The Little Pony Legend: A Kingdom of Friendship

by MaggiesHeartLove

Fabulous Investigation

Even thought it was to be expected, Rarity still couldn't believe both her boutiques in Canterlot and Republic City were becoming a smash hit. She had already hired a manager for her Four Elements Boutique in the city, Meng-Meng; Mako and Bolin's cousin and Tu's younger sister. She was a lovely young teenager with raven black hair styled into a simple ponytail and stunning emerald green eyes, identical to Bolin's. Her skin was white and her clothing consisted of typical green Earth Kingdom style.
The doors opened and an anthro Rarity walked in, both holding and levitating several new cloths for her newest collection. She sighed in relief, "Just got back from Canterlot to give Sassy Saddles copies of my new Femme Mystique Chic line of gowns. Having two stores in two different worlds is a challenge, but it's worth it!"
Rarity levitated three new gowns and placed each of them on a manikin on display. Meng-Meng's eyes widened at their beauty. They were unlike any outfit she had seen, they had such elegance, yet a stylish mystery element to them.
"Wow, Rarity, they're incredible! Where did you find the inspiration?"
"Oh, I modeled them after the adventures of Shadow Spade. Her stories are always full of mystery and suspense and, best of all... fabulous costumes!"
"Since when are you into mystery novels?"
The unicorn blushed, "Since I joined Team Avatar I've been getting quite the adventurous streak." she giggled, "Then again, that is to be expected if you've faced as many dangers and thrills as I have. And all without chipping a nail!"
"Well, they're perfect!" she then noticed that Rarity was doing something different to the displays while humming, "What are you doing?"
"Oh, uh, just making some minor adjustments." she blew on one of the dresses and fluffed the feathered collar and adjusted the stand to a few millimeters to the left, "Shadow Spade believes it all comes down to attention to detail. And so do I." using her magic, she adjusted the head piece on one of the outfits, "There! Now it's perfect."
The doors suddenly opened with a bam and Rainbow Dash, Bolin, Asami and the spirit trio all walked into the boutique. Rainbow was the one who opened the door, accidentally using her strength a bit too much.
"Hey guys, how's it—" Rainbow stopped once she saw the mess she had made with her entrance. The mannequins all fell to the ground, the dresses alright, and various other items landed onto the ground. Rarity and Meng-Meng both narrowed their eyes at the rainbow haired pegasus anthro pony, who scratched the back of her head in embarrassment and laughed nervously.
"My bad."
"You really need to be careful with that strength of yours, Rainbow." said Asami as she and Bolin walked in to help their friends. Rainbow assisted as well by getting one of the mannequins.
"Sorry I messed up your dress thingy." she said while dusting the lavish coat.
"Nothing we can't fix." said Meng-Meng when her cousin helped her with adjusting the stand, "Thanks, cousin."
"No problem."
"So, what's got Rainbow all excited about?"
"We actually came to get some new outfits for tonight." the pegasus explained.
"We're going to be at Canterlot for Princess Celestia's royal garden opening tomorrow."
"That sounds amazing!" said Meng-Meng while folding a few silk fabrics, "Is Korra going too?"
"Unfortunately, no." Bolin answered, "She, Twilight, Mako, Flash and Spike are at the Earth Kingdom helping Kuvira and the Queen Hou-Ting. Apparently. Something about illegal stuff and they need to figure out who's doing it. While they're away, Asami and I are babysitting the kids."
Mako had entrusted his brother to look after his adopted spirit trio, who were more of a handful than Bolin wanted to admit. Especially now when they were playing tug of war with one of Rarity's scarfs. Thankfully, Asami caught them and removed the scarf from their little mouths before handing it back to Rarity.
"It's a shame they can't be there." said Rarity, "Rumor has it the gardens are especially lush this season. And the Wonderbolts will be performing an aerial display."
"And Rainbow Dash is going to fly with them!" Bolin exclaimed with great pride, "It's so exciting!"
Back in the day, Rainbow Dash would be boasting all day long about how she would be flying with the Wonderbolts, but after her many experiences and newfound wisdom, she was much more humble than she used to be. But that still didn't mean she wasn't still confident in her skills, she just didn't let it go to her head anymore.
"Well, kind of exciting." she said bashfully, "Technically, I'm not flying. I'm just the lucky Reserve who was called in to be the backup flyer in case a Wonderbolt can't perform."
"Oh, don't be so modest." Rarity said with a flick of her wrist, "Out of all the Reserves, you were the one chosen."
Rainbow Dash couldn't help but smile while she rubbed her elbow, "It is pretty sweet."
"But I thought you gave up being a Wonderbolt." said Meng-Meng.
"I may be an officer now, but my history and records from my days at the academy do still qualify me to step in if needed."
"And it helps that you saved the world on more than a few occasions." Asami stated proudly, "Having you to fly in the show would be killer!"
"That too. And I do get to stay in the castle, hang out with the Wonderbolts, and eat awesome food at the dinner tonight. Speaking of the dinner, you're still coming, right?"
"Heavens, yes!" Rarity smiled as she placed one of her shady hat from her display, "A chance to dress up, be charming and show off my newest femme mystique couture? I wouldn't miss it for all of Equestria." she said while striking a pose.
Bolin smiled as well, wiggling his eyebrow at the young heiress, "And who could pass up the chance to dance with the most beautiful industrialist in the world?"
Asami couldn't help but giggle at his flirting, "You never run out of charming things to say, do you?"
"Not while you're around."
It was amazing how Bolin could make Asami blush in the most adorable way possible. But while Rarity and Meng-Meng were swooning over the romance, Rainbow was rolling her eyes.
Asami then took a moment to really gaze at Rarity's new line. "No way! Shadow Spade?! I love those books!"
"I know!" Rarity exclaimed with glee, "Aren't they fantastic?"
"No question! I know every quote of hers by heart!" Asami placed the hat on, slightly covering her left eye with it, looking mysterious and alluring while reciting a line from the book itself, "Face it boys, you're as guilty as a fat can in a canary cage."
"Oooooh, chills!" Rarity complimented.
Asami bowed while removing the hat, "Thank you, thank you."
Rarity chuckled before placing her hat back onto the mannequin, "So, how about we get you both some new gowns for the party."
"I need something that's cool but also professional." said Rainbow Dash, "I am a rookie cop, you know."
"Please, Rainbow Dash. Don't you know who you're talking to?" before they could get to business, the doors opened once more, causing the mannequins to shake and fall. They couldn't blame Rainbow, or the spirit trio this time. However, Rarity's anger quickly faded once a male anthro unicorn pony showed up, carrying a box with him.
"Ooh, the rhinestones I ordered!" she quickly rushed on over and opened the boxes but quickly frowned in disappointment, "Oh, my. Oh, there's been a mistake... I ordered dragon-cut stones, and these are hoof-polished."
"I'm sorry, but I've got a full load of deliveries today. I'm not sure I have time to redo your order." said the delivery pony while checking his clipboard.
Rarity shot the others a knowing smirk, to which they immediately understood, and Rarity flipped her mane while approaching the male delivery pony, batting her eyes and speaking in an eloquent yet sweet voice, "Of course you don't. Your job is so difficult. Honestly, I don't know how you keep all of those orders straight."
The delivery pony chuckled nervously while blushing and scratching the back of his head, "It is pretty tough, what with the boxes all being... box-shaped."
"Oh, y—oh yes, and I very much appreciate it." she batted her eyes and placed her hand on his chest, making him feel even more flustered, "But if there was any way you could squeeze in one more little delivery, I would be eternally grateful." for the finale, she gave him a sweet innocent smile and puppy dog eyes while batting her lovely lashes in such a way it made him weak at the knee.
The pony laughed nervously, "Well, for you, Rarity, I'll see what I can do." he happily took the box and went on his way to fix the problem, leaving Rarity with a smile of satisfaction on her face before closing the door.
"Rarity, you could sweet-talk a filly out of candy!" said Asami with a knowing smirk.
"Oh, it was nothing." Rarity said with a chuckle, "Nopony minds a compliment. Now, let's get to work in finding you girls the perfect gowns! And maybe one for myself as well. Something from the new collection, of course."

