War In The Dark

by Lyraah

Act VIII: Co-operation

War In The Dark

*** Co-operation ***

***

---

The next day...

Maya quickly rushed over as Hooven exited the elevator. "Boss." She acknowledged, gently rubbing her afflicted cheek.

"How is the venue?" Hooven asked, glancing around the bowling alley. His guards stood around him, trying to spot out anything that's out of place.

"Rest assured, I've checked. There's no suspicious activity going on." Maya beamed, nodding vigorously.

Hooven was not convinced, with a grunt, he ordered. "Seal the exits, remain vigilant until the diamond is in our hooves." Hooven canter down into the main bowling alleys, where a number of ponies were bowling away.

As Hooven and his guards trotted down the alley, Minuette's team were already stationed in the bowling alley. Some of them were sitting around, watching as the others bowl. Raindrops sat on a bench, hugging a bowling ball. She saw the mafia boss trot pass and quickly radioed to inform the team. "Chief Lyra, the target's in sight, waiting for the signal."

Lyra was about to roll the ball but she paused upon hearing the message.

the elevator doors opened again as Minuette trotted out into the bowling alley. She was gaping at the other side of the setup, her legs were trotting towards the other way.

Maya was trying to get herself a cup of water from the water cooler when Minuette knocked into her flank, making her jump and spilling the icy drink on her fur.

"Sorry!" Both Minuette and Maya apologized profusely, looking up at each other. Minuette was frantically trying to pat the pegasus when she realized who she was.

"You..." Maya jabbed her hoof at the detective, who also raised her hoof in recollection. Maya strained her eyes and her mind reeled. Where have she seen this unicorn before? She couldn't remember.

Minuette knew she couldn't risk detection. She promptly walked away, not breaking her gaze from the confused pegasus. Minuette disappeared behind a pillar and continued her way. Clover was watching this whole time, she ambled over to her friend and asked, "Who's she?"

"I 'unno." Maya replied, shaking her head.

Minuette trotted down the alley, catching sight of Violet checking the lockers, Raindrops lying on the bench, Lyra trying to bowl, only to fail at the get go, slipping and dropping the bowling ball immediately.

Minuette cringed and forced herself not to facehoof. Lyra also caught sight of the unicorn, looking down in embarrassment as she readied herself for another attempt. She tossed the ball down the alley, rolling a few metres before falling into the gutter.

Minuette sat down about three stations from Hooven and his guards. Her eyes brushed past the target as she peered down the stations. Hooven was feeling a little impatient, fidgeting a little as he sat down on a bench.

Minuette swiped her tail across her seat, pulling out her cellphone. Why isn't she here yet? Minuette thought nervously.

The detective was just getting drowsy when a mare suddenly sat down beside her. She was wearing shades, her mane tied into a ponytail. She was wearing an alluring dress coat complete with stockings and long hoof-boots. The mare also had an inviting scent of perfume.

"Hello." The mare spoke, removing her shades. Minuette turned around and flew out of her seat immediately, her mouth wide open. Minuette couldn't help but feel a distinct warmth spreading over her loins as she shut her mouth mechanically.

"I- I- uh, erm, what. I- you, Amethyst?" Minuette stuttered, flushing. She couldn't help but admit, Amethyst did look pretty attractive - no, sexy. Minuette hyperventilated, slumping into the seat again. Amethyst had pretty thick eyelashes on, rivaling those worn by the models on the magazines.

Amethyst pulled her own tail, stretching it on her lap. "I see you've gone all out for this operation. Even the chief's here."

"You are really full of surprises." Minuette said, wrapping her coat tighter around herself. She couldn't help but stare at the mare, however hard she tried.

"Right, the plan is, tell Hooven that you're sent by Mr Quarat." Amethyst began, pushing the metal briefcase to the detective's hooves. "If he decides to play dirty, tell him that the diamond is fake."

Minuette nodded, reaching to grab the case. Amethyst blocked her, "Before you go, at least give me a kiss. Make it convincing." She leered.

Minuette blinked at the mare, speechless. She couldn't believe her ears. Amethyst waited, smirking slightly. Even her smile is pretty inviting. Minuette admitted mentally. The detective sighed, wrapping both hooves around the purple unicorn. She gave Amethyst a soft kiss on her cheek, shuddering as her scent of perfume drilled into her senses.

Lyra sat at the far end, sulking away.

