All thought’s on that were temporarily forgotten when the first milkshake was dropped off at the table, in which the orange pegasus dived into the cold treat. Sweetie Belle kept on subject, and told her friend after taking a gulp of her given out vanilla shake, “Yes, we did. We did a whole front page of of him and that mare, Cloud Kicker?” A few more minutes of pondering and sipping at her chocolate milkshake, Scootaloo’s face brightened up and said, “Oh yeah! She even told us how she and he were a couple!” Then had a moment of realization, “Wait…” And tapped her chin for a bit saying, “Now that whole ‘Twilight beating up on Cloud Kicker’ makes a lot more sense….” “I wonder if’n we can ask ‘em changelings ‘bout this.” Apple Bloom mused to herself before sipping on her strawberry milkshake. Seeing her friends imploring looks, she explained, “Ive an’ Eb like talkin’ t’ the other changelings in town. They seem t’ know all sorta stuff. Maybe we can ask Mask!” Looking confused, both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo asked, “Masquerade’s a changeling?” Glancing between them, Apple Bloom said, “Yeah. Ya’ll didn’ know?” Once more, the other two fillies shook their heads with Scootaloo saying, “I don't see him much. Never really payed attention.” Then looked over to Sweetie Belle. Seeing the attention was on her again, Sweetie Belle said, “I sometimes see him and hear Rarity talk to Twilight about him, but nothing more then that.” Going quite for a moment asking, “I don't think Scootaloo and I know much about him.” Giving Apple Bloom a curious look. With a helpless shake of her head, Apple Bloom said, “Sorry girls, ah don’t know more than sis tells. He’s changeling, Twilight’s special somepony, an’ sorta sneaky an’ silly.” Unable to think of much more then that. Thinking back, Scootaloo asked, “If he’s changeling, why wasn't he at that last party that had all the changelings at it?” “Mask doesn't like crowds an’ parties.” Apple Bloom quickly said, “Bu’ ah think he was out’a town too.” Shaking her head, Apple Bloom asked, “Why are ya askin’ Scoot’s? Are ya thinkin’ of askin’ him ‘bout Rarity?” With a sly smile, Scootaloo said, “No, I think we should follow him!” Both unicorn and earth fillies stared blankly at their pegasus counterpart, until Sweetie Belle asked, “How is that going to help with finding out what happened to Rarity?” “Because—” Scootaloo brought up her hoof and held it there for a while before saying, “Because Apple Bloom said he would know something!” Pointing over to the yellow filly. Appearing a little annoyed, Apple Bloom said, “I said he migh’ know somthin’. Ah don’t know if he does, we’d ‘ave t’ ask!” Going back to her milkshake. “But he might not tell us. After all, Twilight didn’t tell me, and neither did Roma.” Sweetie Belle pointed out with a frown, going back to sipping her own milkshake in thought. Having a triumphant smile, Scootaloo said, “And that’s why we follow him! He’s bound to get us something to work off of.” Assured in her idea. Once again, the other two crusaders looked to the other in thought before shrugging and nodding. There was a chance they wouldn't find anything, but that didn't mean they couldn't try Scootaloo’s suggestion. After finishing off their milkshakes and finding a place for Scootaloo’s scooter, the three intrepid fillies began their search for their first lead, Masquerade. So far, they had yet to even find the black stallion. Looking around another conner, Scootaloo glared to her left and right and grumbled, “How can it be so hard to find this guy?” Ducking back around saying, “I mean, he’s got a black coat right? Not many ponies have black coats around here.” “What about Dark Moon?” Apple Bloom asked back to Scootaloo from her perch onto of a few crates. “Or Royal Pin, he’s gott’a black coat?” “Their more grey than black.” Sweetie Belle supplied from her spot in some nearby bush next to a shop, saying a bit absently, “Thunderlane has more of a black coat, but it’s still more of a storm cloud color…” Recalling a bit of her sisters nitpicking of shades and colors. Rolling her eyes, Apple Bloom said, “Same thang.” Hopping down from her spot to join her friends ground level. Though, her friend looked perturbed about how ‘it was not the same thing’ and get started on arguing about it, the Apple filly said, “Hey, thar’ he is!” Pointing ahead. Both of the other crusaders turned their heads around to spot the stallion they were looking for, who was trotting his way through town. He didn't appear to have any destination set, seemingly wandering around aimlessly. Every now and then he would stop at a spot and just lean