Rainbow Dash found the perfect outfit to wear at the dinner. It was a simple strapless cyan blue gown with a silver lining on the sweetheart neckline and a silver belt, added with a shorter silver skirt and a longer blue one. She wore a silver neckless with amethyst stones. Asami wore one a stunning slim purple asian styled gown with lotus blossom branches decorated onto the dress.
Rarity wore a lovely silk white gown with golden belt and wristbands at the end of her soft sleeves. Bolin wore his famous tuxedo while Ali, Mika and San also had former wear. The three rested on Asami and Bolin's shoulders, told to be on their best behaviors. The ballroom was as lovely as always, and the entire Wonderbolts military was there, including new faces the others had not met yet.
As always, Rarity felt at home here, while Asami just felt familiar. She had been attending galas and fancy parties since she was little so these kinds of events were never anything new for her. Well, there was one thing that was different…she was in the arms of a charming young earthbender.
"Let's grab some grub!" said Rainbow Dash before flying over to the buffet table, which was filled with an assortment of delicious foods, mainly vegetarian, and sweet treats to choose from.
Ali, Mika and San followed Rainbow Dash when Asami called out, "Kids, go easy on the sweets! We can't have a repeat of last time."
"Oh, come on! They only ate one cookie." Bolin said with a pouty face.
"Yeah, and I couldn't get them to sleep afterwards. So tonight, they're staying with you."
Rainbow Dash and Rarity took plates from the table when the unicorn then caught a whiff of something in the air. "Mm, is that Juniper Phoenix I smell?"
"No, it's broccoli!" said Rainbow before chewing on the green vegetable. Bolin was already stuffing his face with his own plate of food, but not enough to make him look like an animal. It was just like Bolin to do everything with enthusiasm. Including eating.
"Yeah, Juniper Phoenix is one of my favorite stallion colognes." a voice was heard. A deep, masculine male voice who was close to Rarity. He was a dashing blue colored pegasus stallion with wavy gray hair, no doubt indicating his middle age, and amber colored eyes while wearing an air pilot's uniform and a white scarf around his neck.
"Oh, mine as well." Rarity said, already engaging in a conversation with the stallion. Unbeknownst to her, Rainbow Dash dropped her plate and her eyes were shimmering with excitement and wonder from behind her friend, all while Bolin was looking at her curiously while chewing on his carrot sticks. "It's masculine and yet soft with the barest hint of floral notes and—"
Rainbow Dash rushed over to the unicorn, speaking in a hushed tone, "Rarity! Don't you know who this is?!"
"A gentlepony with fabulous taste in colognes and scarves?"
Rainbow shook her head and flew up to the elder pony, "It's Wind Rider!"
"Wind Who?" Bolin asked after he swallowed his food.
"Wind Rider! He's a living legend. He holds the Wonderbolt record in the Mustang Marathon!"
"Oh! So nice to meet you!" Rarity said politely.
The stallion smiled charmingly in return, "And if I'm not mistaken, you two are Avatar Korra's bonded pony sisters, Lady Rarity and Lady Rainbow Dash, correct?"
Rainbow squealed with glee, "He knows who we are!"
"And you two must be the stunning Asami Sato and the courageous Bolin."
Bolin dropped his plate in shock before he too squealed like his fellow pony friend, "He said I'm courageous!"
"It's a real honor to be meeting such heroes." said Wind Rider.
"The honor is all mine!" said Rainbow while blushing, unable to contain herself, "Nopony alive has been able to beat your record Mr. Wind Rider, sir!"
"Well, that was a long time ago. Honestly, I can't believe I still hold the record."
Two more of the wonderbolts, Spitfire and Misty Fly approached the group. "Wind Rider, I see you met Rainbow Dash!" said Spitfire, one of the top Wonderbolts there was, "She's one of our most promising Reserves. She just might beat your record."
"Really now?"
Rainbow only blushed harder, "Oh, heh, I'm nowhere near as good as you. I mean, I'm fast, but I don't have the endurance to go long distances. Plus, I'm part of the Republic City police department now so I don't think me breaking any records would count. N--not that I could beat Wind Rider's, of course."
"Ah, don't be modest." said Spitfire, "A little practice and you'll be beating records in no time. And even with your new position with R.C, with your tests scores and reputation, you still qualify. Heck, you'd probably get your own star on the Wonderbolt hall of flyers."
This only made Rainbow feel more self conscious. Wind Glider chuckled lightly, "Heh-heh. Well, it's nice to meet you fillies." he said before walking off with his plate. However, Asami arched an eyebrow in his direction. Something didn't feel right with this guy.
Rainbow sighed dreamily, "Not as nice as it is to meet you, sir." she saluted but could barely-contain her laughter, "I can't believe I just met Wind Rider!"
"Yeah, he's coming out of retirement to take the spot of honor in the center of our aerial flower formation tomorrow." said Misty Fly.
"Really? That's incredible!" she saw Wind Wider kiss Princess Celetia's hoof, a gentleman greeting, and Spitfire and Misty Fly flew off to meet up with more of their fellow wonderbolts. But Rainbow Dash's excitable demeanor quickly melted away, now replaced by disappointment, "Guess I'll just watch Wind Rider being awesome from the sidelines... Practice tomorrow is gonna be so boring."
Feeling sympathy for her friend, Asami ruffled her mane, "I don't suppose we could keep you company tomorrow?"
This immediately changed Rainbow's attitude, "You could! They always let friends and family come watch practices!"
"I'd be more than happy to be there for you, darling." said Rarity before taking a sip of her punch.
"Me too!" said Bolin, chewing on a piece of broccoli.
"Thanks you guys! You're the best!" Rainbow hugged the couple and then Rarity, only to accidentally splash the punch on her dress. "Oops. Heh, sorry about that."
"Oh, don't fret, darling." the unicorn insisted, "It's almost impossible to get stains out of silk, even with waterbending. But not to worry. I've come prepared!" she levitated a trunk towards her, opened it and in only a few seconds was wearing a new, pink/orange ball gown. The unicorn was not a pony without more than one trick up her sleeve.
Bolin's eyes then widened when he spotted the spirit trio playing keep away with one of the Wonderbolt's goggles. "Kids, no! That's not a toy!"

