//------------------------------// // The Adventure of the Librarian's Consort // Story: Trixie Lulamoon - Consulting Detective // by DEI Caboose //------------------------------// The Reminiscences of Princess Twilight Sparkle It had been such a long time since we had last met, so many moons ago under such different circumstances. I would often wonder if we would ever actually meet again, to make right what once went wrong those two fateful days in Ponyville. I wondered what feelings she would meet me with. Anger? Hate? Joy? Sadness? There was simply no way to The Princess groaned in heavy annoyance, hastily scribbling over the words she had just written with her inked quill. Page after page after page, and she still had not yet even started the newest project she had recently undertaken. "A thousand books and even more essays and yet you can't even write a simple journal introduction!" In the back of her mind, Princess Twilight realised that there was really nothing wrong with what she had written so far, but she just wasn't satisfied with the quality of her efforts. It seemed that her unrelenting boredom was making her feel quite critical at the moment. This was a matter of utmost importance, a princesses journal, the reminisces of Twilight Sparkle. Everything she had done, and everything she would ever do collected in one place for the world to see, to be studied, questioned, lauded or laughed at. She had forgotten her book bag and was so bored she elected to write her own. Twilight fell back against her cushioned seat with a groan, almost slipping off to the side as the train carriage chugged along around yet another corner. She leaned her head against the nearest window, allowing her half closed eyes to lazily scan over the passing countryside. The journey to Canterlot might take half a lifetime, but the view was undoubtedly breathtaking, almost making its longevity worth it. Twilight however refused to be distracted by the sight, her thoughts staying elsewhere on the task ahead. She placed the pristine brown journal back into her saddlebag, and after some ruffling within she emerged with an extravagant azure envelope, she opened it with her magic and pulled out a noticeably worn piece of paper contained inside. She had read the letter before, and now she would read it once again, the words providing a desired sort of companionship. To Her Royal Highness... the fourth one. It is I, you know who. Unless you forgot, in which case how dare you. Either way allow me to reintroduce myself. Behold, Me! Queen Trixie, Descendant of Starswirl, The Illustrious Lulamoon, The Greatest and most Humble, M. D. One of those was a lie, three guesses which. Anyways, Trixie requires you to help resolve a friendship problem her magic studies a matter of Life or Death! Quite literally too, and no, I won't tell you anymore, I'm hoping to arouse your curiosity to the point you can't deny yourself the opportunity of finding out what I really want. "I really hate you sometimes, Trixie." Seriously though, ponies will most probably be killed if you don't come. And also no, I will not be the one doing said killing. If you decide to accept my oh so generous offer, you may find me at my humble abode at Apartment B, 221 Basil Street, Canterlot. Yes, I live in a building now. I implore you to come as soon as it is convenient, if inconvenient come anyway. Matter of Life or Death remember? Sincerely The Great and Powerful Trixie P. S. Bring your crown. Twilight leaned back with a snort, just like she had done every other time she had read the letter over the past week. She had decided not to obey Trixie's request to come at once, even if it was an inconvenience, as she had duties to attend to and could not just up and leave to pander to Trixie's invitation. Even if it was the matter of Life or Death that she so claimed. Twilight was however on her way the moment it did become convenient, though not without some pestering from her friends and her crown in tow. Twilight ultimately decided that her friends probably wouldn't get along with Trixie after all she had done, and since Trixie seemed to barely be able to tolerate Twilight, she doubted that Trixie would be willing to welcome them all with open fetlocks. Which was why Twilight found herself alone in a train on her way to Canterlot to meet her former rival/archenemy/random acquaintance regarding a matter she had absolutely no knowledge of. "It's all uphill from here." Canterlot was such a marvel. Ponyville was home but Canterlot is and always will be with me. I remember it all, the little bakery on the corner, the smell of ancient paper in the library. I would be lying if I said I didn't miss it often, even if it was almost overwhelming in its nature. My meeting with Trixie drew ever closer, and I couldn't deny that the sight of a familiar face in the great wilderness of Canterlot would be a pleasant thing indeed to a lonely mare. Twilight coughed as the carriage came to a halt, jolting awake at the sudden stop. She peeked out of the carriage window, her coat glistening due to the shining gaslights that littered the quiet street. Her long journey had come to a close, and she had arrived at her destination of Basil Street at dusk. "Well... No turning back now," she spoke to herself. Paying the cab driver, she exited into the street, the cold air hitting her like a punch, she