Minuette got up on all four hooves, the case floating closely beside her. She picked up her pace, threading each step intently. Hooven's guards stood up as soon as Minuette approached.

Lyra looked on nervously, glancing at Blueberry beside her. "Get ready." She asserted.

Minuette waved and greeted the ponies, "Good day to thee." Ignoring the intimidating guards, Minuette focused her sight on Hooven, stepping past the guards and taking a seat in front of the mafia leader. "Not playing?" She quipped.

The blue unicorn set the case on her lap, her light hearted disposition evaporated immediately as a stern look stretched across her face. "Mr Quarat ordered me to settle the deal."

Hooven looked on nonchalantly, raising a hoof and pointing to Amethyst, sitting a few columns down. Minuette turned to look as well, smiling. Amethyst paid no attention to the deal, watching the others bowl.

Minuette got up from the bench, lifting the case to turn it over to the leader.

On the other side of the bowling alley, Lyra jolted as soon as she saw the transfer taking place. "Go!" She yelled to Blueberry, who also sprung into action. Clover held out her hoof and prevented the case from reaching her boss.

Violet and Lightning Bolt took cover behind the pillar as soon as Lyra yelled another order through the comms. "Hold up, false alarm!" Violet frantically holstered her pistol and went back to her routine. Lightning Bolt stuffed her transceiver into her pocket. "Minuette told us specifically to take action only when Hooven receives the case!"

Clover and Minuette held on to the case. "Open up." The guard ordered. Minuette stared into Clover's eyes but the guard didn't flinch. The detective set the briefcase down on the table and clapped it open.

Sure enough, the sparkling blue diamond necklace was lying on the soft padding, still shining radiantly for all its worth. As soon as Clover concluded the diamond to be real, she reached out to take the necklace.

The case snapped shut and Minuette held out her hoof, disallowing the mare to proceed further. "What are you trying to do? Rob me?" She said condescendingly. "Where's the bits?"

Hooven shrugged, "How would I know if the diamond's real in the first place?"

"You let me see the real bits, I let you see the real deal."

Hooven pointed to Amethyst once more as she returned the gesture, blowing a little kiss. "Your marefriend?"

"Yes." Minuette forced the word through her teeth.

"Stay behind, Clover will show her the bits." Hooven said.

"She'll go?" Minuette asked, looking at Amethyst down the alley.

"Yes."

Minuette drew out a long breath and contemplated for a few moments. Without a word, she floated the briefcase and trotted back to Amethyst's side. Clover followed dully behind her. The detective sat down beside Amethyst, putting a hoof around the purple mare. "Honey, they want you to check the bits."

Amethyst nodded and swung herself from the seat. Minuette gave her a slap on her flank before calling out, "Careful, dear." Clover rolled her eyes and led the way.

Lyra fixed her gaze on the two mares as they went towards the lockers. "Get somepony to follow them." She whispered.

"Lightning Bolt, you'll go." Blueberry spoke into her radio.

Clover directed Amethyst deep into the lockers section, where another guard was waiting. Clover waved her hoof, beckoning the guard to open the locker. He complied and pulled a key from his pocket.

The guard pulled out a duffle-bag and unzipped it, revealing the contents. Bundles and bundles of notes stacked on top of each other. It was literally a bag filled with cash. Amethyst's eyes glinted as she stared at the money.

Minuette sat at her original seat, glancing over her head impatiently. Hooven and the rest of his guards remained vigilant, waiting for the two mares to return.

Lyra also shifted in frustration as she waited, her flank was getting numb and she needed to have a stretch. But alas, she was too nervous to even stand.

What seemed like an eternity later, the two ponies haven't returned yet. Hooven was getting restless, he evidently knew something might be wrong, and so did Minuette.

The detective gazed at the chief, who shrugged mellowly. Lyra took a quick glance over to the lockers and back at Minuette.

---

Amethyst bent down against the sink, coughing and cradling her left hoof delicately. She looked up at the mirror, straightening out her mane. Amethyst closed her eyes, splashing water on her face, trying to remove her make-up. She had dumped the provocative clothing into the bin, even her boots and stocking.

Amethyst stood upright and adjusted her blazer, checking out her face.

That was almost too close. Amethyst thought as she shook her wet face.

Hooven had had enough of the waiting, he promptly stood up and snatched a tranceiver from a guard. "Maya, go check out the situation."