"That dinner was absolutely divine." said Rarity as she and her friends exited the ballroom and walked down the hallways.
"Thanks for inviting us, Rainbow." said Asami, "We had a lot of fun."
Bolin was now carrying the three exhausted spirit children in his arms, "Some more than others."
The group then spotted Spitfire enter her castle suite. "Ooh, you're staying in the east tower?" Rarity said with interest, "Those rooms have the best view of Canterlot!"
"How lucky are we? Well, we better get some shuteye before practice." Spitfire closed the door behind her and Rainbow Dash flew off to her own room.
"See you guys tomorrow!"
"Good night!"

The next day, Bolin, Asami, Rarity and Rainbow Dash sat on the bleachers, watching the Wonderbolts practicing their routines. Rarity was applying sunscreen while Bolin watched the whole thing while drinking a smoothie. Pabu played with the spirit trio beside them and Asami was observing the pegasus ponies with a pair of binoculars and writing things down on a notepad.
"What'ya writing there, babe?" Bolin asked.
"I'm observing the Wonderbolt's longevity and speed so I can apply it for my new line of biplanes. Can you imagine a Future Industries aircraft doing all of that?"
"It would be amazing!"
"Exactly! You so get me." Asami smiled when her boyfriend wrapped his arm around her shoulder and kissed her on the head.
Rainbow Dash sighed as she watched the ponies fly above her head, "Thanks for keeping me company, you guys. If you weren't here, well, I don't know who I'd be talking to right now." she said, right before Rarity playfully splattered a bit of her sunscreen on Rainbow's nose, making the two giggle.
"Eh, you'd be talkin' to me." said a masculine voice from behind the two ponies. At the sight of him, Rainbow immediately blushed before wiping the sunscreen off of her nose.
"Soarin!"
Seeing her reaction made Asami and Rarity exchange knowing smiles, which only made poor Rainbow feel more embarrassed.
"Rainbow Dash, Spitfire's mom sent a message that she was sick." the stallion said, "She had to leave to take care of her."
Rainbow gasped at hearing the news, "Oh, no! I hope her mom's okay!"
"Me too. In the meantime, we need you to fly in her place."
Rainbow's eyes sparkled beautifully, or at least they did to Soarin. "L-Like, in the actual show?"
"Unless Spitfire comes back, yes." now it was his turn to blush when Rainbow impulsively hugged him. Realizing what she was doing she stopped herself and saluted.
"I won't let you down, Soarin!" the pony squealed and flew up into the air, shouting with glee, "This is the best thing ever!Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!" she began dancing in mid air while sing-songing, "I'm gonna get to fly with Wind Rider and the Wonderbolts, 'cause I'm the bestest and I'm awesome and they know it! Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh…"
"Uh… Rainbow Dash?"
Rarity hushed the pony stallion, "Shh! Let her have this, darling."

The friends watched on the friends and family booth while watching Rainbow Dash practice with the Wonderbolts. Asami lended Bolin her binoculars to watch closer. He gasped once he spotted Rainbow soaring through the air with Wind Rider. He waved enthusiastically while standing up.
"Hey, Rainbow Dash! Over here! Looking great!"
Rainbow smiled and waved at her friend, not realizing she was flying ahead of WInd Rider, who looked at her with a look that indicated either annoyance…or envy.
Rarity noticed a female yellow pegasus pony sit beside her. She was a middle aged pony with a familiar yellow coat coloring, along with bright red mane and tail wearing a purple jacket. The unicorn politely greeted her. "Hello there! Friend or family?"
"Family. My daughter's a Wonderbolt."
"You must be so proud." said Asami.
"I am. She's just like her father, determined and a bit hot-headed." the female pony shielded her eyes from the sun and looked up at the skies, "But, I don't see her up there. Do you know Spitfire?"
At the mention of the name, Bolin spitted out his smoothie in shock, "You're Spitfire's mom?!"
"Yes."
"But--but--but, aren't you suppose to be sick?"
"What?"
This revelation was a real shocker for the friends. "Spitfire got a note from you saying you weren't feeling well, and she went home to take care of you." Asami explained.
"I didn't send a note."
"That's so strange." Rarity voiced out, her voice sounding every bit suspicious of the situation. The three friends all shared confused looks. If Spitfire's mother wasn't sick and didn't send any notes, then who did? And why?
Soarin stopped once he spotted the older pegasus pony, "Stormy Flare? Aren't you supposed to be sick?" hearing this, several more of the wonderbolts flew beside him, all silently asking the say question, "'Kay, what's happening?"
"I don't know. But I do know I didn't send my daughter a note."
"Could somepony have sent Spitfire a fake note?" Rarity asked. This whole thing was already beginning to sound like a mystery…just like the ones from Shadow Spade.
"Why would they do that?" Bolin asked…before taking a sip of his smoothie.
"Somepony who wanted her out of the show, I suppose." Soarin theorized.
"Why would anypony want that?" Rainbow asked, hearing the conversation and growing equally concerned about their missing comrade.
Bolin scratched his chin in thought, "The way I see it there are two possibilities: One, Spitfire got stage-fright and lied about the note so she wouldn't have to perform. Two, somepony probably wanted her spot so much they'd be willing to sabotage her, but who in Equestria would ever…" realizing what he just said, Rainbow suddenly found herself receiving suspicious stares from the Wonderbolts, including Wind Rider. Bolin realized the mistake he had just made, "…I'm not helping, am I?"

