//------------------------------// // Between Lightning and Maud (Part 2 of 5) // Story: The Rainboom Thieves // by KingJoltik //------------------------------// “So...how do you want me to do this?” asked Lightning Dust to Smoking Brick. “Well...as you know, I don't micromanage.” said Smoking Brick as finished his cigar. “I see...any extras you want me to do?” “Hmm...I'm not sure. Do whatever you want.” “Can I ask why you want these two taken care of?” “Let's just say...I'm very close to taking over the police of Manehattan.” “Let me guess, Trixie won't cooperate with you, or be bribed?” “No. According to my men, its thanks to her friend there.” “Alright. I'll get the job done.” said Lightning as she exited the room. “This is gonna be fun.” Meanwhile at the police detention center... “So let me get this straight...” said Sunset as she questioned Twilight. “Maud was arrested as soon as she picked up a gold bar?” “Yes. That's what she told me.” said Twilight as she glanced between Sunset and Trixie. “That's not what Lightning Dust told the cops.” said Trixie. “According to her, Maud had the gold bar and tried to run away from the crime scene.” “Yeah...they also told us that Maud wouldn't talk to any of the police after she was taken into custody.” said Sunset. “I guess she was waiting for somepony she could trust.” “She was waiting for a family member...” said Twilight as she scratched her chin. “What do the other cops here think?” “They're too busy celebrating.” said Trixie in an annoyed tone. “Trixie can't believe she works with such amateurs...” “Ugh...I had a feeling you were going to say that.” said Twilight as she put her hoof over her face. “Then again, I wasn't expecting much out of the police anyways...” “Sorry Dazzling Bubble.” said Sunset with a small frown. “Just call me Dazzling.” “Then just call us Sunset and Trixie then.” “Okay, well...” said Twilight as she began to gather her thoughts. “How about Lightning Dust? Can we talk to her?” “No...” said Trixie as she let out a deep huff. “She left the department soon after. Nopony knows where she is.” “Wait a minute...she just up and left?! Why?! Wouldn't this make her media gold?!” asked Twilight with a confused face. “We thought that too.” said Sunset in response. “She did tell the department that she already had another case to go for.” “Okay...Um...” said Twilight as began to think again. 'This makes no sense...why would she...' then Twilight asked Trixie something. “Hey Trixie, how many police ponies here are really here to be police?” “What do you mean?” “Well...I mean, how many are you know...thrill seekers...or maybe fame seekers?” Trixie eyebrows went up and down. “Well...most of them actually. I do know one thing about Lightning Dust though. She does seek fame. She brags about every criminal she arrests.” “Then isn't that odd for her to just leave?” “Yes. It's the main reason why I think Maud Pie is innocent.” “However, we don't have any evidence against it. Maud Pie's hoofprints were on the gold bar.” interjected Sunset. “Alright...then I don't have a choice. Me and Pinkie need to find Lightning Dust.” said Twilight with a glare of confidence. “Hold on Dazzling, don't jump to conclusions. She's a cop, remember?” “What else do you want me to do?” “Yeah!” said Pinkie suddenly. “She arrested my sister!” “Aah!” said the three as Pinkie suddenly appeared in front of them. “Pinkie! Don't be rude!” “Sorry!” said Pinkie as she lowered her head. “I'm just angry...” Twilight patted Pinkie on the back. “It's fine. We'll help your sister, alright?” “Okay...thanks.” Sunset then put her hoof on Pinkie's shoulder. “It's okay. It'll all work out. You'll see.” “Indeed.” said Trixie as she rubbed her chin. “Unfortunately Dazzling and Pinkie, we must now take our leave. Trixie must check in at the department. Some nasty rumors have surfaced recently about multiple bribes happening at the station.” “I understand.” said Twilight as she nodded her head. “Thank you.” “Why don't we meet up at the library later Dazzling?” asked Sunset. “We can catch up on things.” Twilight wanted to say no, but she knew she would need Sunset to get Trixie's help on saving Maud. “Okay. We'll meet up in...let's say three hours.” “Okay!” said Sunset with a huge smile and then she followed Trixie out of the detention center. Twilight then looked at Pinkie. “So...how's Maud?” “She's fine. She went back to her cell...I feel so bad for her...” said Pinkie as her face showed sadness more and more. “Well...she certainly was interesting...” “What do we do now?” asked Pinkie with a now curious face. “We'll get ourselves some lunch...then figure out what to do next.” “YAY LUNCH! I'm starving!” Two hours later... “So...what do you think Trixie?” asked Sunset as Trixie and her walked to Trixie's apartment. “Well...” said Trixie as she took a deep breath. “Trixie thinks foul play is happening here. Lately, the police have become overconfident due to the lesser amount of crime happening in Manehattan. Trixie thinks the police are changing into something worse. That and money is starting to be thrown around...” “You think somepony is bribing officers? How badly?” “Trixie isn't sure. The newest officers on the force aren't exactly the best ponies for the job.” “That's not good...” said Sunset as her mind raced through the information she had just been given. Then it hit her. “Do you think...do you think these new officers are somepony's way of trying to control the police?” Trixie stopped as soon as Sunset asked the question. “It's a scary thought but yes. Trixie thinks that may be the case.” “There's no evidence is there?” “No. The best evidence over something like this would be a confession.” said Trixie is a serious tone. “Ugh...that sounds hard...” said Sunset Shimmer as the two resumed walking. Then, they arrived at Trixie's apartment. “Okay Trixie...I have to meet up with Dazzling, are you sure you don't want to come?” “No...Trixie is going to grab a few things and head out as well. Trixie wants to investigate something.” said Trixie as she rummaged through her apartment. BAM! THUD! Sunset, who as the door of the apartment, suddenly fell over. Her body made a loud thud as she fell instantly unconscious. “Sunset?” yelled Trixie as she heard the noise and turned around. “You alright?” “Sorry, I'm not her.” said a voice as it approached Trixie. BAM!