"Got it, boss." Maya replied, rushing off towards the lockers. "Keep a close eye on the exits!" She reminded the guards and disappeared around the corner.

Lyra blinked at Minuette as she caught the detective staring at her with a deadly expression. She was hinting something, but Lyra did not know what she wanted. Minuette sighed, rubbing her hoof across her muzzle, surreptitiously pointing towards the lockers.

Lyra turned to Blueberry, "Go have a look."

"This is Berry to Lightning Bolt, over!" The mare spoke into the radio.

"Go have a look!" Lyra reiterated and the officer quickly scampered to check.

Maya slid past the corner only to see two of the guards lying on the floor, unconscious. She went over to the locker; it was wide open and the bag of cash was nowhere to be found. Maya knelt over Clover and shook her, "Clover, wake up!"

Blueberry entered the locker section from the other side, her eyes catching on an unconscious mare on the floor. It was Lightning! She quickly pulled the pegasus and placed her against the locker. "Lightning, wake up!"

"Clover, wake up!"

"Lightning, wake up!"

Both Maya and Blueberry perked up their ears upon hearing another voice. They pressed their ears on the section of lockers separating both ponies. They were about half a metre apart and yet they were totally oblivious.

"Clover, what happened?" Maya yelled.

"Lightning, what happened?" Blueberry cried.

Minuette was leaning on the bench, still waiting. What's taking them so long? It must be something Amethyst did, but she was starting to get a little worried. Two of Hooven's guard trotted over to her. One of them loomed over the detective, hissing, "Go over."

Minuette rolled her eyes towards the ceiling and stood up once more, dragging the metal case alongside her. Lyra was alarmed as she saw Minuette being whisked away towards the mafia leader again. But she could do nothing but watch.

"Rest assured, the diamond is still here. If you have any doubts, please take this case first." Minuette floated her briefcase, stretching it towards Hooven.

Hooven ascended, reaching out the grab the handle of the case.

Lyra's eyes widened as she radioed in again, "Action, now!" Violet and Raindrops immediately rushed over but quickly took cover behind the pillars again as Lyra apologized, "Sorry, false alarm. Second suspect on scene, keep close watch over her!"

Amethyst appeared beside the group of ponies. Her mane was lighter now, Minuette hadn't realized that she had changed the colour of her mane. Minuette mentally muttered a 'not-bad' as she studied the new Amethyst. She was wearing a smart blazer with a red tie around her neck. She wasn't wearing a uniform, so the tie looked a little off.

The Amethyst just now and the Amethyst now were two totally different ponies.

The mare strutted confidently, introducing, "Mr Hooven, Mr Quarat asked me to see to the deal." Amethyst said harmlessly.

Hooven stared between both mares, a surge of anger rising from his being. He squinted at Minuette, then over to the new dealer.

Minuette glared at Amethyst, pressing her lips together. "What the hell are you playing at, lass?"

Amethyst smiled, stretching out her bag. "Hers is fake, I have the real diamond here." Hooven rubbed his mane, cocking his head. Amethyst glanced over at Minuette, with the bag still outstretched. "You are a foolish mare. Playing a game you can't win. Don't think that that mare really likes you, because she doesn't. You've been cheated, silly."

Minuette was enjoying this little act. A smirk pulled from the side of her lips as she gave a theatrical sigh. "I'm not that gullible. I'll let you have a look for yourself." Minuette bent over and unlocked her case.

She floated out the blue diamond and began to study the gem using her magnifier. Hooven watched from the sides, unamused, as the mare scrutinized the gem with great concentration. Minuette had a panicked look on her face, her forehooves were shaking as she slowly lowered the diamond.

"Well? Is it real or a fake?" Amethyst said, flicking her tail.

Minuette dropped both the diamond and magnifier onto the soft padding of the briefcase, lost for words as she tried to regain composure. "Ho- how did this happen?" Her voice slurred, turning to Amethyst.

"Do you want to see the real diamond?" Amethyst asked smugly, unzipping her bag.

Minuette lost control of her emotions and bounded over to the purple unicorn, trying to snatch the bag from her. "You imbecile, you colluded with her!" She yelled, tugging at the bag. Amethyst struggled to secure possession of the bag but nopony seemed to get the upper hoof.

"Let go!" Amethyst roared.

"The bag's mine!" Minuette shrieked.

Hooven said nothing, just watching on as the two mares fought. Two of his guards went ahead and pressed their guns on both the unicorns, rendering them still on the spot.