"Me?! I would never do that to Spitfire! Why would you think it was me?" Rainbow pleaded with the Wonderbolts backstage in an attempt to prove her innocence.
"I did see you and Spitfire leave the dinner together." said Blaze, pointing her hoof at the pony.
"We were room neighbors in the castle!"
Misty Fly gained up on her, eyeing her suspiciously through her goggles, "And you did say you'd do anything to fly with Wind Rider."
"Yeah, but I didn't mean anything."
Soarin was probably the only one who visually showed her sympathy rather than suspicion. Rainbow Dash was a hero to many, this was not something she would do. He stepped forward, vouching for the pegasus, "Look eveypony, Rainbow Dash is a well renowned hero and a respected officer in Republic City, she would never do something like this."
Bolin rose his hand up, "You know, the 'stage-fright' theory is still a possibility." he said… only to receive some very unfazed looks from the ponies. Bolin sat back down on his chair, fiddling with his fingers, "Yeah, okay, nevermind.
"Spitfire came by my room and told me she had to go see her mom at around midnight." said Misty Fly to Rainbow Dash, "Where were you then?"
"I was asleep at midnight... having this totally amazing dream. There I was at the arena flying with Wind Rider, like I've always wanted to—" she stopped on her track, hoof palming herself, "—ah, eh, never mind. Not helping."
The Wonderbolts gathered together to discuss what to do next. Rainbow watched in anxiety. She knew she didn't do anything to Spitfire and she would never sabotage anypony for anything. It wasn't in her nature and it certainly wouldn't have been befitting for the Element of Loyalty.
Out of all of them, Soarin tried to make the situation less dire than it already was. "Can't we cut her some slack?"
"Oh, please!" said Blaze, rolling her eyes, "You only want to let her off the hook because you think she's pretty."
"I do not!" he reclaimed in a hushed tone through his teeth.
"Still, he is right." said Misty Fly, "We don't have any evidence she did it."
The Wonderbolts dispersed, turning towards the rainbow haired pony. Soarin spoke up first, "Rainbow Dash, if you can prove that somepony else is behind Spitfire's disappearance before the start of the show, then you can still fly with us." he turned to his other fellow wonderbolts, "In the meantime, Misty Fly, Blaze, head over to Stormy Flare's house and try to find Spitfire and bring her back." the two saluted back before flying off. Soarin sighed before addressing to Rainbow Dash once more, "I have to warn you, if you sent that letter, the bylaws are clear. I'd have no choice but to ban you from the Wonderbolts forever. And you know what that means for your job, right?"
Rainbow's ears lowered in sadness. Indeed, she knew what the punishment would be. "Yes. I lose my badge. But how am I gonna prove I didn't send a letter that I didn't send?"
"With us!"
All eyes turned their heads to see two mysterious shadows behind a pillar. The silhouettes of a human and pony, both wearing elegant hats, partly covering their faces and wearing gorgeous trench coats with long collars. The two strangers revealed stepped out from the shadows as the unicorn spoke in a serious tone.
"Detectives Rarity and Sato are on the case, and we are going to get to the bottom of this faster than my costume change!"
Rainbow Dash only scratched the back of her head in confusion to her friends' sudden behaviors, "Yeah, what's with the getup?"
"Obviously, we are channeling Shadow Spade through these gorgeous garments, and she would say that the best way to prove that you didn't send the letter is to find out whoever did."
Rainbow rolled her eyes and flew closer to her human friend, "Okay, I can get Rarity getting into this sort of thing, but you Asami?"
The heiress dawned on a stoic, calculative expression, tilting her hat slightly creating a shadow just above her face, giving he a mysterious appearance. "I know what you're thinking, R.D. I've never been one to solve mysteries. Heck, I was often the poor dame who had to seek for help whenever her company was dangling over deep rapid waters. But, I'm not that kind of gal anymore. Taking what I've learned from my unpleasant experiences, I won't rest until your awesome reputation is clean and clear like the glass windows of the Canterlot Castle."
Rainbow was…literally jaw dropped. Since when was Asami going along with this kind of thing? Then again, ever since she started dating Bolin she has become more emotionally open, even showcasing more of a humorous side. Still, she knew Asami wasn't always good at seeing through people's facade, examples being her father Hiroshi Sato and Varrick the wealthy billionaire. She turned to Bolin, in hopes she wasn't alone in this.
"She's actually serious, isn't she?"
To her surprise, Bolin shushed her while gazing dreamily at the woman in the trench coat and hat. "Let her keep talking." he said, practically swooning. He found this mysterious side to Asami very attractive indeed.
"First stop –" Rarity began, "the scene of the crime!"
"We're actually going along with this?" Rainbow asked, still feeling like the only sane one here. It must be a bad omen if the always impulsive Rainbow Dash was now the sensible one in her circle of friends.