on a nearby wall or sit on bench or fix his belt with two sheaths. Seeing this as a chance to follow, the Cutie Mark Crusaders all began tailing the black stallion around town. While they tailed him though, they could not tell what Masquerade was really up to. He would walked around for a time, then just stop someplace for no reason and stick around. But after a time, he would getup and walk off near some group of ponies or alleyway. More than once the three fillies had lost track of the rather illusive changeling-in-pony-form and had to track him down all over again. They managed however, using a combination of Scootaloo’s apparent mapping of Ponyville, three sets of eyes, and pure luck. It was during one of these times where Masquerade had again slipped out of their sight, and they had to track him down they came to an interesting sight. The dark unicorn had halted his walking to speak to another pony, a mare Apple Bloom recognized as Cypher Splash. Nodding togeather, they creeped in as close as they were willing to, and began eavesdropped on the two ponies. Both of the older ponies kept their voices low, trying not to attract too much attention. The first to speak was Masquerade, whom asked, “Did you find more evidence, or did something get in the way?” Keeping himself as aware as could of his surroundings. The second pony, a teenaged mare they now knew as Cypher Splash, said in a nervous tone, “Serenity found something at Cinder Lock’s home. We wanted to have you there, because you told them to tell you of anything they might find.” The crusaders gave one another perplexed glances before they turned back to the conversation when Mask responded, “Good. But what did you find?” Stopping a moment to look around, Cypher whispered in the lowest tone, “Not here.” Gesturing with her head for the black unicorn to follow her. As she began to lead, Masquerade cast one last look around himself, missing the three fillies that ducked behind their cover before following after the younger mare. Waiting for a few moments, the crusaders looked to one another in some silent conversation. With a collective nod, all three began tailing the older ponies from behind anything they could. Bushes, crates, boxes and walls were what they used. More than once they had to stop and hide in place as Masquerade would stop abruptly and scan his surroundings. Sneaking along a low line of bushes, Apple Bloom asked, “Wha’d ya think is happenin’?” Doing her best to keep hidden behind the green foliage. With a wide grin plastered to her face, Scootaloo said, “I don't know. Maybe the changelings are hiding something they don't want us ponies to know!” Mind on overdrive and excitement running through her body. “Scoot’s tha’s silly. ‘Member the partay? It was t’ show thar' nice!” Apple Bloom chastised her friend, not too happy with the thought’s the orange pegasus had. Peeking though the bush, Sweetie Belle panicked, “Wait, where’d they go!?” As one, all three fillies popped their heads over their hiding place and looked about franticly for their target. Despite their best efforts, the changeling had once more vanished into thin air— along with the other pony they were sure was a changeling too. With a tight frown, Apple Bloom lightly hit the bush saying, “Gosh darn! No wonder Applejack say’s he’s a sneak!” Looking all about for the stallion. Looking around just as franticly, Scootaloo said, “How does he even do that? It’s like he’ll vanish as soon as you take you’re eyes off him!” Starting to wish her wings were able to take her off the ground so she could search form the air. Sweetie Belle wasn't doing any better, scratching her head in confusion and looking around of any places the two unicorn ponies could had gone to. She was stumped how the stallion was able to vanish too, but even more so with another pony by his side. So, with a reluctant sigh, Sweetie Belle said, “Come on girls… Let’s start looking.” Exiting her hiding spot to start their search all over again. They are persistent little things, I'll give them that. Masquerade thought while he and Cypher Splash watched from their own hiding place as the three fillies exit their hiding spot to search for him. Admittedly, Mask was having a bit of fun playing cat and mouse with the three. Granted they didn't know that he knew of their tailing of him, but it was fun none-the-less. Now however, he didn't need a few nosey fillies following him and the messenger to what is considered an investigation. If there was a possibility that Cider Lock was hiding something rather bad, then he didn't need a few fillies to spread it like common knowledge. Almost as bad as