//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Tea Time With The Princess // Story: The Art Of The Kill // by Canon Fodder //------------------------------// Chapter 2 Tea Time With The Princess As the train pulled into the Ponyville Station, Spike was already waiting patiently yet excitedly inside the lobby. When it halted, Rarity and Twilight stepped from the train laughing about something. Then to her surprise Spike jumped up and embraced his fianceé, "Rarity!" "Spiky!" She exclaimed cheerfully. Twilight groaned from the corny atmosphere but maintained her positive demeanor, "Hey Spike, your up early...For once." She laughed. The hyper dragon acknowledged with enthusiasm, "Well of course! You think I'd miss an opportunity to see my future-wife's beauty glow in the morning sun on a sunday morning?" The purple pony's eye twitched with a seemingly painful smile, "Well isn't that sweet? How about you two catch up. I'm going to head back to the library and unpack. I'll see you later, Rarity." "Good-bye Twilight!" Rarity waved gracefully. Spike curiously took a gander at Rarity's notably small suitcase, "Where's your dress to? You couldn't possibly have fit it in there." "I've ordered my dress." She answered, "It should be here within the next few days. Such a friendly service too. I wouldn't mind going there again actually. They had lots to choose from." "What shop?" Spike asked as he held her bag and began to walk back to the boutique. Rarity giggled, "Oh Right. It's called Majestic's Jewels. One of the recent shops to open up. They have fantastic deals. Hopefully they get their place in Canterlot like that local said. I'd be making trips up there every week!" "A lot there?" The dragon had a humored smiled. She nodded, "Oh Hundreds of ensembles and possibly thousands of different pieces of jewelry to pick from. I got to order a nearly 2,000 bit dress on an easy-pay program I can pay off every month for as low as 100 bits!" "Wow sounds like a really neat place." Spike said. Suddenly Rarity bent down and kissed him, "Thank you for showing up at to see us by the way, and yes we MUST go there again. Now, how's everything coming along with the wedding decorations?" "Well how about we go take a look? Town Hall isn't too far from here. Come on!" he suggested with an ecstatic smile. Rarity laughed as he hopped up on her back, "Well I don't see why not. My shop doesn't open for another half hour." With that, they galloped onward to the Town Square where they entered seeing the white streamers and long banner spread across the outside of the Hall reading "Congratulations Spike and Rarity". Picnic tables were decorated with white cloth and little flowers spread everywhere. Then they admired the elegant white arch built on a small stage where the two would say their vows and tie the knot. Rarity was tearing up of joy, "Oh I can't believe you organized all this! It's spectacular!" Spike jumped off and kissed her, "Well I can't take all the blame. Applejack built the stage and arch while Fluttershy and I did the picnic tables and streamers. Plus there was another few ponies with us...Just imagine Rarity, in one week, we'll be married. It all seems so...filling. So did you still want to get married by the moonlight? Or do you want to go with the traditional afternoon?" "I was thinking about that actually." She replied, "Last night the moon was so beautiful, and I thought of you. I think it would be extravagant. We could have the party before hand, then get married around 9 o'clock or so. That way the moon will already be high in the sky. It would be just lovely." "Then it's settled." Spike clapped decisively, "We'll get married by moonlight...I can't wait, Rarity. This is going to be so surreal. I'm getting married! Your getting married!" Rarity held him still and leaned in closely then whispered to him softly, "...Were getting married." Then they kissed a long kiss. They wished it could last forever but knew that all good things must eventually come to an end. But they said their farewells with a positive feel as Spike and Rarity knew that soon enough, the kiss would never have to end, come Sunday evening. ----- That afternoon, Twilight Sparkle was reading away on some books she bought on her trip while Spike continued his chores. When suddenly there was a loud knock at the door. Spike turned from his work to answer it but Twilight insisted, "I'll get it Spike, you can finish sweeping." Spike looked puzzled for a second, then had a sarcastic remark, "Oh You're too kind, Twilight! Why would I want to do anything else than spend my day with a dust pan and broom?" Sparkle rolled her eyes and trotted up to the front door and was surprised when she opened it to find two royal guards at her door step, "Oh My. Good afternoon, can I help you?" "Twilight Sparkle..." One guard greeted firmly, "Her Majesty has requested to meet with you and Miss Applejack." She wondered why Luna wanted to meet with her, "Hmmm Well I'll need some time to round Applejack up and get a ride to Canterlot." He shook his head, "That won't be necessary, Miss." Twilight was confused until she seen the two guards part in the middle to allow Princess Luna to walk in, "Twilight Sparkle. Such a pleasure to meet with you once again." "Your Majesty." She