//------------------------------// // Weight of the Crown // Story: Hollow Heart // by Dapper Guy //------------------------------// The Friendship Express chugged into Ponyville Station, emitting a loud hiss at it came to a stop. Normally, this train wouldn’t stand out to anypony in Ponyville; however, today it had hauled something extraordinary into this bland earth pony village. At the very end of the train’s cars was a very absurdly decorated and uniquely made caboose. It was painted a beautiful purple hue with brass trimmings around the windows’ edges. It held a magnificent aura that radiated importance. Ironically the opposite of what the occupant of said train car wished to stray away from as far as possible. “Hurry up, Spike. We need to gather everypony for the Summer Sun Celebration next week.” Her Royal Majesty, the newly crowned Princess of Friendship and Magic, Twilight Sparkle, exited her royal train car. Ponies bowed out of respect, as well as reflex at the sight of an alicorn, as Twilight made her way on to the platform. Blushing at the sight of ponies gracing her with such a profound amount of respect, Twilight Sparkle walked out of the train station with her number assistant trailing behind her. “I wish ponies would stop doing that silly bowing thing,” said Twilight as she fluttered down off the edge of the station. “I’m still Twilight Sparkle, Ponyville’s resident librarian. It’s not like I changed or anything.” “Twi, in case you hadn’t noticed, you’ve got a pair of wings sprouting out your back. Kinda makes you a big deal to ponies now, ya know?” Spike Sparkle, number one assistant and wisecracking younger adoptive brother of Twilight Sparkle, hopped down beside her as they continued on their journey home. She blushed as ponies all around greeted her with a smile and a bow. Adjusting the straps on her saddlebags, Twilight felt her thoughts return back to what Princess Celestia has asked of her earlier. “Can you believe it, Spike? Princess Celestia wants me to perform for the open ceremony for the Summer Sun Celebration? I need to get Rainbow Dash to help me with this one. She knows how to razzle-dazzle everypony.” Snrk. “Razzle-dazzle? Twilight, you need to get out more,” snorted Spike, earning him a reproachful glare from her. “I’m joking Twi, sheesh. You’re going to be a princess; you need to lighten up.” Twilight sighed inwardly as the two rounded the corner on Sugar Cube Lane. "Thanks, Spike. Like I didn’t have enough on my hooves as it was." Making a mental note that having Spike reshelve the library by title would certainly keep him too occupied to make smart remarks, Twilight collided into something very solid. “Princess Twilight!” A glint of sunlight reflecting off of metal caught her violet eyes as she squinted at the source of the voice through half closed eyes. Standing above the now dirt-covered princess was a white stallion clad in golden armor and a blue-plumed, golden helmet. The stallion’s voice carried a mild hint of hidden panic while still remaining placid as he bent low to the ground. Dusting herself off and removing a small pebble from a wing, Twilight raised an eyebrow at the sight of no less than four fully-armored Royal Guards by her front door. “Rise, please,” said Twilight. She took a small moment to make sure she had been properly cleaned by running a quick cleansing spell over herself to make herself presentable. I guess Princess Celestia needs me. “Hello, sirs. It’s good to see you all.” “Thank you, Princess Twilight!” all four of them said in perfect unison. One stallion broke away from the line and bent down on one knee towards her. “Princess Twilight, I am Sergeant Edge. We have grave news for you.” The guardstallion remained silent for a moment before Twilight realized he was waiting for her command to relay his message. “Oh, please inform of your charge to me. Sergeant Edge,” said Twilight, hastily adding in the sergeant’s name at the end. She could tell that she looked nervous but suppressed the sudden urge to facehoof in front of the guards. “We received a request by Ponyville’s police force to have you come to Ponyville Hospital immediately to give aid in an investigation.” Producing a scroll from underneath one of his wings, he hoofed it over to Twilight as delicately as a mare would handle a foal. Edge’s words registered in Twilight’s ears, but she couldn’t comprehend what he meant. “Uh, Sergeant, I’m not a detective or anything. Why would Ponyville’s police force need me?” Taking the scroll from the guardspony, her eyes flitted over the words written inside. While the message was not long, a few things stuck out to Twilight. The names of Filthy Rich and Diamond Tiara caught her attention, however, near the end; they nearly made her drop the letter. “An attack on the Rich Manor?” sputtered Twilight. Sergeant Edge nodded. “Yes, princess. We wish to escort you personally to the hospital to ensure this arsonist doesn’t try to attempt to attack you, if you will permit it.” Despite the lack of any kind of emotion in his words, it was easy to tell for Twilight that they’d follow her if she didn’t allow it. “Of course, sirs. I would be happy to have you escort me.” Each guard snapped to attention and immediately flanked Twilight’s sides as Edge about-faced. The fourth guard trotted up to Spike and lowered himself to his belly, allowing the young