briefly rubbed her legs in an attempt to generate some heat, before she went on her way down the deserted pavement, illuminated by the street lamps and lights shining out through the house windows at her side. Rounding a corner, she found herself in a street filled with multiple three story houses, all noticeable worn with age and continuous repair. All were completely unremarkable, save for one which drew Twilight’s gaze. "What in the?" One house stood out from the rest, not in design or structure but from a strangeness emanating from a set of windows on its second floor. Twilight stared bemused at the sight, as a flash of a seemingly random colour who occur every few seconds from behind the windows' closed curtains. Red, green, yellow, blue and a whole plethora of colours Twilight couldn't identify specifically. "Gee, I wonder who's causing that!" Twilight remarked to herself in a deadpan tone, before deciding that talking to herself alone in a dark street really wasn't doing her any favours. She approached the house with the flashing windows, and was completely unsurprised to find that the front door housed a prominent number 221. Twilight drew in a breath. Climbing up the front steps, Twilight could not help but stand still before the mahogany door, suddenly feeling hesitant to knock. 'Come on Twilight, she invited you. If it wasn't going to be on civil terms I doubt Trixie would go to all this trouble,' was Twilight's reasoned thought, though she absentmindedly pondered the fact that she had underestimated just how far Trixie was willing to go for revenge before, and it had nearly cost her everything. 'She's different now, I believe that!' Twilight thought with conviction. She raised her hoof and tapped on the door, firm and loud to make herself known to its occupants. Twilight groaned when she realised that the flashing from the windows above continued despite her announcing her arrival. She knocked on the door once more, and could hear the taps of hooves on wood within as a heavy figure approached. "Yeah just a moment, I'm coming!" Twilight was happy to hear a response, but was put off when she realised that the voice definitely did not belong to The Great and Powerful Trixie, it wasn't even that of a mares. The door opened with a click, and Twilight found herself face to face with a plump ginger stallion, rings around his eyes and wrinkled creases morphed his features. He looked tired, as if he was reluctant to be alive. He perked up however the moment he laid eyes on Twilight. "Oh my gosh it's actually happening! I expected somepony to come but didn't think I'd get the Princess herself!" He let out a gleeful sigh. "Ah that mad mare don't stand a chance against you." He spoke with a traditional Canterlot accent, though it was not as refined as the nobles or even Twilight herself. The Princess, though confused, responded with a well meaning question suited to address all of her queries. "Beg your pardon?" The stallion at the door's expression faltered for a moment, unsure how he should respond. "The letters I've been sending? Requests to have my tenant institutionalised? Ring any bells?" Twilight blinked. "Can't say that they do," she spoke with uncertainty. She broke into an awkward grin as the stallion effectively deflated upon hearing the news. "Aw! You got my hopes up!" After taking a moment to groan, he turned back to Twilight, and continued to speak with much less enthusiasm. "So why are you here then, Your Highness? I pay my taxes,” he dejectedly asked, leaning his back against the door frame. Twilight took one more look at the window above, a flash of purple now occurring in the sequence of colours. "I am here to see your tenant, but not for the reason you were hoping for. Sorry," Twilight apologetically replied. The stallion straightened from his slouch, his disappointment vanishing slowly from his features. "Well can't say I'm surprised, they threatened to send me into the looney bin myself after my thirtieth try," he said with a chuckle. Twilight giggled slightly herself. "Is she really that bad?" Twilight asked on instinct, but also out of genuine curiosity, eager to hear an outsider's view of Trixie. The stallion's unamused look returned in force. "You have met this mare right? The amount of property damage, noise complaints and just general strangeness is insane! And the things she keeps in the fridge! I tell ya, if she weren't so loaded..." BANG Twilight yelped as the noise reached her ears, almost shattering her eardrums. She instinctively cupped her head in her hooves, and once more observed the second floor windows. The glass from one window now looked as if it was covered in a thousand drops of rain, having cracked under the force of the blast. The only thing that seemed to be keeping the freckled specs of glass in place was its frame. "And there goes another window!" The stallion shouted up into the sky, but after several contemplative moments his stoic expression returned, and he turned his gaze back to the startled Twilight. "Well... She might be done with whatever it is she was doing now, you should head up while she's still unoccupied." Twilight just stared on at the stallion with bewilderment, confused at how he could seem so casual when a literal explosion had just occurred above them. Returning her hooves to the pavement and rising from her crouched position, she