January 26th
Dawn was rising over Manehatten, Celestia's light breaking through the gentle cloud cover that the city's weather team were moving into place. Most ponies were still in bed at this point, making the most of the warm peace that sleep brought. Not everypony was quite fortunate enough to have this luxury for as long as others at the moment though. The Manehatten PD was bustling with activity after another fire had been reported during the night, the implication that it was the latest attack by The White Phoenix. Rarity and Sweetie Belle had been up since five o'clock and were now waiting outside Gleaming Truth's office, waiting to see if they had the go ahead to head for the scene and investigate. Babs Seed had been with them earlier but had gone to try and find something to eat, leaving them to their thoughts for now.
"So, why'd you think it's taking so long?" Sweetie finally asked as she looked over at her sister, who was sitting back in her seat by the door, eyes closed in focus.
"If I had to guess, it's because they're less convinced that this actually is the Phoenix," Rarity replied, opening her eyes and looking over at Sweetie. "I had another, calmer look at the previous incidents and noticed there actually was some form of connection there. The first fire that could be linked to the case was in a bakery. The second, a café. It keeps going just like that, restaurants, catering firms, even the warehouse. All of them are linked by-"
"Food," Sweetie finished. "You think the Phoenix is going after the food industry? Why?"
"That is the question now, though we shall have to see if the answer is simply another clue to lead us to the Phoenix or a reason that we learn when we ask the pony ourselves. Add in the fact this report seems to be about a theatre and the fact there was apparently a witness...You see why this particular one is taking so much time, they're making sure since it doesn't match up."
Rarity sighed slightly as she got up from her chair, both of them knowing that it wasn't much to go on but it was something new all the same. Before they could discuss it further, Babs returned carrying a tray in her mouth that bore toast and coffee. She set it down on an empty chair and took one of the cups, simply taking a breather while the other two joined in. Sweetie stayed out of the way a little, feeling a little bit of an outsider here since she was the only one of the trio who didn't like coffee, letting Babs and Rarity discuss their latest findings on the case quickly. It seemed like the other investigators on the case had started to pick up on the same details that Rarity had, though it would still take a little time before they could start using this information to try and anticipate the Phoenix's movements and targets. After several minutes the office door opened and Gleaming Truth stepped out.
"False alarm everypony. We got eyewitness testimony from the officers on scene that a clumsy janitor accidentally started the fire." Truth announced to the others. Sweetie simply nodded, thinking to herself that this was the first time she'd seen the investigator's cutie mark, a magnifying glass with a glint of sunlight reflecting off it.
"Okay...I'll see you later for my shift. Rarity, Sweetie Belle, I'll see you soon." Babs replied, sounding a tiny bit annoyed at having got up this early for nothing as she finished her drink and headed for the exit. The others could understand, she'd probably had to give up Celestia-knows how many hours with Solo Act over the years due to her duties, even if Sky Breaker was there to look after the filly in the meantime.
"If you don't mind us, we should get out of your way as well," Rarity said afterward, unable to keep from yawning. "All these early mornings don't do a lady any favours."
"Sure, I'll contact you when something new comes up," Truth replied, looking down in thought for a minute before looking up again. "Actually, Sweetie Belle, could I ask you something quickly before you go?"
"Of course. I'll catch up with you outside, sis." Sweetie said, watching Rarity go before turning back toward Truth, who looked, for the first time, somewhat uncertain.
"So, this might sound a bit weird, but you grew up in Ponyville at the end of the Celestial Era. Did you know a pony called Dinky Hooves, by any chance?"
"Yeah, she was a friend at school actually. Why?"
"My work in Manehatten doesn't really leave me any time for travel. I imagine you'll be back in Ponyville soon enough, could you give her a message for me the next time you're there?"
"Of course, as long as it's nothing risqué. I'd rather not get a reputation for my sexuality." Sweetie commented with a chuckle, getting a small grin out of Truth in response.
"No, just something simple she'll understand. Tell her that Red Moon's family are sorry for his decision," She waited for a moment as the unicorn turned to go before adding something. "And Sweetie Belle, I may not know you as well as I could, but I really appreciate you doing that. I owe you one."
"I'll keep that in mind." Sweetie teased before heading off to follow her sister's way out, trying not to wonder what the meaning was behind Truth's words.
It was almost strange, having a day start off with such potential for something major and then ending up back in normality just like that. Rarity had gone straight home for a nap, or 'To fill the gap made in her sleep requirements' as she put it. Sweetie Belle had gone straight on to the boutique for the day's work, figuring that she could just go to bed earlier. The day had gone by rather quickly for her, though for whatever reason the store had been relatively quiet despite how much business had gone up in the wake of her singing career improving. As the business day came to an end, she decided to invite Coco over to her place for a little hanging out time, the fact she readily accepted was a welcome plus.