reporters if that were to happen. The stallion groused to himself, not liking the thought of what would happen if things didn't stay contained. There was no need to sow unnecessary panic, even more so in panic central that was known as Ponyville. When the fillies were gone, Masquerade let himself relax and drop the illusion he had up, reveling both him and Cypher to the world. Though the illusion he had masked them in a nice little bubble that skewed ones perception in shadows, it was a pain to maintain. Not to mention easily seen through if one knew what to look for. Patting the young mare next to him, Masquerade encouraged her to lead on as they had lost the tailing fillies. With a mute nod, Cypher Splash continued to lead the darker pony to Cinder Lock’s home. Part of her mind was on what Serenity told her what he found at the house, while another part of her was curious about the spell used to lose the three fillies. She thought about asking about it, but one glance and taste of the heir’s void-like presents made her reluctant to even try. Sensing this hesitation, Mask couldn't help but asked, “Is something wrong?” Feeling a small jump in the teen mare’s feelings, “You seem a little on edge. Is what Serenity found really bad, or is it something else?” Feeling a little embarrassed on being found out, Cypher Splash admitted, “W-well… I was wondering if… Well, if you could tell me what spell that was?” Trying to stomp out her nervousness. With a small and amused smile, Mask said, “It’s a more advance version of a perception spell I know. The idea behind it is to crate a zone where you’re illusion makes you less noticeable. But it’s weak, so it only works on some.” Seeing the mare nod in understanding, Masquerade continued, “This does the same, but adds in things like shadowing or skewing your colors, making you more of a unnoticeable blur. Still, some can see through it, and you’re stuck standing in place to hold it. But it is good for a quick shake-off of tailing enemies.” Gaining a grin saying, “Why, you want to learn it?” Surprised, Cypher hastily said, “No, I mean I would but…” Shutting her mouth and feeling her cheeks redden as the stallion laughed at her actions. Shaking his head some, Masquerade said, “No offense Cypher, but you need some understanding in illusion based magic before you try what I did. I can teach you a little, but you would be better off asking Twinkles.” Gaining a thoughtful look adding, “Maybe you can ask Daisy about that. She’s currently taking a few basic lessons form her on magic.” Nodding her head, Cypher Splash said, “I think I’ll do that…thanks.” Becoming a little more at ease with the changeling heir’s more friendly disposition. It was hard to feel comfortable when she knew that right next to her was a powerful changeling that maybe thought of her as another grunt to ignore or use. Rolling his eyes, Masquerade said, “Don’t thank me, I might have just doomed you to a fate worse than death.” Getting some alarmed feelings from the teen before grinning, “Twilight’s study seasons can be absolute torture on the mind.” Upon hearing this, Cypher lost her nervousness and laughed out in both relief and mirth. He had me a little worried there for a moment. Not really knowing why she was worried in the first place. They soon both calmed down when approaching the home that belonged to Cinder Lock. Knocking on the door, they were greeted by the fraud that posed as the orange stallion, letting them in saying, “Good you’re here. I found something I thought you would be interested in.” Lighting his horn with some magic, Masquerade ran the green wisps of mystic power over the swords in his possession, still on him since his visit to Toe-Tapper. “I would be more interested if I knew what it was you found.” Following the fake stallion through the house asking, “So what did you find?” Going into a storage room filled with boxes and crates, the fake Cinder Lock burst into green fire, showing a pony most knew as Serenity. The pegasus then gestured over to a spot on the stone floor where a red rug was moved aside to show a wooden trapdoor. With a grin, Mask wandered over to the trapdoor, musing, “Oh, what have we here?” Circling it saying, “A secret passage?” Looking up to the other two changelings and telling them, “I so do love a good secret passage way, don't you? You never know what dirty little secrets you will find.” “Wait until you look inside.” Serenity said with a grim tone, “Because this might be a bigger problem then we thought.” Making Cypher Splash slightly fidget at his tone, and also having a small idea what was down the hatch. Losing his joking