followed the stallion inside the abode, the warmth from within quickly covering her like a welcoming blanket. She took in the quaint interior, it seemed so unremarkably ordinary for someone as extravagant as Trixie to call home. Turning to the stallion, Twilight nodded her head. "Thank you for your time, Mister...?" She paused upon realising that she didn't actually know the stallion's name yet. The stallion bowed his head. "Mr. Muzzson. Don't mention it, always a pleasure to serve royalty,” Muzzson turned, ready to disappear through another door, but halted in order to speak to Twilight one last time. “Care for tea? Coffee? It's no fuss.” Twilight was parched and accepted Muzzson’s offer for tea in an instant, and also asked him if he could make Trixie whatever it was she normally had as well. He accepted without argument, chuckling as he walked away, saying something about tea probably not having the ‘kick’ Trixie demanded. Twilight thought about asking him what he meant by that, but concluded that it was probably just an inside joke of his. Ascending the black painted stairs, Twilight approached the first door she came across, the one adorned with a delicate golden ‘B.’ The flashes appeared to now be occurring again, as she could see the occasional glow of light emanate from the crack under the door. Knocking three times, Twilight stood in anticipation, uncharacteristically fiddling with her mane as she waited. After seeing yet another blue flash expel from behind the door, Twilight scowled with growing impatience. “Trixie!” Twilight half yelled at the wood, knocking again. “Trixie open up. It's me Twilight Sparkle!” Waiting again, there was no response, just another mocking expulsion of light. Twilight growled and laid a hoof on the door handle, and with great satisfaction she found that the door was unlocked. Either Trixie was ignoring her or she somehow still had not heard her, either way Twilight was going in. The door swung open, and Twilight’s lungs immediately fiddled with thick black smoke. The room was overwhelmed with the stuff. She stumbled into the room, waving her hooves around in an attempt to dissipate the fog of dark air. Her horn lit up as she closed the door behind her, to prevent as much smoke from drifting into the hallway as possible, she doubted Muzzson would appreciate his premises being ruined. “T-Trixie?” Twilight coughed out, drawing her magic to the large unbroken window next to the shattered one that faced the street. She opened it and the blinding smoke immediately started to vanish as clean air filled the room. Twilight heaved as the darkness cleared, but she had no time to relax, not when she spotted what was situated in the middle of the room. Within the centre sat a transparent tub of water, more specifically an escape artist's water tank, with four panes of glass held together by a metal base and a trapdoor roof, which was opened. It was filled to the brim with the clear liquid, some having overflowed onto the navy carpeted floor. Trixie was within it, floating upside down with her eyes closed. “Oh my gosh, Trixie!” Twilight screamed. Leaping into action, Twilight grasped a nearby hatstand with her magic, spinning it around, preparing to smash the glass and free the helpless magician. Trixie's eyes shot open with annoyance. “Trixie?!” Twilight paused, but still held the stand steady. She sighed with relief when Trixie began to maneuver herself from inside the tank, becoming right side up and gently swimming to the surface. As her head broke the water Twilight’s knees buckled and the stand fell from the air. She looked up to greet and if needed assist the mare who had invited her, and who had just appeared to be in an awful situation. She was met with the image of Trixie staring at a stopwatch. “Forty-six seconds. Not bad, but room for improvement!” The Great and Powerful Trixie suddenly proclaimed, while Twilight sat in stunned silence. “More spells are needed however! Fireworks alone aren't satisfactory enough!” Trixie continued to say, as she gracefully exited the tank, climbing down the side with water dripping everywhere. Twilight just squeaked as Trixie walked right by her, seemingly oblivious to the fact that that she was not alone anymore. Trixie was completely engrossed in what she was doing, and had now begun to messily scribble onto a notebook, located at a desk on the far side of the room in front of the windows, with her magic while she continued to look at her stopwatch. Twilight soon regained the ability to form coherent speech, and did not even attempt to mask her vivid displeasure. “Trixie Lulamoon!” She screamed at the mare, who jumped in fright, as if Twilight had just snuck up on her like a spectre. “Bah! Sparkle!” Trixie spurted out, proceeding to fidget and slick back her wet mane while shrinking under Twilight’s seething gaze. “Were you not ever taught that it is rude to sneak up on somepony like that? Trixie almost had a heart attack!” “You almost had a heart attack?!” Twilight barked, and stomped towards Trixie, who ran behind her desk. “What on earth did you think you were doing? You were under water! There was smoke everywhere!” Twilight leaned over the desk as Trixie sought shelter under it. “You could have hurt yourself! What you were doing was completely reckless!” Veering back, Twilight leaned through the gap under the