(~)

The friends walked down the hallways of the castle, the atmosphere suddenly becoming mysterious as Rarity and Asami kept their hats slightly down. Asami had her hands in her pockets while Rainbow Dash flew ahead and Bolin was slightly behind…still gazing lovingly at Asami. In her mind, Rarity narrated.
"We had a long road ahead of us, my friends and I. Well, not too long because we didn't have much time, but the point is... Asami and I were up for the challenge."
Asami narrated within her own mind as well, "This wasn't gonna be easy, that much I knew, but I was no quitter. Rarity and I were gonna crack this case wide open like a nutcracker cracks…well, nuts."
The team began searching in Spitfire's room in the palace. Rainbow searched the drawers while Bolin searched underneath the bed. Ali, Mika and San inspected as well, while Asami and Rarity searched for clues. Anything that did not belong and would indicate somebody had indeed placed the fake letter to Spitfire.
Rarity looked through a magnifying glass, still narrating silently, "There we were, surveying the crime scene, and looking très chic while doing it." she then spotted something at the corner of the room. It was a piece of golden paper. She levitated it, "This must be the envelope for the letter Spitfire got!" she said before sniffing the envelop. She caught a whiff of something very familiar, but she needed to be absolutely certain first.
Asami took the envelop and opened it. Something floated down from inside, landing on her palm. She pondered at the clue, "Hmm. These look like hairs from a rainbow colored mane."
Rainbow Dash gulped in fear, "That's not good."
But Asami wasn't done yet. She trailed her fingers over the ends of the hair, noticing something very interesting about it. "I wouldn't throw all your bits down the gutter just yet, Dashie." said the heiress, speaking in her serious yet alluringly mysterious tone, "This chapter aint over yet."
"Why do you keep talking like that?"
Bolin, once again shushed her, "I think it's great." he said dreamingly.
"Asami was right," Rarity narrated while inspecting another part of the room, "and I too had faith we could clear our friend's name and find the real culprit."
"What are you doing?" Rainbow asked, seeing Rarity looking at herself in the mirror.
"Uh, just thinking thoughts." she stammered, in reality she was admiring herself in the mirror. She quickly resumed her serious demeanor and continued narrating,

— Ooh! The damask pattern on these curtains is exquisite!" the unicorn briefly reverted to her usual behavior as she beg admiring the curtains of the palace. "Oh, and this velvet rope-holder – oh, it's just—"
"We don't have time to look at the décor!" Rainbow exclaimed, "I'm going to loose the best job I ever had unless we solve this thing!"
While she was worrying, Rarity was inspecting the curtains even closer. "I know, Rainbow, and I'm on this case like a charm on a bracelet! Here's what I'm thinking: somepony had to bring Spitfire that letter, which means somepony must have seen them!" she gestured to three stallions at the farthest corner of the hallway, standing beside the large entrance doors.
The royal guards!

The guards were currently in a room, all standing near a wooden desk, where Asami began interrogating them. "I just have a few questions for you, and I'm sure once we get some things cleared up, we'll—"
"Come on, Sami, we don't have all day!" Rainbow stated impatiently.
Bolin rose his hand up, excitedly, "Oh! oh, can be the bad cop? I aways wanted to be the bad cop!" Asami nodded and allowed her boyfriend to be so. He slammed his palms onto the table and started interrogating the first palace guard. "Where were you on the night of last night at midnight?!"
"We were here, guarding the hallway entrance like we were supposed to." said the guard.
"A likely story."
"I'm telling you, we were there all night, and no one went in or out of that hallway."
The second castle guard rubbed his chin, "Except for the rainbow pony."
"What are you tryin' to say?!" Rainbow gained up on him, narrowing her eyes.
"Just that there are only two rooms in the northwest wing: yours and Spitfire's. So the only other pony who had access to that wing was you."
Rainbow Dash's eyes widened in horror. First the rainbow haired clue and now the guards were saying she was the only one with access to the hallway aside from Spitfire. Nothing was making any sense to her, she would have known if she had walked down those hallways last night. Would she?
She looked up at Bolin, in hopes for some assistance in any way. But sadly, he only shrugged, "Sorry R.D., I've got nothin'."
Asami cringed as she watched the scene. She squatted down and whispered to Rarity, "The waters are getting choppy here, Rarity."
"Agreed. Rainbow Dash's methods are sincere, yet…well, horrid. I believe it is time for another approach."
Asami gasped, "You don't mean--"
"Yes, I do. Once I loosen the ends, you bring down the house of cards with one finale blow."
"Let's do it." Asami replied with a tip of her hat.
"Perhaps I should take it from here!" Rarity said, speaking in her normal voice while wearing a different costume from before…and sitting on her fainting couch in a dark purple dress with a hight white collar and a feathered boa with a headpiece on the left side of her head, styled like a flower with a transparent lace hanging from it. Bolin and rainbow blinked at the sight and Bolin shielded the spirit's trio's eyes from the scene, while Rainbow Dash shielded Pabu's.
The unicorn approached the guards, speaking in a sleek and somewhat flirtatiously alluring voice while standing close to the first castle guard. "You castle guards have such a difficult job. I'm guessing that at times it can be rather... boring." she whispered in his ear, making Bolin and Rainbow Dash want to throw up.
"It is." said the guard, "I've counted all three hundred and forty five bolts in the ceiling tiles two hundred and ninety three times!"
"And of course being a castle guard can be thankless work." Rarity batted her eyelashes at the second guard, "I'm not saying you did, but if you took a break, you more than deserved it."
"Oh, you're right." said the first guard, "We don't get a lot of recognition for what we do."
"Except for last night when somepony was nice enough to leave a cake for us." said the second guard, "So we did take one little break when we ate that cake."
The guards were surprised when Asami then slammed her hands onto the table, her eyes narrowing at them as she asked the questions. "What kind of cake was it?"
"Cherry with a custard filling."
"Was the frosting vanilla or chocolate?"
"Chocolate."
"Was the base of the cake decorated with buttercream rosettes?"
"It was."
Rainbow groaned in frustration, "Ugh, who cares how it was decorated?!"
"I'm not done yet." Asami leaned in closer to the stallions, her gaze never changing, "One last question, was the cake delivered in a box or on a plate?"
"It was on a plate."
"Was the plate eggshell white with a golden ring around the edges?"
"Yes, it was."
"Now you're talking about plate decorations?!" Rainbow exclaimed in annoyance.
"Not to fear, my little pony. I think we have all we need."
"What do you mean you have what you need?!"
"Rainbow Dash was questioning my methods. But I knew what I was doing."
"Do you?"
Asami covered her mouth, shocked, "Ops! Did I say that one out loud?"
"I mean, even I think I'm guilty at this point!" Rainbow got down on her knees, clinging onto Asami's leg, "I really did want to fly in that show! What if I wrote that note when I was asleep?! Do you know what I do when I sleep?! Because I sure don't!"
Rarity, once again in her trench coat and hat, approached the duo, "Oh, calm down, Rainbow Dash. We'll get to the bottom of this. And I know exactly what Asami was doing when she asked about the cake."
"You do?"
Asami nodded, "Growing up, every year on my birthday my dad would get me my favorite cake flavor; cherry cake decorated with buttercream frosting rosettes. Cakes like that are often found in only the fanciest of cake shops. And, the most expensive ones often sell the cakes on egg-cream colored plates with golden edges rather than in a box."
"And, there is only one bakery in Canterlot that sells a chocolate cherry cake with custard filling and buttercream frosting rosettes on egg-cream colored plates with golden edges--*inhale*--Oh, that's a mouthful-- and that's…"