dragon to clamber on to his back. “Well, let’s get going, then.” - - - - - Throughout the course of two years, Ponyville Hospital had seen its fair share of victims of bizarre incidents, weird ailments and flat-out horrible accidents. Today, however, was one that certainly would be whispered about for years to come. Four armored stallions marched through the glass doors in lockstep as they entered the facility. In their midst was the newly-christened Princess Twilight Sparkle. Twilight felt her stomach drop as everypony’s eye became locked on her. As the once-pleasant atmosphere began to turn sour, a lone cobalt blue mare walked over to the new arrivals. “Princess Twilight, it’s an honor to meet you.” Sergeant Edge’s wings spread out, forming a protective wall between the newcomer and the princess. “I take it you're one of the police ponies assigned to this case, correct?” “Yes, sir. My name is Deep Study, acting crime scene investigator.” The mare flicked a stray purple hair from her mane that had fallen over her eye. “I need to ask that, for secrecy reasons, the royal guard remain outside of the room as we conduct our investigation.” Edge lunged at Deep Study so fast that Twilight could feel the pull in the air. “Out of the question, Study. We have no clear idea as to who or what the supposed attacker is. I refuse to comply with your request,” spat Edge. Twilight sidestepped between the two as the searing tension started to unsettle everypony present. “I have an idea. Sergeant, why don’t you keep an eye on me in the room? Surely one more won’t cause any problems, Study?” inquired Twilight with a pleading look. Deep Study raised a hoof to her police badge pinned to her red tie around her throat. Edge remained steadfast, his face implacable as he continued to observe Study while keeping an eye on Twilight. “Very well, princess,” said Study. “However, he must remain at the door, so as not to get in the way. We’ve already passed the allowable amount of ponies within one room by hospital standards. Even we can’t violate these rules any further without facing punitive charges.” Study turned and began walking down the hallway before anypony could utter another word. “Well, that settles that,” muttered Twilight. Taking a step back, Twilight turned to face the guard with Spike on his back. “Spike, stay here with the guard, alright?” Spike scrunched up his face but bobbed his head in understanding. Giving him a quick peck on the cheek, Twilight and the guards all trotted after Study, who remained standing at the far end of the hall. “I hope that you’re prepared for what you’re about to see, princess,” said Study as the five ponies walked down another hallway. Odd chemicals and cleaning supplies wafted through the air, irritating Twilight’s nose. Study’s head swiveled behind her, and her eyes darted around, taking in everything around her. “The security of this incident cannot be made public; I can’t stress this enough, princess.” A guttural cough, more like a bark, escaped from Edge, a clear indication of his displeasure of Study’s bluntness toward Twilight. Despite the vocal warning, she didn’t even take a glance back as she continued to talk. “We have no idea how credible the witnesses’ testimonies are, given the description of the chain of events.” Deep Study halted in front of a door labeled with a purple cross on it. Several voices could be heard inside, loud enough to be heard through the door with clear precision. Whether it was the sudden realization that they had arrived or how she remained in the dark, Twilight felt her heart begin to beat like a war drum. “Guards, keep your eyes peeled,” commanded Edge in his booming voice. The two positioned themselves on the sides of the door before Twilight could blink. I don’t care what anypony says about the Royal Equestrian Guards; they sure take their job seriously. Letting Deep Study pass in front of her, Twilight entered the room. Four ponies in police uniforms were leaning against the walls, each sporting a polished police badge exactly like Deep Study’s. A white mare sporting a red cross for a cutie mark was changing out an IV bag on one of a patient hidden behind a curtain. The sound of an EKG monitor beeped at a set pace, a welcomed sign of hope in a hospital. A caramel-colored doctor was busy reading off a clipboard hovering in the air with green magic. Pulling himself away from his papers, he finally noticed the newest additions to the room. “Princess Twilight, I’m glad to see you’ve arrived.” At once, everypony leapt to their feet and rushed over to her. A white wing flew out, blocking the oncoming swarm of ponies from the princess. “Everypony stand back from Princess Sparkle, immediately.” Twilight couldn’t see, but she heard all of the ponies stepping away from him. Deep Study cursed under her breath as she shot Edge a disconcerting look. “Guard, while I find your devotion to royalty admirable, I have to ask that you keep your tone in check around my patients,” snapped somepony from beyond Twilight’s vision. The white wing lowered itself, revealing the guard in a standoff with the doctor. “I’m considering that your one warning. Any future outburst will result in your immediate removal from my hospital, understand?” Edge leered at the wizened doctor, almost as if he was about to attack him. “Understood.” Edge walked to the side of the room, keeping