desk, where Trixie had stuffed herself into. “What have you got to say for yourself?” Twilight finished, waiting for Trixie’s expected reply. Trixie dangled the stopwatch she held in Twilight’s face, a bright grin forming on her muzzle. “Trixie beat her high score!” Twilight’s face held several expressions, all trying to convey just how absurd she found Trixie's response. Walking back several steps, she sat down and just continued to stare as Trixie exited from her haven under the desk, throwing the watch onto the table. “If you must know, Twilight Sparkle,” Trixie began, closing the window that Twilight had previously opened with little effort. Facing her guest, Trixie commenced with her explanation of her actions. “If you must know, Trixie was researching something, a little question that had been nipping at her thoughts every now and again. We all become fatigued from exertion, be it physical, mental or whatever, so Trixie decided to see what would happen if she performed her magic whilst under duress, or some other form of exertion preying on her strength and concentration. Observe!” She motioned towards the water tank with a hoof, the water having calmed since Trixie had exited it. “Trixie experimented to see if her ability to conduct magic was limited whilst under water, consecutively, Trixie would find out if conducting magic affects how long she is able to hold her breath, which being a specialised escape artist is a something of an importance.” Returning to her desk, Trixie held her notebook high. “At this time my work is incomplete, but my initial studies confirm my hypothesis that casting magic is much harder, but not impossible! Plus the added strain from concentrating on spells makes you expel oxygen quicker, and therefore make it more difficult to remain submerged. In short, doing magic underwater is dangerous, but not to be ignored as a possibility if needed!” Finishing with a sigh, Trixie threw her notebook to her desk, and once more slicked her damp mane back, it having become disheveled from her fleeing from Twilight. The Princess in question was viewing the magician with wide eyes, which Trixie found rather unnerving. “Sparkle, your staring is creepy, cease with your creepiness.” Twilight blinked, looked to the water tank, then the notebook, and then back to Trixie, she would repeat this several times before responding in a quizzical tone. “You were… conducting research?” “Your observation is astounding, Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight rose, watching as Trixie retrieved the fallen hatstand Twilight had almost used to smash the glass. “Like… Asking questions and studying, research?” “... I thought you were supposed to be the smart one of your little group, or did Trixie request the wrong pony?” Trixie snidely remarked, but in a tone that indicated that she wasn't being entirely serious. Twilight laughed a genuine laugh, one of her previous predeterminations of Trixie fading from her memory. “Sorry, it's just you never really struck me as somepony who had the… Temperament for research, you seem more like a ‘wing it’ kind of pony.” Twilight replied, stepping back as Trixie continued to clean up. Trixie's brow furrowed. “Trixie will try not to take offence to that statement. But yes, Trixie considers herself an intellectual, it's not just enough to know spells, you need to know when best to use them and when not to.” Trixie picked up a purple witches hat adorned with stars from the floor, which Twilight realised must have have fallen off of the stand when she had hastily picked it up, she had not even noticed it until Trixie drew her attention to it. “Look Trixie, I'm sorry for snapping at you. But for a second I thought you had drowned and your room was on fire!” Twilight exclaimed, with unnecessary emphasis. Trixie chuckled, slicking her mane back one final time before placing the prized hat upon her head, Trixie's horn lit up, and a similarly detailed cape then flew in from a concealed location, with Trixie spinning around as the cape wrapped itself around her neck. Trixie finished with a tip of her hat in Twilight’s direction once her ensemble was complete. Twilight resisted the urge to applaud, it was unarguably a relatively simple form of magic, but Trixie showy way of casting it made it appear more impressive that it should have been. ‘It's good to see that she's in high spirits, I guess she's moved on since Ponyville.’ Trixie then removed her hat and cape almost as fast as she had put them on. “These things smell like smoke! Trixie cannot venture out into the night with filthy garments!” She threw them both away with her magic, turning away as if she had just emptied out her garbage. Twilight was surprised, as she was under the impression that Trixie's wizard wardrobe held some sentimental value for her, it was after all the only thing she had ever seen her wear. “No matter, Trixie's wardrobe is vast and extensive! But before we get to that… Twilight Sparkle!” Twilight jumped at Trixie suddenly calling her name, and watched her with curious concern. “Trixie must ask, did you bring your crown?” Twilight complied and revealed her crown from within her saddlebag, prompting Trixie's smirk to grow devilish. “Excellent! Trixie knew she could rely on her greatest foe! Come! Come! We haven't a moment to lose, I shall explain all there is to know on the way.” Trixie turned, exiting through another door, Twilight looked in, and found it to be some form of walk in closet, with an assortment of spectacular and at times random articles of clothing littering the walls, everything from dresses to drag. Hearing ruffling within, Twilight took a moment to contemplate the situation and realised just how fast Trixie was moving things along. ‘We haven't even said “Hello” to each other yet, I had no idea what I should’ve expected coming here, but nothing like this!’ “Trixie, I have some questions!” Twilight yelled into the wardrobe, the shuffling slowed but didn't halt. “Not to worry, my dear Sparkle. Trixie will be happy to answer all queries soon enough, we can not delay however! There is a mystery to be solved and a villain to apprehend! I warned you that this was a matter of Life or Death! Now…” The shuffling stopped, and Trixie's hooves tapped on the carpet as she reentered her living room, Twilight tilted her head at Trixie's new appearance. Her cape and hat and been cast aside in favour of a thick black coat that reached down to her flank, with a wide-upturned collar that almost reached her chin. Her neck was covered by a scarf that appeared to be of a similar style to her wizarding outfit, being purple in colour and adorned by many small golden and silver stars. It was a rapid departure from Trixie's prior attire. Twilight could only say one thing in response to Trixie's reveal. “I must admit, that is a nice coat.” Trixie bowed. “Thank you. Now, time is not on our side, we must make haste if we are to bring this investigation to a close swiftly. Come along, Sparkle. We must venture out to the library. If we are fast enough you might even be able to make the morning train!” With her exclamations finished, Trixie ran out of the door, her coat flowing behind her much like her cape discarded behind her. Twilight stood still, her brain trying to decipher all that Trixie had just told her, trying to work out just what the heck was going on. “Mystery? Villain? Library? Morning train?! Trixie get back here! What in the name of Celestia is going on?” Twilight followed on, taking a moment to blow out the candles and close the door behind her, hooves tapping on the steps as she rushed out of the front door. She didn't even notice Mr. Muzzson stood with a tray adorned with two cups of tea on his back and a unamused expression. “Typical…” He said lazily to himself, a strange scent then met his nostrils, prompting him to sniff the air. “Why do I smell smoke?” I went off into the night with no direction and no idea except for Trixie's word. I wondered for a moment if I had a made a huge mistake, like Trixie was leading me astray in order to take advantage of me, this train of thought would come back to me later when this actually did happen, but with admittedly positive results. But this is not relevant to the current occurances. We walked down the darkened street for a while before Trixie hailed a passing cab. I still had no idea where we were going, but Trixie assured me that the journey would provide ample time for her to explain everything of importance to me. “Trixie, you promised you would explain. Tell me what is going on! Why did you want me to bring my crown? Why do you live in a house? Why is this a matter of Life or Death? Why a mystery? Why a villain? What library? And what about the tea!?” Trixie just sat in silence as Twilight went on her audacious rant beside her, having taken to leaning against the door of the carriage they were situated in once Twilight carried on longer than expected. A passing driver had been gracious enough to stop and was willing to chauffeur them to their destination. Twilight had taken this opportunity to voice her complaints and growing concerns. “I came here out of the goodness of my heart and because you asked, Trixie. The least you could do is tell me why.” Twilight finished sternly, crossing her legs and waiting for Trixie's response, she could not help but slouch in her chair slightly, happy to be off of her hooves once again. Trixie shook her head in understanding. “Very well, Sparkle. Trixie does owe you that much she admits. It is a long story, will be abridged and may even seem implausible at points, but I assure you it is the truth. Trixie would prefer for you to withhold any questions until she’s finished, is that acceptable?” Twilight nodded in response, adopting a calmer look as Trixie seemingly struggled to begin. “After the Alicorn Amulet, I was lost. My career as a magician was dead and I had lost any and all drive to reclaim it, I wandered the land for a while, taking odd jobs to keep myself afloat, eventually I ended up back in Canterlot.” Trixie had dropped the third person from her speech, which didn't go unnoticed by Twilight. “While I was here I… reconnected with somepony from my past, and long story short she agreed to provide for me so long as I meet her conditions and don't break them.” Trixie was evidently uncomfortable with this part of her subject, so Twilight decided to avoid questions about who this ‘Provider’ was for the time being. “With my new found wealth I took up my residence at Basil Street, Mr. Muzzson was willing to put up with my so called "eccentricities" as he calls them after I helped him out with a problem of his, that, and I reward him a handsome fee for my tenant-ship. He's a good