//------------------------------// // Chapter 14 // Story: Destination: Equestria // by Zervziel //------------------------------// As the guards left the stately mansion, they bid it's occupants farewell. "Your mansion is clear. Have a good night, sir." "You two sirs as well." Fancypants the unicorn returned. For the past few hours, several teams of guard ponies had gone from house to house, questioning the occupants if they had seen a certain unicorn mare and after questioning, searched the households for clues as to where the troublemaker maybe. This raised the ire of several nobles who threatened to take this breach of their privacy to the Princesses themselves. However even the most stubborn among them acquiesced when told the mare they were searching for was likely a talented thief who had taken something of utmost value to Celestia's School for Talented Unicorns. The search continued as teams from both Lunar and Solar Guard corps swept the city. Pegasi teams flew circuits over the city, scanning for any thing amiss. Pairs of unicorn guards searched high and low, directing seeker spells through anything they came across. Crates, boxes, vases, anything that might be used to hide somepony or stolen goods. Earth pony guards accosted any pony they met, questioning them and searched the buildings. Up in Canterlot Palace the search itself was under scrutiny by the two Princesses. "Luna, when I turned the investigation over to you, I was hoping you'd be a little more subtle than this. With the guards questioning everypony they meet and searching pony's houses, the ponies are terrified." Leaning back onto her onyx throne, the dark blue alicorn nodded in acknowledgment. "I understand your concerns, Celestia and I am sorry for the scene, but I stand by my decision for the search. If we don't catch the thief soon, then they may be able to escape the city. If they haven't already." The elegant Regent of the Sun arched an eyebrow at her sister, her rose colored eyes meeting Luna's cyan ones. Before either could speak what was on their minds, a pegasus lunar guard rushed into the room, almost face-planting when he tried to bow as he entered. "Your majesties, we have found something of grave importance," He blurted out as he stood trying to catch his breath. Both Princesses brightened considerably. "Is it the item we seek? Asked the darker alicorn excitedly, an almost foal-like look of glee on her face. Here the guard stumbled, shuffling his hooves. "No, ma'am. It's not so much a thing as a who." "Then you've caught the actual perpetrator?" This time Celestia spoke, a mixture of relief and shock coloring her normally controlled voice. The guard looked between the two princesses before lowering his head. "It is unknown, you majesties. The body was found just moments in one of the back alleyways, near one of the fountains. She was gored to death and had her neck broken. From what my officer said, it looks like she's been there for awhile." The relieved look on the ruler's faces shattered at the grave news and was quickly replaced with looks of grim determination. "A body? So murder? I cannot remember the last time I've heard of such a heinous crime occurring in our fair city. Do you, Celestia?" Closing her eyes for a moment before reopening them, the elder sister nodded. "It was quite a few years back. Several generations I believe. However it is not unheard of in the less policed towns across Equestria. Most ponies do not have it in them to go that far." She explained before turning her attention from her sister, to the guard. "Go and rouse every member of the guard not currently sweeping the city. Lunar and Solar guards alike, we need to hunt down whoever did this." With a crisp salute, the guard departed towards the barracks, leaving the two sisters alone in silence. "Who do you think it was?" Luna asked softly. Moving closer to her, Celestia wrapped her wing around her in a hug. Giving her a consoling smile, Celestia replied. "We will find out soon enough and hopefully find the pony responsible for this before any more of our subjects can fall victim to them." "Do you think it's the same pony?" "Hmmm?" Heaving a sigh of exasperation, Luna repeated herself. "Do you think it's the same pony that stole the lexicon? The timing of it's disappearance and a murder are too close together to be mere coincidence." "I think you're right, Luna." Stated Celestia with a thoughtful look on her face. "Which means that some how this pony is linked to the lexicon. But how?" Standing up from the throne, Lun spread her wings and glided towards the door to the throne room. She stopped at the threshold, one hoof on the door as she turned towards her sister. "Coming, Celestia? There's one way to find out. Plus it'll do our citizens some good to see us out and about ensuring their safety." With that, Luna shoved the door open and exited, her sister right behind her. They walked in silence towards the main gate for a while before Celestia spoke up, a hint of amusement in her voice. "What are you willing to bet they'll treat us like we're glass and act as if we shouldn't see such a sight?" "Not taking that wager, sister," said Luna without looking back. "They coddle us like we're infants. It's as if they remember none of the stories of how we survived on our own in Equestria before their ancestors even came here." Instead of navigating the maze of alleys, the two rulers simply spread their wings and soared towards their destination. Spotting the location of the crime was easy enough even in the darkness. The dim lights from the lamp posts flashed off the armor of the guards moving through the darkness. Upon alighting, the Princesses actually found themselves accosted by an overly zealous guard. "Who goes there? This is a restricted area!" The guard challenged the two large shadows that just landed near him. "Two of the three unicorns with wings, private." Luna quipped sarcastically. "Your Majesty! I'm sor-" An upraised hoof from Princess Celestia cut the guard off. "No offense taken. I'm happy to see such vigilance in our guards especially given the circumstances. We'd like to view the body and the crime scene if you would be so kind as to let us pass." A sickly look passed over the Guard's face. "Yes, ma'am. Though I warn you it is a pretty grisly sight." The two princesses walked towards a large gathering of guards. Accosting one, Luna quickly recognized him as the same officer she'd spoken to before. "What is the situation here?" She inquired officiously. "From what we can tell, a murder. The victim is a light gray unicorn mare. Purple and white striped mane. Her cutie mark is three purple stars. Cause of death: She's been gored at least twice through the rib cage. The largest wound is behind the right fore hoof and the other wound is smaller but similarly located on the opposite side." Princess Luna was impressed. He may have not been the brightest when it came to magic, but he got to the point in a quick and concise manner. Looking over to her sister, Luna felt an icy touch grip her core. Celestia looked as if she had been run through. Concerned, she asked, "Celestia, what is the matter?" Ignoring her, Celestia trotted quickly over to the guards surrounding the prone form on the ground. Without question, the guards parted, making way. Stepping up to the body, the elder princess took one look at the corpse before bowing her head. "I'm so sorry, Twilight." And now: How my brain works will trying to break writer's block. "You there, Guard pony, what is your name?" Princess Luna inquired. The chosen guard shivered in his midnight blue armor before answering. ''Dark Sky, your majesty." The Princess of the Night nodded in acknowledgement. "I have a request to make: Slap my ass." As she spoke the Princess turned her flank towards the guard. "Wha-what?" "Come on! Come on! Do it now!"