bowed, "It's an honor. A lovely afternoon isn't it?" "I'm afraid we'll have to cut petty conversation short." She announced abruptly, "There's been a tragedy." Twilight's welcoming smile was wiped away, "What's happened Princess?" Luna turned away, "We shall talk about it at your friend Applejack's estate. We have much to discuss so let us move on." The purple pony nodded quickly, "Of course your highness...Spike I'll be back after!" ----- Soon after inside Applejack's house on the Macintosh Plains, Princess Luna got down to the matter at hand, "Twilight Sparkle, Applejack. I have announced this meeting to bring to your attention of something very suspicious." Twilight and Applejack sat at the end of the dining table and watched as one of the guards slid a document across the table. Sparkle used her magic to open the folder and retrieved the top piece of paper with the photograph of a stallion on the front, "Who is this?" Luna acknowledged, "His name was Cold Cache." "Was?" Applejack questioned with a confused tone. "He was found deceased last night in his bank office." Luna said with sympathy, "He was the coorperate owner and founder of the Royal Bank of Equestria franchise. Said to be the richest stallion in all of Canterlot City...He was assassinated." "Assassinated?" Twilight replied, shocked. Applejack flicked through the other papers, soon coming across a seperate folder inside the other, "What in tarnation is this for?" "That," The Princess acknowledged, "is the transcript of what was recorded in his office before the night of his assassination. It stands by far, as our best evidence on who may be behind this." AJ scanned down through the script and read it outloud: Client: So...Where's my cash, Cache? Cache: Now be understanding, Sir. I haven't been able to come up with the full amount yet but it is coming along. Client: I've given you three months! I want it now. Cache: Listen if I go through with this, I'll be putting my entire career on the rocks. I don't think it's worth the gamble. Client: My friend, you are not making this easy for yourself. If you can't come up with the bits, you're making a lot of work for me. You wouldn't want to do that would you? Cache: Absolutely not but I could get sued if I'm caught. I can't just dip my hooves into the pot. I've been very loyal to this firm and my corporation overall. Even though I'm more than delighted with your offer, I'm afraid I'll have to decline as of now. Client: You can't do this to me. I'm warning you now, you are a making a terrible mistake. I'm promising you power beyond your wildest dreams. *Sound of slight trotting and a door opening* Cache: I'm sorry. Your going to have to find somepony else. It's too risky for my blood. Client: General Glide will never go through with this. Your the only pony he trusted. I was counting on you to come through just to gain his trust, then you could go back to your little fantasy world you live in. You must reconsider this. Or else. Cache: Or else what, Sir? You understand I have my security on standby. So I suggest you leave with the dignity you have. *Sound of three chairs being moved, followed by the dropping of coins* Cache: What's this for? Client: Just a little something I give to everypony who is...unsatisfied with my more than generous offers. But I heed you one thing. Cache: Yeah? What is it? Client: Spend the money quickly, Mr. Cache. Good day. Cache: Likewise, I'm sure. "Boy howdy, that's some heavy stuff." Applejack concluded. Luna nodded, "Heavy indeed." "Who is General Glide?" Asked Twilight suspiciously The Princess then used her horn to levitate a photograph from the abundance of papers, "General Georgi Glide is his full title and name. A griffin, a senior member of the Nydeabaen Council of Kings. They are a group who act as parliament who run the entire the kingdom. Although the final decision always needs approval from Supreme King, Czar Ivan Clawfeld III. Anyway this gives us reason to believe that the General could be a suspect in this." "Why in the world would General Glide order the assassination of a bank manager?" Applejack reacted. "We do not know." Answered the worried Princess, "But this isn't the first of recent crime. We have read through the records and it shows that there have been a series of high stake robberies in the cities as of late. It's a small likelihood but they could be linked...In all the centuries that my sister has ruled our promised land, there has never been an assassination in Canterlot City. Unfortunately the fact remains, there IS a first of everything. Now due to some occasion going on in Lochrest, Glide will not be able to meet with us until late next week. Now until then, We advise you enjoy your friend's wedding. Please give them my sincere congratulations." With that, Princess Luna rose from her seat and approached the door, "Good day Twilight Sparkle, Miss Applejack. We will meet with you two again, following the wedding." Along with her guards, the Princess exited the house and left Twilight and AJ with the files. They both looked at each other with a face of worry and intense thought. Could this be the beginning of the spark of a war between the two kingdoms? Or was this a mob of criminals out for selfish wages? This perplexed the girls and they collected up the