guy, even if he lies about Trixie not getting on his nerves.” Trixie coughed due to her brief use of the third person, before continuing with her story. Twilight listened intently, the passing sights from outside the carriage windows not distracting her in the slightest. “After a few more odd jobs I just became bored, my reputation was ruined and I had no means to resume my show; that was of of my ‘Provider's conditions, no more spotlights. I then ran into a mare by the name of Detective Inspector Sentinel Brit, down at the local tavern. Now, she was investigating a particularly intriguing crime involving three barmaids, nine hundred and fifteen bits, and a sponge tapped to a hair dryer. She had absolutely no idea where the bits had ended up, so I gave her some ideas, like what I would have done if I was in their position you know? Well guess what? I was on the right track, they followed it up, and they found the bits right where Trixie thought they'd be!” Twilight snorted, Trixie's story was almost too far fetched to believe, she humoured her however, wanting to wait until she was finished before asking her questions. Trixie was enjoying herself and Twilight didn't want to ruin that for her, even if she doubted everything she was saying. “We kept in contact, and Trixie helps her and her cronies out every now and again when they have no idea what their doing, mainly because going to Trixie means they don't need to report to the higher ups that their cases are going nowhere, but I can't complain, it keeps me busy.” Trixie paused to look out of the window, as did Twilight, who saw the large castle that oversaw the city drawing ever closer. They were evidently heading into the city proper. “Trixie has found she has a knack for this sort of business, almost like she can see more than the average pony, honestly though I don't understand sometimes, the explanations seem so simple at times I question the police’s competency.” “Heh,” Twilight laughed at Trixie’s side, who responded with a raised eyebrow and a confused frown. “That's quite the story, Trixie. But come on, I don't doubt that you're skilled, but that doesn't exactly mean you can be a… detective, with no training and no experience.” Twilight had thought long and hard about what word to use, detective sounded better than crime-fighter. She told the truth though, she did not believe Trixie. The Magician did not look pleased. “Are you calling Trixie a liar, Twilight Sparkle?” Twilight’s gaze softened as she replied. “Not at all, Trixie. It's just that, I think you're exaggerating a bit. This all sounds really far fetched!” “Trixie will prove it,” Trixie angrily began, looking Twilight up and down. “Trixie will deduce as much as she can about everything you've done recently, then she will explain how she came to her conclusions. Agreed?” “Trixie, look you really don't need to prove-” “Loser buys dinner.” Twilight attempted to spurt out an answer, but Trixie showed no signs of letting up, with a sigh she let Trixie have her way, if only because she didn't want to annoy her or hurt her feelings any more than she already had. She agreed to Trixie's terms with a nod. Trixie then just stared at Twilight, looking at her up and down, Twilight just sat in silence while Trixie observed. Her gaze went over every part of her body, making Twilight feel quite self conscious. Eventually she turned to Twilight’s saddle bag, poked it once, and then sat back up with a smug grin. “Rings under your eyes and the time of your arrival at my humble abode suggest you got up earlier than usual to get the morning train from Ponyville. You were in a rush and forgot some essentials, judging by the weight of your saddlebag. Your craving for tea and the fact I could hear your stomach from here tells me that you’re hungry and probably haven't had a full meal yet, due to your traveling all day and the early time you got up preventing you from indulging yourself. There's a partial ink stain on your right hoof, you've written something today, maybe a note for your friends, more likely something in that book in your saddlebag. Bit of a shot in the dark this one, the fact you waited a week to accept Trixie's invitation, and your lack of a letter to tell her that you had accepted it, along with the fact you didn't bring any of your friends with you suggests that you had hesitations of coming, possibly because you have a low opinion of Trixie, more likely because you thought Trixie still held a lower opinion of you.” Trixie finished nonchalantly, rubbing her hoof on her new jacket. “I know it's not that much but I didn't have much to work with. So… How do you think I-” “How did you do that?” Trixie looked to Twilight in mild confusion, and was surprised to be met with the sight of Twilight staring at her with her jaw hanging wide. “How did you know all that? You were completely right about everything!” Trixie looked away, Twilight almost thought that Trixie looked embarrassed. “It is simple observation, my dear Sparkle. I looked and I deduced based on the evidence presented, some guesswork was involved but only if it seemed like the most logical explanation.” “But, but- I-” Twilight stammered, staring dumbfounded at Trixie, who looked out the window once more with a smile. “We’re almost there, perhaps we should stop for dinner, for starters you want it but more importantly you're paying