"…Cinnamon Chai's Tea and Cake Shop!"
Now wearing a different outfit, with her hair in a ponytail, Rarity and her friends made their way to the cake shop, where they spotted a female unicorn waitress cleaning a glass cup. Her name tag said said her name was Cinnamon Chai.
"Hello, how can I help you?" she greeted the costumers in a somewhat sophisticated valley girl accent.
"I've heard you have the best chocolate cherry custard cake with buttercream frosting rosettes in town!" said Rarity, looking fabulous while Asami kept her coat and hat one. She was not about to lose sight of the big picture here. Not even for a second.
"Ah, you travel in the right circles! We have the only chocolate cherry custard cake with buttercream frosting rosettes in town!" she gestured to the window display to where there was an empty space where a cake once rested.
"Oh, no. But somepony's already bought it! Who was the lucky pony?"
Cinnamon Chai thought for a moment before answering, "I can't even say!"
"Why?" Asami asked in her serious tone, "Because it was somepony famous, maybe?"
"No… because it was hard to tell! She was wearing a trench coat, sunglasses, and a scarf around her head that covered most of her face. But I do remember she had a really deep, raspy voice."
"What do you mean, raspy?" Rainbow asked.
"Well, kinda like yours."
"And there it was, more evidence that pointed directly to her." Asami narrated, "She was starting to loose hope. But I knew both me and the fashionable unicorn were hot on the trail." she whispered into Rarity's ear, "Take it from here, Water Diamond."
"Gladly." Rarity sat with the unicorn on an outdoors table, "If there's anything else you can remember, dish."
"Well, have I got a story for you! The pony who bought the cake threw a big fit when she accidentally got chocolate ganache on her scarf!"
"That's terrible! What color was the scarf?"
"White! No, maybe more an ivory…"
"You don't say!"
The moment was interrupted when Rainbow Dash yelled at her friend, "I can't believe you're talking fashion at a time like this!" the pony pegasus had lost all of her patience. Her friends were suppose to help her but instead they were focusing more on cakes and scarfs and costumes that solving this case. She may only be a beginner in detective cases, but even she knew that these questions weren't getting them anywhere.
Rarity placed her hoof on her friend's shoulder, "Rainbow, don't panic. I need you to trust us."
"Trust you?! You've spent more time changing clothes and monologging than trying to help me! I'm doomed!"
Bolin scratched the back of his head while looking at his girlfriend with a questionable expression, "Not to sound doubtful or anything but how exactly is asking for scarf colors a clue to solving all of this? Not gonna lie, I'm still pretty lost."
Asami tipped her hat once more, speaking in her mysteriously alluring tone once more, "I don't blame you for being skeptical, Bolin. But if there is one thing I've always carried with me from the past…is that things aren't always as they seem. I'm sure you'll place the pieces together soon enough. Rarity, let's move. Rainbow Dash is about to be a free bird."
The pony and human walk on ahead, with Rainbow and Bolin close behind. Rainbow was still worried about all of this, while Bolin simply smiled. "That voice just gets me every time---Ow!" he felt a hit on the head by Rainbow Dash.
"Focus, lover boy!"

The rain started to pore down upon the group. Asami and Bolin shared an umbrella while Rarity waterbended the water above her, keeping her dry. But Rainbow Dash didn't even bother to shield herself from the waters. She was still too depressed to even care. She wanted to trust her friends, she really did, but most of this wasn't making any sense. In the background, noir music started to play and Rarity narrated.
"Rainbow Dash was obviously upset, but I had all my ducks in a row. Except one. She was not going to like it, but there was only one way to find out if our suspicions were correct."
For a moment, Rainbow Dash groaned in frustration, "Will you guys cut it out with the music?!"
Pabu, Ali, Mika and San stopped playing their trumpets, which was what was creating the soothing noir background music throughout this whole show. They were even wearing adorable top hats and bow-ties.
They all sighed in disappointment. They were only trying to help set the mood.