his eye on Twilight like a bird of prey. Seeing as the mood had died down, Twilight presented herself to the doctor. “Twilight Sparkle, Ponyville Librarian and newest Princess of Equestria.” The old pony dropped to a hoof in a bow before rising up with a toothy smile. “Doctor Set Right, Ph. D. and Director of Ponyville Hospital. It’s a pleasure to meet with you, princess. Mind you, I would like to ask that you keep your personal guards from breaking into my hospital in the remaining future.” Dr. Right’s bent horn lit up as he levitated the clipboard from his back. “There is one question I want answers to, Dr. Right. What do you need me for? I’m not that well versed in medical practices to be of actual help.” While her modesty was in full display, Dr. Right chuckled as he laid a reassuring hoof on Twilight’s withers. “I can assure you, Princess Twilight, that you will be an invaluable asset in this case.” Pulling back the curtain concealing the first patient, the doctor waved a hoof for Twilight to follow his lead. “Especially with what we’re currently dealing with, I need somepony whose magical expertise extends beyond conventional magical instruction.” Twilight felt her heart skip a few beats as she saw the pony lying on the hospital bed. Filthy Rich, local businesspony and entrepreneur, had a breathing mask affixed to his muzzle. A large burn pattern ran down Rich’s side. Burnt hair was scattered around the white hospital sheets as the large black scar trailed across his body. Twilight winced, as she could see that the blackened tissue was set deep beneath the skin level. “What could have done this?” Twilight asked as she moved to Rich’s bedside. “Exactly the problem, Princess. Fire, even magical, couldn’t have caused nerve damage to this level, if the Rich family is to believed.” Dr. Right produced a syringe from within his coat, the white liquid inside swirling inside almost if it was alive. “We’ve administered a hundred CC’s of magically-empowered morphine into his system to keep the pain at bay. Anything less has done nothing to keep our patient from screaming out in pain.” While she investigated the widespread wound, Twilight shivered at the thought of being pumped full of a narcotic to keep the pain away. Small flecks of skin were scattered around the sheets, dotting the pristine bedsheets as she continued to observe Filthy Rich’s condition. The burns go deeper than the dermis level, searing off some of the nerve endings. “Glad you’re not the squeamish type, princess. When he was first administered, we had to scrape away copious amounts of skin and sterilize the burn areas.” Placing a hoof above Rich’s side, the doctor checked his hoofwatch, muttering numbers beneath his breath. “Tell me, do you notice anything particularly odd about Mr. Rich’s burns?” As Dr. Right stepped aside for her, Twilight took her place by Rich’s bedside. While not having an in-depth knowledge of equine physiology, she had a rudimentary understanding of minor injuries. Stray hairs dotted where the skin had been blackened. Red welts wept bodily fluids as they ruptured. Tracing over the outline, Twilight squinted, nitpicking every small detail she could see. Wait a minute. Taking a step away from the hospital bed, a painful realization overtook Twilight as she saw what Dr. Right meant. At first glance, the injury spread out evenly across Rich. However, looking at it now from afar, it was obvious to see the composition of the wound. It formed a lopsided ring, retaining a healthier, bright shade of pink which grew darker as it centered on Rich’s ribcage. “Unnerving, isn’t it,” croaked Dr. Right as he stroked the stubble on his chin in irritation. “Magical attack on a pony in their own home. A very serious crime indeed.” Writing down a quick note on his papers, Dr. Right hoofed over the clipboard to the nurse, who left the room in a blur. “Which is exactly why we’re here, princess.” A squat police pony separated himself from the other officers against the wall and propped himself up on the bed railing. “The name’s Brief Case and I’ve heard all the jokes. I’m acting forensics specialist on this case, and there’s a few facts you need to be aware of.” Case dove underneath Rich’s bed and reemerged with a cardboard box and a thick, red folder. “This is the current case file on the incident, along with an autopsy report hot off the press and ‘something’ worth looking at.” Twilight felt her hooves tingle as whatever this ‘something’ was gave off a stomach-churning sensation. Unicorns could sense magical disturbances or high concentrations of magic with their horns. Since her ascension, this particular feeling had increased tenfold in her horn. “What’s in the box, Brief Case?” asked Twilight. “Before we get to that, I’d like to go over the case summary with you. Deputy Deep, would you bring that table over to the front of the bed? Thank you, darling.” Deep did as she was told, while Case hoofed over his items to the remaining officers. “Last night, Ponyville Police Department had four visitors at our front doors. Two were conscious, while the other two were nearly banging on the white pony’s door if we hadn’t immediately gotten them here.” Flipping open the case file, four pictures slid out towards Twilight. “These two,” said Brief, pointing a hoof at one elderly stallion and a pink mare with diamond earrings, “were carrying