//------------------------------// // IT'S ME // Story: Catatonic // by FaelaArts //------------------------------// The torrential rain poured down on the town of Ponyville, glows of light flickering as lightning struck nearby. The stranger walked through the silent town, a basic cloth covering his flank. Looking around, he smiled, illuminated by another lightning strike. Once more grabbing the large potato bag in his mouth, he began dragging it. Once arriving at the local fast food restaurant, he opened the bag, exposing the object to the rain. Pulling it out, he placed it right in front of the doors. Picking up the potato bag, he turned, walking away. He stopped, looking at the five figures in the rain. There was one missing, he looked behind him to find her. “This ends here!” Unable to see which one had spoke, he turned back toward the main group, and sniggered. Raising his head to the sky, he began to laugh uncontrollably. After a long time, the five ponies shared a look, giving him the opening he needed. Diving into a nearby alleyway, he broke into a run, the flying one hot in pursuit. “You’re not getting away!” The voice was close, and getting closer. Still, he sniggered, grin reaching both sides of his face. Turning a corner sharply, he hugged it. The flying one flew right by him, and he dived into another side street. Galloping down it, he dived between two houses as the six emerged onto the street. “We can’t lose him! Dash, get an aerial view.” Opening the basement window hatch quickly, he jumped inside, closing it quietly behind him. Looking around the basement, his smile grew once more. Sneaking into one corner, he hid, trying to keep his laughing from making any sound. “Keep looking! We can’t lose him!” The voices grew fainter and fainter, and his smile remained painted on his face. Standing up, he walked over to some spray cans. Shaking one, he began to work. Soon enough, he was covered in it, and no longer his signature color. Turning, he opened the door leading into the house, trying to keep his sniggers quiet. “Twilight, he’s gone, we’re tired.” Hovering weakly in the air, Rainbow Dash gave a large yawn. Growling, Twilight kicked at a rock, and sighed, ears flopping down. Every single time, how was this pony doing this? It was infuriating, they had been so close each time. Making a mental note, she strove to remember that there was a back alleyway. “Hey, at least we have a description now. A purple Earth pony. That’ll be hard to miss.” Landing, Dash gave another yawn, and Twilight looked to her friends, giving a weak smile. “You’re right about one thing though, we need to sleep. I’ll pass what we found onto Celestia’s Guards, and get some shuteye myself.” Giving a large yawn, Twilight flared her wings, taking off in the direction of the crime scene. It was a sad sight, the black bag that covered the corpse of a pony. Looking away, Twilight couldn’t help but notice the fear on the faces around her. There was very few places to get a meal quickly in Ponyville, and this was by far the most popular. ’If we don’t find him soon, Equestria might fall into panic…’ Sighing, she looked around for the head guard, and walked over. “Princess Twilight, what brings you here?” The guard had a black coat, and his armor covered his Cutie Mark from view. Giving a salute, he glanced to the other guards. “We were watching the building last night when the murderer came by. We chased him, but we lost sight of him. It was hard to make out features in the rain, but he was definitely purple in color.” Looking around, another thought occurred to her. “Come to think of it, why were there no guards around?” Tilting her head, Twilight waited for an answer. “Purple you say…” The guard rubbed his chin, seemingly deep in thought. “Around midnight, there was a short window where we were changing guards. If what you say is true, we are going to have to ensure at least 1 guard is on duty here 24 hours a day. Thank you for the valuable information.” Giving a salute, the guard walked over to those on duty. Looking at them, Twilight wondered why they had four guards on duty at the same time. Shrugging it off, she turned, heading home to sleep. “Hopefully that’s enough to at least stop him in his tracks. Hopefully he doesn’t move on again.” Rubbing her eyes, she sighed. Too many innocent had died, justice had to be done. “I-I’m home,” stuttered Fluttershy, gently closing the door. Angel was the first to greet her, along with a second pony. Gray in color, but wearing a purple outfit. Giving a warm smile, he offered a hoof, taking her bags. “Welcome home. How did the hunt go?” Placing the bags in the kitchen, he began brewing some tea. Humming a merry tune, he stopped suddenly, and gave a small shudder. Starting a different tune a moment later, his cheerful disposition returned. “W-We ran into the p-pony, but he got away. He was a purple Earth pony.” Walking over to the table, Fluttershy took a seat, watching as the tea was served. The stallion took a sip of his drink, eyes growing cold and distant for a moment. “Purple huh?” “You’re late,” spoke a gray pony sitting by a phone. The second pony, a slightly lighter gray, gave a sheepish smile as began putting on his work uniform, getting ready for his job. “Sorry, they wouldn’t let me in the building from the front because of another murder.” Placing the hat on his head, the lighter gray pony clipped on a name-tag, with the words ‘Hello, my name is Fritz’ on it. “Yeah Yeah, same as last time. Leave five minutes earlier or I might have to lay you off. Customers have been waiting.” Pointing toward the front desk, they both could see the fearful line of ponies looking to get a quick meal. “I’m on it PG.”