nature, Masquerade used his magic to open the trapdoor, gesturing to Serenity to go in first. The stallion did as told, going in first with the heir following after him, with Cypher following last. Once they reached the bottom, Masquerade took in the area, noting all the wine’s and beers stored away and out of sight. But what caught his attention was a green resin. His lips became a thin line as Serenity lead both him and a nervous Cypher through the hidden wine-cellar, and came to a shocking find. “So, I take it Cinder Lock’s not guilty?” Mask flatly asked, looking at a contained Cinder Lock floating in a cocoon that hung from the low ceiling. Hearing a sharp gasp, Mask glanced to the side where Cypher looked on in shock and fear. Following her sight, the changeling infiltrator understood her sudden fear as a number of pony mares also hung in their own cocoons. With glaring eyes, the dark stallion approached the trapped mares, looking at each one and noting bruises and scratches on their bodies. But most of all was he taste when he was around them. When he touched one with his hoof, all he could taste was absolute fear. Looking around the room further, he could see a number of implements, chains and even questionable items scattered about a cleared space. Walking further into the cellar and to the work area, Masquerade fiddled around with a few things and played around with them. One item that caught his eye was what looked to be an brewing stand, and a number of plants and herbs. With narrowed eyes, he considered having Twilight look at those, but thought better of it when he thought of another option. Sharply turning around to the other two changelings, he could see them both attentively waiting for him to give orders. He now knew why Serenity wanted him there, he didn't know what to do. So it was with this that Mask said, “Serenity, are you the only one here?” The stallion only gave a nod, to which Mask ordered, “Then stay here. I don't want you letting anypony into this house until other changelings get here.” Turning to the teenaged mare, Mask said in a strong tone. “Cypher.” Breaking the pail-orange unicorn from her trance, “I need you to start gathering the changelings. Get Daisy too, she had knowledge in healing and potion making. She might know a few more changeling that use to be caretakers, so they'll be needed. Send them here and try to ID each pony here. I want to know who they are and where they're from.” Moving past the two, Mask finished, “I’m going to send a letter to the Princesses. The pony we just shipped off very much might be a changing rouge.” While adding in thought, and if what I’m gathering is right, a very dangerous rouge, since I didn't even sense his changeling nature. After losing track of Masquerade and searching for five minutes, the Cutie Mark Crusaders went back and traced their steps to find any clues. At first they tried to see if they could find any clues, but quickly dropped the idea when they couldn't find the tinniest of hints. They finally caught a break when Sweetie Belle decided to just ask if anypony had seen the stallion pass by. And by luck, the elderly stallion she was asking pointed in the direction their supposed target went. All three had bolted in excitement after finding this out, assured they were once again hot on the stallion’s trail and onto finding out what was going on. Though they might not learn anything, the fillies could agree that the whole experience was overall fun. They eventually slowed when it became apparent that they couldn't see Masquerade anywhere in sight. After running a good while, they stopped completely and began looking about for any further clues. Scootaloo herself began to think back to the conversation that Masquerade had with the mare Cypher Splash. Though her fiends had a hard time hearing them whisper, she heard them just fine. Another reason we pegasus’ are awesome! The filly proudly thought while looking over each house they passed. One that caught her attention was a stone house with a red shingle roof and a small lawn. It wasn't the house itself that caught her attention, but the mailbox that had the name ‘Cinder Lock’ on it. Quickly stopping her friends, Scootaloo pointed to the house saying, “That’s the place that guy was talking about.” Getting a little giddy at her discovery. Curious, Apple Bloom asked, “An’ how d’ ya know tha’ Scoot’s?” Scrutinizing the house before her and trying to think of how her friend could know. Pointing to the mailbox, Scootaloo said, “Mailbox, duh!” Doing a small canter towards the house. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom merely looked at the other and shrugged, following after the proud pegasus. Their ears then pricked at the sound and sight of the doorknob turning. Hastily, all three fillies rushed about for improvised hiding spots, jumping or diving into them quickly. No sooner did they hid, Masquerade opened the door and rushed out of the house, surprising the fillies at how quickly he rushed by. Before they could think of leaving their hiding spots, they spotted two other ponies exit the house. The first was the teenaged mare, Cypher Splash, while the other was a well built orange pegasus stallion with a mane like fire. Turning around, Cypher said, “I’ll get Daisy first. she can probably tell me who to look for and send here.” With a nod, the stallion —who the fillies believed to be Cinder Lock— replied back, “Make it fast. I don't know how important this is, but it’s got Masquerade worked up.” Smiling, Cypher said, “Don’t worry, I’m good at getting messages out.” Charging her horn with pink magic saying, “Just hold down the fort till backup comes.” Snorting lightly, Cinder Lock said, “I use to be a guard for my clan. Holding positions was part of my job.” Making a shooing motion with his hoof. Taking the hint, Cypher activated her spell and took off with a trail of dust being kicked up. The crusaders ducked down instinctively at the sudden burst of speed the teen mare took off at. Scootalooo most of all stared after where the pony had dashed off too, shocked to see a pony that wasn't Rainbow Dash —or Pinkie Pie, but she is exempt from the laws of physics— could move so fast and so suddenly. After she left, Cinder Lock turned around and closed the door, locking it with an addible click. Once they heard this, all three fillies came out of their hiding places and gathered to a nearby window to peer in. Their sight was however blocked by curtains, forcing them to start searching for another way to look inside. “What do ya think tha’ was all ‘bout?” Apple Bloom wondered aloud, following her friends around the house. She had lost the interest in chasing after Masquerade, more curious to know what was happening here. Scootaloo was of similar thought, having more interest in knowing what was being hidden inside of the house. With a an anticipating grin at the prospect of some challenge, she said, “I don’t know, but we’re gonna find out!” Looking worried, Sweetie Belle said, “I don’t know Scootaloo… even if we can get in, I’m not sure if it’s a good idea. We could get in some big trouble for breaking in.” Wondering how things went from helping her solve the problem to her sister lead to this. “You’re only in trouble if you get caught!” Scootaloo stated to Sweetie Belle, “And we wont get caught!” Nodding in a self-assured manner. Before either of her fiends could protest further, Scootaloo’s face brightened up and made a jump to climb a wooden barrel near a cracked window. Waving for the other two, Scootaloo pulled the window up and squeezed herself in and into a bathroom. Somewhat reluctantly, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle followed after their friend, hoping to at least keep their friend out of too much trouble. Scootaloo didn't show the same level of concern, walking with some care to keep her hooves quiet and sneaking further into the house. They began their search from there, looking about the house for what was so important to make the suspected changelings to act so strangely. Or strangely for the fillies, seeing they didn't know that much of changelings besides Apple Bloom, who lived with two of them Than again… Them twins can be mighty strange. Apple Bloom thought to herself, not sure if this was unusual for changelings or not. There was also the fact Ebony and Ivory acted so different for the other changelings too, it was hard to figure out what was normal. Hearing hoof steps nearby, the Crusaders quickly made their way to another room with a stone floor and piled with few things. But what caught their attention was the red rug pushed aside to show a trapdoor. The three weighed the idea to see where it went in a silent conversation with their eyes. Their decision was made for them when they heard those same hoof steps get closer, so they all rushed to the trapdoor and ducked inside. Cinder Lock passed by the room, only giving it the briefest glance before moving on with a puzzled look. With a shake of his head he thought, After being here a few days, I’m starting wonder if this place has rats. Then moved on to do something else while he waited for the others. Below the house, the crusaders kept their ears up and alert to listen to the pegasus stallion to leave, and relaxed when