Back at the arena, Stormy Flare was still worrying about her daughter. She knew she was strong, but a mother can't ever help but think the worst when it comes to the safety of their child. Soarin was eating pie to calm himself down. Misty Fly rolled her eyes.
"Seriously, Soarin?"
"I'm stress eating!"
The door opened and Blaze entered the room, "We looked everywhere, but Spitfire wasn't at her mom's house!"
"Where could she be?" Stormy Flare asked. The doors opened once again and Rarity and Asami entered first.
"We have found the culprit!" the unicorn stated to the small gathering of ponies, who gasped in shock and Soarin swallowed his bit of pie. Bolin quickly zipped over to a chair, taking a plate of cupcakes to munch on while he watched. He had a feeling this was going to be good.
Rarity walked across the room as she explained to the everypony what she and her friend had found. "Somepony sent Spitfire away and framed Rainbow Dash for it. And that pony was none other than…"
The room was silent when Rarity made the big reveal…
"Wind Rider!"
Lightning cracked from the window behind Wind Rider, who sat on his chair completely unfazed. Bolin gasped and Rainbow Dash hoof palmed herself. This has gotten too far.
"Rarity, I can't believe you would accuse Wind Rider of framing me! He's a living legend, for pony's sake!"
"There's no doubt about it." Asami said, crossing her arms, eyeing the pony suspiciously, "All the evidence points to him!"
"Peh! What evidence could you possibly have? All you guys did was ask about cake, admire décor, and change outfits a gazillion times!"
"That was just Rarity." Asami reminded her.
"Whatever!"
Even with her doubts, Rarity held her head up high, "Perhaps by friend Ms. Sato would like to explain."
"Thank you, Rarity." Asami stood before the crowd, speaking not in her mysterious voice but her normal voice, firm and confident. "None of us ever believed Rainbow Dash would send Spitfire away. When we found the rainbow hairs in Spitfire's room, I could tell they didn't fall out. They... were cut!" she pulled out the piece of evidence in a plastic bag, showcasing the hair piece. "I've been to enough hair salons to know that this did not fall off naturally, for nobody looses hair in a chunk. And look at the ends. It's a straight line! They were clearly cut with shears, which means somepony planted it!"
Rarity took center stage the next time, "Then when we were examining Spitfire's room, I smelled something on the envelope. Juniper Phoenix, Wind Rider's cologne of choice! Then, in the castle hallway, I noticed some of the damask curtains fell out of their velvet rope-holder, indicating that somepony had been hiding behind them! Perhaps after they dropped off the fake letter?" she eyed the older stallion suspiciously, but he did not show any indication that he was guilty or nervous.
Bolin stepped forward and pointed his finger at the stallion, everything was starting to make sense now. "The jig is up, Wind Rider! If that is your real name! I bet that's not even your natural coat color!"
Wind Rider rolled his eyes, "First of all, sit back down kid. And second, Juniper Phoenix is a very popular fragrance, and anypony could have moved those curtains."
"Precisely why we questioned the castle guards!" Asami said, "They were at their post at the entrance to the hallway all night, except for one short moment of time when somepony brought them an expensive cake. A cake that was ordered by a girl pony with a raspy voice!"
Rarity explained next, "Whoever ordered the cake got a chocolate stain on her ivory scarf, and I couldn't help but notice that Wind Rider's scarf is tied in a tight Windsor knot instead of its usual loose slipknot!"
This was undeniable, for Wind Rider really was wearing his scarf differently. Though many regarded this as simply a fashionable choice, but Rarity knew otherwise.
Bolin stepped up once more, fully convinced this pony was indeed to blame. "And why is that, Wind Rider? Could it be to hide…" he gestured to the spirit trio to untie the scarf in order to reveal…
"The chocolate stain?!"
The Wonderbolts, even Rainbow Dash all gasped in horror at this revelation. The stain was hard to ignore and all the evidence the girls had found did pinpoint back to him. But Wind Rider was not one to play the bad guy. "Ah, this is preposterous. Wonderbolts, you don't believe a word of this, right?"
"Just admit it!" Bolin exclaimed angrily at the pony, "You're as guilty of framing Rainbow Dash as you are of ruining that expensive ivory scarf!" he received some very surprised looks from the three girls, "What?"
"Ah, fine! You caught me! I did it!" the stallion confessed, already fed up with all of the accusations.
"But why, Wind Rider?!" Rainbow Dash was devastated. Her own hero wanted to frame her for something she didn't do. She just didn't understand. "Was it because I took the last broccoli at the dinner and you really, really wanted it?"
"No." Asami intervened, "It was because he was afraid that you would break his long-distance Wonderbolt record! I heard him when Spitfire said you were close to breaking it. He said, and I quote, 'Heh-heh'. That's the polite yet disingenuous laugh you make when you want to seem happy but really you're not. My father used the exact same laugh more than once before he was exposed as an Equalist few years back. Ironically, thanks to him I was able to see through your facade, Wind Rider."
"I thought if I could get Rainbow Dash away from the Wonderbolts for good, my record could be preserved."
"Dude, that is messed up." Bolin said while crossing his arms.
"Yeah. And I thought you were the coolest Wonderbolt ever." said Rainbow Dash, no longer holding any admiration for this pony as she did in the past. "You were a pony I looked up to for years. But now, seeing what you did to me, you're nothing no more than a selfish, arrogant blowhard who only cares about getting pats on the back for one thing he did just to feel important."
"I did what I had to do to protect my record! Sometimes you gotta play dirty to be the best!"
"That's not what being a Wonderbolt is all about."
"She's right!" Soarin said, he and his fellow Wonderbolts narrowed their eyes at their former comrade, who indeed had no real respect for the badge or their name. "Wonderbolts look out for each other! Which reminds me, where is Spitfire?"
Wind Rider smiled arrogantly, "I sent her the letter pretending to be Stormy Flare. I told her I had Pegasitis, and the only cure is the ice iris in the Crystal Mountains."
"No wonder she's been gone so long." Rainbow said, "Ice irises are almost impossible to find in spring!"
Soarin looked on in concern, "The Crystal Mountains are too far for anypony to make it there and back before the royal garden opening! Rainbow Dash, we need you to fly in Spitfire's place!"
"But Spitfire shouldn't have to miss this! I'm gonna get her!"
"But you'll never make it in time!"
"Then there's no time to lose!" in the time it took them all to blink, Rainbow Dash was soaring across the watery skies to search for their missing friend. She was never one to leave anypony behind, no matter how far or hard it may be.
Bolin called out to her from the window, "Good luck, Dashie!" he turned around to face Wind Rider, "And as for you Mr…where did he go?"
The second window was open and Wind Rider took the second route out of there. He must have taken the opportunity while everyone was distracted by Rainbow Dash's heroic exist to make his escape. He really was fast. Rarity and the others looked on as Wind Rider flew off, but he was not getting way that easily. Thinking fast, Rarity grabbed hold of one of the curtains of the window with her mouth, swinging herself into the roof of the building. Wind Rider was fast, but not as fast as Rainbow Dash. Rarity looked up at the poring rain and smiled. Her horn started to glow brightly and she stood on two legs, moving her front hooves in the fluid motions of a skilled waterbender. Wind Rider stopped in mid flight when he suddenly noticed rain dropped stopped falling and merged together to created a wave in the sky. Horrified he tried to get away, but was already trapped within the waters form the neck down, his body was frozen so he couldn't get away. He was levitated down to Rarity's level, who kept her stance but smiled confidently, even with her gorgeous mane wet from the rain.
"You've heard of water style. Well, this is Rarity Style!"