for it,” Trixie said with humour. When Twilight didn't reply, Trixie turned back to her, and grew concerned at Twilight’s contemplative expression. “Trixie hopes she has not given you cause to distrust her, Princess. But she simply did as she said she would, no trickery was involved I assure you. Trixie does however understand if you would rather avoid her from now on, her abilities often seem to get on ponies nerves and-” “Trixie…” Twilight almost whispered, drawing Trixie's curious and downhearted gaze. “Trixie, you are brilliant!” Twilight practically exploded in her seat, while Trixie just watched in growing bewilderment. Twilight stood up in the carriage, her forelegs flapping about as she spoke. “All you did was look and think and you got it all! At first I thought you were trying to mess with me, but there's no way you could have known about the book, I've only just started writing in it!” With a laugh, Twilight returned to her seat where Trixie watched her with a toothy grin. “This is great, Trixie. You have a talent you only ever hear about in fiction. Logical thinking, I love it!” “Hmm!” Trixie murmured in approval. Crossing her legs, she narrowed her eyes slyly in Twilight’s direction. “Well this is one thing Trixie didn't foresee, she thought you would find her to be improbable and a liar, based on the previous impressions Trixie made of herself. But since that is not how you feel on the matter, Trixie has a proposition!” With an extended hoof, Trixie pointed at the wondering Twilight. “Trixie may consider herself brilliant, but her skills and knowledge are admittedly limited, especially concerning the case at hoof! She was initially only going to employ your aid for a little bit of knowledge gathering that needs to be conducted. But, if you are willing, would you like to accompany Trixie through the entirety of this case? Trixie has no doubt that it will be quite the adventure!” Twilight cheerfully pondered the glamorous possibility. ‘An adventure with Trixie to solve a crime? There has never been a better opportunity to get to know each other and make friends with her than this. How could I say no!’ Twilight almost accepted the proposal then and there, but she knew she had to gather more information first, as to make the decision with the most clarity. “Trixie, I'm willing to go with you. But only after I know exactly what we're in for, okay?” “Ha ha!” Trixie exclaimed at Twilight's response. “Of course, Twilight Sparkle. If it's an explanation you want, then you shall receive it. But alas, we seem to have reached our destination!” Trixie announced, looking out of the window. “Since you're acquainted with the premises perhaps we could discuss the issue over some tea and cake, is that agreeable?” Twilight was too busy pondering what Trixie meant by being “acquainted with the premises” to answer her. She too looked out of the window, and gasped at the welcoming sight she was met with. They had not just been approaching Canterlot Castle, it had evidently been their destination all along. The many towers of the chalk white landmark glowed against the ever darkening sky, with the golden roofs shining like flames. Trixie exited her side of the carriage, with Twilight soon following. After paying the cab driver they went on their way, walking side by side into the castle itself, Trixie apparently knowing exactly where she was going like it was the back of her hoof. The castle was quiet that night, one of the quietest of nights I could ever recall. I never got the chance to say hello to my fellow Princesses, I was too busy involved with the enigma that was Trixie Lulamoon. I had arranged for tea and cakes as she requested, and we sat in a guest room near the grand library, where in solace she proceeded to explain what the mystery was and her purpose for involving me in all this in the first place. “Are you sure those muffins are enough for you, Sparkle? I spotted a rather ravishing looking houseplant on the way over here if you are interested.” Twilight sarcastically laughed, the sound muffled against her muffin filled mouth. She was famished, and the drink and food provided by the caterers was more than welcomed. While Twilight gorged herself, Trixie sat with her legs crossed and her teacup gripped firmly in her magic, occasionally sipping on it. She waited until Twilight had slowed down and satisfied her stomach before commencing with her blunt explanation. “I was called in by Sentinel Brit after she came across a rather grisly murder scene.” Twilight instantly stopped everything and stared at Trixie in horror, who seemed to be unnervingly stoic, especially concerning the nature of subject she had just unexpectedly brought up. “You mean… When you said it was a matter of Life or Death?” Twilight shakily asked. Trixie's frown deepened. “Trixie was not exaggerating, though admittedly she probably could have gotten the point across better in her letter to you. Apologies are in order, but I didn't want to risk potentially alienating you from helping, however unlikely it may have been.” Her food forgotten, Twilight directed all of her concentration onto Trixie. Her questions piling up, along with her reservations about her decision to assist in the matter. “So what happened? What do you know so far?” Trixie clicked her teeth. “Not much I'm afraid. A week ago I was called to a scene by Sentinel