files for Applejack to store them away until next week. Because for now, they put their work aside and concentrated on the wedding that was soon to happen for their friends. ----- Later that evening, Spike carefully walked into Sugar Cube Corner as if he was trying to avoid somepony. He crept up to the counter and rang the bell in a pattern. Then seconds later, Pinkie Pie slowly stuck her head out from the side of the door to the kitchen and waved him in. Spike nodded and jumped over the counter. He walked through the swinging door and was pulled to the side by the spontaneous Pinkie and she covered his mouth over, "...Were you followed?" Spike pushed her hoof away and shook his head with sly smirk, "Nopony...You got the package?" With a secretive grin, she opened one of the cupboard doors and handed Spike the white box with a violet ribbon wrapped around it. He lifted the lid and held out a gold neck brace with an enormous, sparkling diamond, perfectly cut. The brace was decorated with gems of all colors and came with a certificate of authenticity. Spike's mouth watered with envy but managed to control himself, "I sure hope Rarity likes it just as much I would like to taste it...Ok so how much do I owe you? You want cash, cheque?" Pinkie Pie stood up and shook her head, "Nothing, Spike. Me and the Cakes were talking about it. Consider this a gift from us for you to give to Rarity." "Oh Pinkie." Spike sighed, "You guys have done enough for us already. There's no need to go to all this trouble for us." "Are you kidding?!" The pink one bounced with excitement, "We're happy to help out. Your part of our family too Spike. You've always kept our spirits up, now it's time we help out. So just enjoy your wedding and leave the worries to us." The dragon knew that he couldn't change her mind so he grinned and hugged his friend, "Thanks a bunch. We thank you, and give the Cakes our thanks too." "No problem!" Pinkie beamed. Spike was about to leave the shop with the gift until he was met with Fluttershy and her date, Navy Blue who trotted through the door, "Oh Hello Spike. How are you this evening?" "Oh I'm fine, Fluttershy. I just came here to pick up Rarity's gift. What are you two doing?" Spike asked back. Navy put his hoof around her, "We just stopped by to pick up some snacks. Then were going to the park to do some star gazing." Navy Blue appeared to be a charming Pegasus. He had shining turqoise eyes and a dark mane. Not to mention a navy blue coat. He had told everypony that he worked as a local politician in Cloudsdale, but always found time in his hectic schedule to spend time with his marefriend, Fluttershy. Spike smiled, "That sounds great! I don't think me and Rarity have ever done that." "We go there all the time." Fluttershy smiled back, "We also got a telescope we borrowed from Twilight so it's going to be just wonderful." Blue laughed and kissed her, "You bet, so I guess we'll see you later, Spike." "Sure thing!" the dragon nodded as began to head out then halted at the door, "I have to get home and get some early rest anyway. Me and Rarity are taking the train up to Canterlot tomorrow morning." "Really? What for?" Fluttershy wondered. He scratched his head, "Well we finally decided to have the honeymoon there so were going to see what kind of suites they have. We should be back tomorrow night. We only plan to be there for a few hours." The timid Pegasus giggled gleefully, "Well I hope you have a safe trip. See you." "Have a good trip, Spike." Navy acknowledged. Spike waved as he went out, "Bye, you two!" ----- That next morning, Spike and Rarity rode happily to the station to await their train. As they approached it, they noticed there was a pony holding up a sign with their names on it. Feeling curious, Rarity galloped faster to find out what it was. Spike was the first to speak, "Hello, are you looking for us?" "Ah Mr. Spike and Ms. Rarity I presume?" The stallion asked. "Why, yes we are." Rarity nodded. He laughed and pulled an envolope from his saddlebag, "Your Majesty, Princess Luna has offered the arrangements for you two to spend your honeymoon at the palace. She wants to make you two feel at home with all the services you could ever need. She's even enclosed some money for you two to spend while your out there. It'll be explained much further along the way." "Wow that's incredible!" Spike exclaimed as he and Rarity looked at each other. "Oh My, such a generous offer. We'll have to think about it." Rarity determined. "But of course." The messenger said, "We've also brought the royal chariot down to escort you there, personally." Out of sheer joy, Rarity pranced around excitedly, not knowing Spike was still aboard getting knocked around, "Ok ok take it easy." He laughed. With that, the loving couple boarded the gilded carrier and flew off towards Canterlot. Spike and Rarity were overwhelmed with the way things were going. Although the dragon thought it was a little too much indulging, he decided to enjoy it while it lasted. Because family life was not far away. So they sat back and gazed around the sky. The forests down below, the farm fields and apple orchards, beautiful clouds, domineering mountains in the distance and the grand spectacle that was Canterlot City just up ahead. [...To be continued]