As the two of them reached Sweetie's house, they were both separately imagining having a classy evening in with wines, Rarity and a general good time. As they stepped into the house though, those thoughts were put to one side by the scene awaiting them. A suitcase had been placed by the door and Rarity was darting about from room to room, mumbling something to herself and really not looking like she was any more relaxed at all. On seeing the other standing in the doorway in total confusion, she stopped and quickly trotted over to them.
"Sweetie Belle, Coco, good to see you both. I wish it was under better circumstances." Rarity said as if it explained everything, her voice still rather flustered.
"Wh-what exactly are you doing?" Sweetie asked once she felt her jaw working again, watching as her sister stopped and looked over at the various letters set out on the side.
"Well, after I woke up I came downstairs and saw that the post had been delivered. I sorted it for you, bills, fan mail, what looked like a new job offer."
"You get all the interesting mail." Coco commented, getting a small chuckle out of Sweetie before Rarity continued.
"There was one addressed to me though, I think you should read this." She fetched a letter out from the pile with her magic and passed it over. Sweetie took it in her magic and started reading through it, letting Coco look at it as well while she did.
Rarity,
I hope that your time in Manehatten is serving you well and I apologise that this will detract from it, but I'm afraid that unseen circumstances have forced my need to contact you.
I regret to say that on the twenty-first, in your absence, I received a message from your contact with the Diamond Dogs that stated that their gemstone exports to your boutiques were being halted, effective immediately, due to a change in policy among their leadership. As the acting manager of Carousel Boutique, I made an attempt to negotiate some form of compromise on your behalf. Progress has been minimal though, they're a very stubborn race and I lack your tactful charm. I wish that I didn't have to ask for your assistance in this but this embargo affects your entire chain of stores, your managers in Canterlot and Vanhoover have already contacted me asking for why their high-demand gems have stopped coming. If possible, I request your return to Ponyville for assistance in clearing this matter up.
I apologise again for this disruption to your business in Manehatten and hope that this matter may be resolved quickly so that you may return to your focus within the city.
Your acting manger in Ponyville,
Blue Bobbin
"That's, concerning." Coco commented as she finished reading.
"It's bad." Sweetie corrected as she finished moments later.
"It's a disaster!" Rarity exclaimed, her overdramatic flair on full display. "I put all this effort into saving one boutique and now all of them are in trouble? Why does fate keep having to complicating things like this?! Why? Whhhyyyyyy?"
"Ok sis, time out," Sweetie interjected, holding her sister's shoulders and keeping her still until she managed to recompose herself and take a number of calming breaths. "Now, I'm sure I know what you're planning already, but could you fill us in anyway?"
"Alright, well I simply couldn't let a problem like some stubborn puppies mess with my livelihood, especially since I'm going to all this effort for you, miss Pommel. I already booked a seat on the next train back to Ponyville and was hoping you would return home before I had to leave so I could tell you myself."
"B...But what about The White Phoenix? You're dropping the investigation for this?"
"Sweetie Belle darling, I'm well aware of how important finding the Phoenix is. But I'm not the only pony capable of doing this," Rarity put a hoof on Sweetie's shoulder as she spoke reassuringly. "Between you, Babs Seed and Gleaming Truth, there's more than enough investigative talent to unravel this mystery, maybe even before I return."
"Wow. You really think so?" Sweetie asked, quietly surprised that that much faith was being put in her eye for detail. Rarity simply smiled and nodded in response.
"I do. For now though, we shouldn't dally here, my train leaves in just under an hour."
The journey back to Manehatten Central Station had been straightforward, not enough to justify needing an hour on it's own. The use in setting off so early became clear after Rarity and Sweetie Belle were stopped for autographs again, both of them getting more attention due to their location and the time of day. Eventually though, they managed to untangle themselves from the crowd, find Coco again and make their way over to platform three for the evening train to Ponyville. Surprisingly it wasn't that busy on the platform itself, likely because everypony had already boarded the train.
"Well, hopefully this won't take too long...I hope I'm not doing the wrong thing here." Rarity said, sounding somewhat uncertain about her choice in action now.
"It's fine sis, we can look after things here. Besides, not much point trying to save one store if you lose all of them in the process." Sweetie replied reassuringly.
"It's not as bad here either," Coco followed up. "We've actually been getting more orders since Sweetie Belle's music career got going again, enough to offset at least some of the lost income. You'll have time to deal with this and have some extra for fixing the problems at the boutique afterward."
Rarity nodded, looking somewhat more reassured, before giving them both a hug and nuzzle. Nothing else needed to be said between them, they all knew that they trusted each other to do what they were setting out to do. Rarity took her suitcase and boarded the train, quickly finding a seat where she could lean out the window and wave to them as the train began it's departure from the city. Sweetie and Coco waved back until she was out of sight, at which point Coco was unable to contain a yawn and sat down for a quick breather, getting a concerned look from Sweetie at how her fatigue problems seemed to be getting worse.
"You're going to struggle to keep up, aren't you?" She finally asked.
"Aren't you?" Coco replied, getting a small nod from her in response. They knew what they had to do, but doing it wasn't going to be any easier.