after they had discovered the place, she said that she suspected ritual magic was involved and that I might be of help due to my background in sorcery. So I went and had a look… It was actually rather clean all things considered. There were two ponies, a wife and a husband, newlyweds by two months. The husband had been poisoned and the wife had been strangled, it was initially thought to be a murder-suicide, which is what most of the police still consider it to be, with the husband killing the wife and then himself. I don't think so however, and Sentinel has her doubts also.” She paused and took a sip of her tea, with Twilight hanging on her every word. The steamy liquid soothed Trixie's throat before she elected to elaborate. “The ritual magic part is from how they were posed after death, the wife had been moved, her left foreleg suspended to make it look as if she was pointing forwards and down, the husband lay on the floor facing her, a bottle of pills at his side by his hoof. Most intriguingly there were also words scratched into the wall, want to venture a guess as to what they were?” Twilight responded with a minor shake of her head to indicate that she did not. Trixie could not suppress a slight grin from adorning her features. “Life or Death?" Twilight bolted upright. “So… A matter of Life or Death? It's not just a saying in this case?” She asked with fear and wonder. “No, it's a clue!” Trixie proclaimed, before continuing with her explanation. “It is thought that the husband killed his wife, posed her, scratched the words into the wood, and then killed himself by overdose. The rest of the cops are quite willing to use that as the explanation and close the case. Trixie will now tell you why they are all wrong, and why there is a killer in our midst.” Trixie stood up, her natural showmareship taking over. “For starters, I spoke with their neighbours, they were apparently almost impossibly happy together, a real fairytale romance, they slept in the same bed, had photos of themselves and their families everywhere, and still wore their wedding rings even in death, hardly the environment that would drive a stallion to want to murder his spouse.” Pacing, Trixie continued. “Secondly, why the ritual style? If he was going to kill his wife and then himself why go to the trouble of posing and scratching the words? Why not just get it over and done with? And why would he care for an obscure magical ritual in the first place? So obscure I could find nothing that could describe it in the local library or from a book in their home. Which brings me on to why there is absolutely foul play involved here, without a doubt.” Trixie leaned her body across the back of the chair, rocking it and herself back and forth. “The marks on the mare’s throat are too clean to have been done with hooves or an object, she was strangled with magic, and the words on the wall were to high for the stallion to reach. Both of them were earth ponies.” Twilight leaned forwards, the gears turning in her own head, her eyes widened as she came to her own conclusion. “So… He couldn't have done it, he didn't have magic!” “Exactly. Somepony else was in that room, somepony else strangled the mare, posed her and scratched the words into the wood. They may have also killed the husband, or he was so overcome with grief that he actually did off himself. Either way the case is not solved, but the police can only be of limited help, Sentinel will only assist if I give her proof, enough to convince her otherwise.” Twilight gave a deep breath. What she expected to be a simple meeting with Trixie in her humble Canterlot home had rapidly spiralled out of control, landing her into a world of darkness and intrigue. She doubted how useful she could actually be, even with her influence as a Princess and own knowledge of magical enchantments. “Okay, this is a lot to take in. Why are we here then? What research do we need to do?” Trixie nodded her head several times as a Twilight spoke, pondering the questions herself before she answered. “Whoever did this has knowledge of dark magical rituals, it is the only lead that's concrete, and even then it could all just be a ruse to further throw us off the scent. Whoever she is, statistically it's probably a she, she's a unicorn, highly educated, she knew these ponies well enough to know that they would satisfy the conditions of the ritual, and either has genuine belief in its ability to work, or had ulterior motives she wished to disguise, make it look like the ritual was her intent and not something else. This castle has the greatest library in Equestria, and Trixie has combed it for the whole week and has discussed with its top scholars, all for naught.” Trixie turned back to Twilight, holding proud conviction and expectancy in her gaze directed towards the Princess. “I need access to the Blacklist Archives, where all the forbidden texts are kept. If we are going to understand the mystery of Life or Death we will need to delve deep, deeper than either of us have ever been before. That is why I asked you here, Twilight Sparkle. Only a Princess can grant me access to that room.” She approached Twilight, and held a hoof firmly out for her. “Trixie has explained the situation, Princess. Are you with me?” Twilight grasped the presented invitation. I was with her. We were with each other to the end and beyond.