these two.” Twilight picked up the photographs with her magic, keeping the pairs that Case had designated as separate. She remembered the first time coming back to Ponyville after her coronation. Filthy Rich had been waiting patiently, for hours she guessed, at the library to invite her to a private soiree of his. It hadn’t been the first and certainly not the last. Twilight didn’t exactly have any reason to hold anything against Mr. Rich. As soon as she saw the other picture, Twilight nearly lost control and tore the picture in half. “Silver Spoon was injured, too?” The filly’s tortured smile in the picture almost looked as if she was suffering from something that the picture didn’t capture at the moment. She had seen the little filly in the library, quite frequently now for some reason. “Yes, the daughter of Golden Knife and Bronze Fork. Ms. Spoon has already been treated and discharged from the hospital. Her injuries were incredibly light in comparison to his,” said Case, hiking a hoof towards Rich. Pulling out another sheet, Case pulled out a black and white photograph as large as the papers inside. Several small ones had red circles drawn on them in marker. “This is the remains of the Rich Manor as of this morning. Fire crews were only just now able to contain the blaze before finally extinguishing it. From what we can tell, the fire started from the eastern wing of the manor and then leveled everything down to the foundation from there.” Before Twilight could examine the photos, Case slammed down the box from earlier on the table. “This is one of two of the main reasons we needed you, princess.” Pulling back the flaps, the short stallion pulled out a jar that radiated a dim violet light. “How... no. This can’t be! Is that what I think it is?” mumbled Twilight as her brain swore her eyes must be deceiving her. A ball of purple fire danced wildly in the jar as it burned on a broken piece of wood. As it continued to burn, the fire never consumed more than what was in the jar. Case passed the jar over to Twilight, who snatched it up greedily. This is impossible, even with advanced unicorn magic in pyrokinesis. “That’s been burning since last night, and it hasn’t gone out. We tried controlling the blaze with water, but it would reignite as soon as it went out,” explained Case. “We immediately used storm clouds that were seeded with an extinguishing agent. It’s been in development in Cloudsdale for a while now. Luckily enough, its dry run was a complete success.” Turning the glass around in her hooves, she placed a hoof on the lid. Applying a small amount of pressure, she confirmed that the jar was sealed tight. No steady amount of oxygen was making its way inside to fuel the fire. “This is well beyond anything I’ve ever seen,” said Twilight in a mixed tone of fear and excitement. Her muzzle was so close to the glass that her breaths began to fog it. “Princess Twilight, you’re one of the most well-versed magic users in Equestria. We weren’t sure if we should send this evidence to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns and risk it fading away or ask an expert in the field to come here.” Deep Study whipped out a small notebook from inside the collar of her tie. Licking her lips, she pulled her attention away from what she was reading to properly address her. “There’s one final thing you need to be aware of.” The finality in Deep’s voice struck hard, as if the words were going to be worse than somepony capable of wielding such dark magic. “And that would be?” Deep Study sucked in a breath before hoofing over her notebook. “All four witnesses confirmed to seeing a white sheet flying in the kitchen and conjuring fire. Whatever this thing was, it didn’t resemble anything remotely equine in shape or form.” Twilight’s head swam at the implications. As impossible as it sounds, the only creature in Equestria capable of flight and magic is an alicorn. Not to mention the level and type of magic in play here, there’s not much else it could be. There are no other alicorns in Equestria besides Celestia, Luna, Cadence and myself, right? “Detectives, I thank you for bringing this to my attention. I will do everything I can to protect Equestria and make sure that the perpetrator is caught,” said Twilight, a strong sense of zeal in her voice. Wrapping the container within a sphere of dense magic, it vanished in a blink back to Twilight’s lab down below the library. “I’ll report any findings that I come across to you immediately, Deep.” The four officers bowed their heads. “You have Ponyville’s Police Department’s gratitude, Princess Twilight. If you need anything pertaining to this case, we’ll keep our doors open all day and all night for you.” Giving a small bow herself, Twilight began to walk out the door before coming to a quick halt. “There’s just one last thing before I go. You said that Filthy Rich and Silver Spoon were here in the hospital. I recognize Mr. Rich’s wife, Lustrous Pearl, and the family butler. So where’s Mr. Rich’s daughter, Diamond Tiara?” One by one, each officer removed their respective hats and placed them across their chest. “I’m sorry to say, Princess Twilight, that she hasn’t been found yet.” Twilight felt a knee jerking tug deep within her, unable to look the detective in the eye. Whatever had committed this crime would face the severest punishment in Equestria’s history.