With Wind Rider now in custody, being guarded by Rarity herself, Bolin walked over to Asami, who was on the look out for Rainbow Dash.
"She's been gone for a long time."
"Don't panic." her boyfriend reassured her with a smile, "If I know Rainbow Dash, she'll come through."
"He's right, darling." Rarity said, "Like you, she never gives up on any of us."
Asami smiled and felt her boyfriend wrap his arm around her, "That was impressive detective skills." he said, complimenting her, "You never cease to amaze me. Sorry if it seemed like I didn't get it, but just so you know, I never doubted you."
"I know." she said before kissing his cheek.
"Maybe I should give those mystery books a read sometime."
Then, right on cue, the doors opened and two ponies entered the room. It was Rainbow Dash and Spitfire, the latter was panting and sweating like mad, no doubt she had been flying more time than Rainbow Dash all day.
Soarin smiled at the sight of the two, "Rainbow Dash! Spitfire, you're back! I can't believe you made it!"
Spitfire was nearly out of breath, but the expression on her face indicated she was relieved as well, "I wouldn't have, if Rainbow hadn't found me so fast! Gave me enough time to fly back!"
Rainbow Dash blushed at the compliment, a habit of hers, but then lowered her hears in guilt as she approached both of her stylish friends, "Rare, Sami, I couldn't have done it without you. And I'm sorry I doubted you. But why didn't you tell me what you were doing?"
"Well, we didn't want to get your hopes up until we were sure." said Rarity, "And we couldn't be sure until we saw that chocolate stain."
"That explains a lot." said Bolin, "And good thing you didn't tell me, I'm terrible at secrets."
"We know!" the girls replied with giggles.
Rainbow Dash hugged the two, "Thank you for believing in me, even when I was doubting you. I'm some friend, huh?"
"Actually, you're quite a good friend." Rarity said, "You went to get Spitfire, even though it meant you couldn't fly today."
"Actually, I'm okay with it."
"You are?"
"I know my dream use to be becoming a Wonderbolt, mostly because I just love to show off flying. And while I still hope to keep being a reserve, working on the beat with Mako and Flash, helping people out on a daily basis while kicking some bad guy butt and learning as I go along, that's where my heart lies now. I've changed and so have my goals. And seeing what you both did for me today helped me realize I'm not the only one who has changed."
Rarity and Asami were so touched by her friend's kind words. It was true, things had changed since they first met. But they were good changes.
"Besides, I don't need to fly in a show to know I did the right thing." she turned to see Spitfire and her mother hug each other, her mother shed a few tears while caressing her daughter's cheek. "This reward enough for me."
Spitfire approached the pegasus pony, smiling in gratitude, "You may not want a reward, but you still deserve it. How'd you like Wind Rider's spot in the show?"
Wind Rider's eyes widened in shock as he stammered, "Uh, w-w-what? Y-You can't do this to me! I'm one of the greatest Wonderbolts there ever was!"
"Not anymore. For attempting to frame Rainbow Dash, I hereby strip you of your Wonderbolts status!" Spirfire angrily ripped the badge from Wind Rider's jacket, much to his horror. Everything he had ever worked for was gone. He narrowed his eyes as several Wonderbolts took him away fro his crimes.
Soarin, thought somewhat shyly, spoke to Rainbow Dash, "So, would you like to fly with us?"
Rainbow's eyes grew in the most adorable way possible, "Would I?! Woo-hoo!" she flew up, doing air flips and dancing in mid flight, "Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah, uh-huh, uh-huh, yeah, aww yeah…"
"Uh, Rainbow Dash?"
The pony immediately stopped and blushed in embarrassment. But Soarin found her antics…quite adorable. Bolin, Asami and Rarity all shared the same knowing smiles.
"It starts." they all said in unison.

Rarity helped Rainbow Dash with her Wonderbotls uniform while Bolin spotted Asami standing near the bleachers, looking out into the horizons. She no longer wore her hat, only her trench coat. He could tell by the look on her face that she was in deep thought.
"You okay?" he asked.
"I'm glad we cleared Rainbow's name but…when I mentioned I my dad…it reminded me of…"
"The letter you got from him last year?"
The heiress had received a note from her father in prison, a response to a previous one she had sent him. She wrote to him that she hopes she could put the past behind them and she could visit him. Her response was not what she had hoped.
"I still can't believe he disowned me."
Bolin wrapped his arms around her for comfort, "I'm so sorry. But, maybe one day he'll come back to his senses."
"I don't know, anymore. I guess some people are just too far gone to change."
He wiped away her tear, "Don't loose hope. The future is full of surprises. Until then, you've got your friends."
She gently shook her head, "No…I have my family."
Now it was Bolin's turn to cry and for her to wipe away his tear. The two gazed lovingly into each others eyes before sharing a passionate kiss. They ended just in time for Rainbow Dash to come in with her uniform.
"Well, what do you guys think?"
"Lookin' good, sis."
The others all jolted in surprise at the voice that came from behind them. They all smiled when they saw who had arrived and Rainbow Dash flew up to great them.
"Korra! Mako! You made it!"
"Are you kidding, we wouldn't miss it." Mako said while ruffling her mane.
Rainbow received hugs from Flash and Twilight and Spike as well. "Man, do we have a story to tell you guys!" said the little dragon.
Korra noticed Asami and Rarity's new outfits, "But I think the better question is where did you guys get those getups?"
The two detectives smiled and placed their hats back on, sounding mysterious once.
"That, my dear Korra." Rarity began
"Is a story for another time." Asami concluded, tipping her hat, making the others arch an eyebrow.

The group watched with pride and joy as Rainbow Dash flew into the sky, looking as amazing as she always did. Rarity and Asami were so proud of her.
"So my friend got her moment in the sun." Rarity narrated, "Or the center of an aerial flower, as the case may be. And as for me? I got a chance to show off my Femme Mystique Chic collection!"
"Who are you talking to, Rare?" Mako asked, getting her attention.
"Oh, did I say that out loud?" the pony giggled before getting back to watching the show.
Asami was feeling great now, regardless of what her father had written to her before. But even with that knowledge, she was still unsure about her father one day changing. Maybe he would, maybe he wouldn't, all she did know was that she was not alone and she was thankful for that.
Little did she know that one day, Hiroshi would indeed regret what he sent her and try to make amends with her, but it would take a bit of an extra push for Asami to go to him and see for herself if he had indeed change. Even in times of sadness and anger, wether she admitted it or not, Bolin's words would stick with her longer than even she would have imagined.