they couldn't hear his hoof steps. Looking to the other, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo gave quiet giggles at avoiding the pony. They soon quieted down when they noted that one voice was missing in their giggles and looked over to Sweetie Belle. When they saw her, they noticed her stiff and ridged stance as she stared at something just around the stacked bottles around them. “Sweetie Belle?” Apple Bloom called, “Ya’ll ‘kay thar’?” Moving forwards to check on her friend. Likewise, Scootaloo moved forwards telling the white filly, “It’s all good Sweetie, that Cinder guy completely missed us!” Slightly puffing her chest at the accomplishment. Gulping, Sweetie Belle said with a nervous stutter, “G-girls… I…I don't think th-that was Cinder Lock.” Pointing ahead of herself. Following the hoof, the other two Crusaders gained panicked looks as they saw the trapped and still pegasus they had just seen earlier. But that was not all. Following the green gunk that was showing to be all over the place, they soon spotted other ponies in the same green cocoon-like containers. The fillies took small steps back when they saw the bruises and scratches on the ponies, who they realized were all mares. “W-what is this?” Scootaloo asked with some fear, not sure what to make of what she was seeing. Shaking her head and unable to take her eyes off of what she was seeing, Apple Bloom said, “I-I don’t know…but somepony’s gatta’ know ‘bout this!” Taking that to heart, Scootaloo tugged on her friends and telling them both, “Then why are we still here? Come on!” Pulling them to follow her up and out of the cellar and into the stone room. With this new discovery, they were slightly panicked and wanted to get out. This however, made more noise than they meant to make. All three fillies came to a sudden halt when another Cinder Lock —who they figured out to be a changeling— blocked them off and said, “So this place does have rats. Just not the rats I was thinking.” With that, only one thing was shared between the crusaders in one shout, “RUN!” Dashing the other way and breaking up. Folding his ears at the sudden and rather loud shout, the fake Cider Lock looked to the room they had came from and cursed. Taking off, he shouted, “Hey, you three get back here, now!” He turned to his left, chasing after the orange filly first, who ducked under a table to avoid him. Unfortunately for her, this didn't slow him down, as he jumped over the table and opened his wings slightly to glide over it and dive down. Scootaloo didn't expect him to do this, used to ponies running around things, so was caught much faster than she would have liked. “Ah, no, help!” Scootaloo shouted in panic, struggling in the physically stronger pegasus’ grasp. Before she knew it, she was tossed into some bag and watched as it was closed. The fake Cider Lock, in his haste, snatched up a potato bag that was laying about the room and stuffed the filly inside it, tying it closed and hanging it on one of the many hooks in the room. Shouts of help and constant little curses flowed from the bag as it thrashed about form it’s spot. Not pausing, the fake pony darted about the house, searching for the other two fillies. Picking up the taste of panic and fear, Cinder Lock rushed into the bathroom, where the white filly was trying to escape through an open window. It was here that he realized that he didn’t secure the house as well as he thought. His thoughts were put to the side as he rushed forwards and grabbed the filly as she was trying to make her escape. She squealed in panic and gripped at the window as she was pulled back in. Another shout was heard from outside, but the filly in his grass called out, “No, run, RUN!” Then was pulled inside. Like the last, the unicorn filly struggled in his grasp, and the faux Cinder Lock had to wonder how he could have let this happen. I must really be rusty to miss three fillies sneaking in! Cursing at himself for such a blunder as he carried a struggling filly that constantly shouted for help. With a sigh he said, “Masquerade's not going to be happy about this.” Figuring out that the voice he heard outside was the third filly, who he couldn't chase, least the two with him might escape. Not to mention she’s gone by now. I have no way of tracking her! Looking around, the false pony couldn't find another bag, but did find a large clay pot. With it’s lid and some rope, he found that it worked just as well to contain the filly and muffle her screams. Placing to clay pot under where her partner-in-crime hanged from inside a potato bag, the changeling repeated in thought, Yeah, I messed up big time.