"Should we go?" Violet asked over the radio upon witnessing the deal.

"No, none of us move until the bag is in Hooven's hooves!" Lyra asserted.

Both Minuette and Amethyst took a step back from each other as the guards pulled them away. Minuette had the bag in her hooves, having triumphed over possession.

Hooven stared at the detective, inclining her to turn over the bag.

Amethyst froze on the spot as Minuette slowly ambled towards the leader, hugging the bag in reluctance.

Blueberry rushed over frantically to Lyra, her tone worried and hasted. "Mam, Lightning passed out in the lockers section." Lyra frowned but said nothing, for she was engrossed in the deal.

Maya flew over to her boss, sweating all over. She leaned into Hooven's ear and whispered, "Boss, both Clover and a random guard were knocked out and the money is gone." Maya turned to Minuette as she approached Hooven.

"You... you..." Maya jabbed her hoof at Minuette. The detective froze, trying to feign ignorance. The air hung dry and she was unable to breath. It was tense.

Hooven waited for a split second before snatching the bag from Minuette's hooves.

"Action, go go!" Lyra yelled, jumping from her seat, pistol floating. The rest of the team sprung into action, galloping towards the deal with guns drawn.

"One of you dressing up like a slut, the other is trying to be funny." Hooven yelled, his eyes tinting with rage. He emptied the bag and held out a bowling ball. The bag fell flat onto the ground. "You take me for a fool? Trying to cheat me with a bowling ball?!" He held out the ball for all to see.

"Bowling ball?" Minuette stared wide-eyed at the black ball. Hooven's guards stood by him, eyes flashing between the detective and the ball.

With a heave, Hooven lifted the bowling ball upwards and threw it on the floor. The ball cracked open as pieces flew apart. But something inside caught the attention and surprise of everypony.

Lying amongst the debris, there were numerous shiny stones. Sparkling radiantly, it spread all over the ground, reflecting brilliant light onto its dazed onlookers. Hooven gaped at the small diamonds that littered the expanse, shocked and at a loss for words.

"Police! Everypony, stay where you are!" A loud voice boomed as several officers rushed into view, pistols trained onto their targets. Officers from Lyra's division had also emerged from their hiding. Soon, the bowling alley was filled with officers. There was no chance of escape whatsoever.

The guards were appalled but they stood their ground, staring at the officers as they swiftly approached. Maya was still jabbing her hoof at Minuette, her words caught in her own confusion.

She finally managed to remember, after a long ponder. "You are a policemare!" Maya glared at the detective, her hoof trembling with fury.

"That's right, I am Lyra Heartstrings from the Central Equestrian Investigation Bureau! Looks like I've got everypony in the net. Mr Hooven Stone, I have reason to suspect that these diamonds were allegedly stolen from a financial company. On the ground now, and put your hooves on your heads!"

Minuette glanced over to the purple unicorn, but she was no where to be found. On the floor lay an unconscious guard, his pistol flung several metres away from the body. The detective pulled the side of the metal briefcase into view. The Blue Diamond was also gone. Minuette squeezed her eyes shut and reeled on the floor.

She couldn't believe it! She was tricked by Amethyst again! Minuette cowered on the floor, pressing her head on the ground with her hooves. She was more ready to surrender that any of Hooven's gang.

---

Amethyst ran a hoof on the magnificent Blue Diamond, as it casted a warm reflection on her. She slid the necklace into the black pouch and dropped it into the bag of money. Amethyst zipped up the bag and shut the trunk of her convertible.

She was about to open the door when a sound of a car screeching to a stop caught her attention. Slowly, Amethyst trotted to the front of her car as red and blue lights flashed wildly in the streets further down. Nothing.

Amethyst looked back at her own car. In the driver's seat, Minuette was seated there, leaning on her hoof with an unamused expression. Amethyst found herself smiling when she saw the detective. Inside, she was impressed at how she was able to track her time and time again.

Minuette magically opened the passenger's side door, meaning for the unicorn to enter. Amethyst had no choice, for her loot was in the trunk. She gladly accepted the challenge and decided to play along once more.

Amethyst got in and made herself comfortable. She sucked in a deep breath and turned to face Minuette. "Did I choose the wrong pony?" She asked.

"I win the game if I deliver you to the police station." Minuette merely said and sighed.

"That is without a doubt." Amethyst replied, coughing.

"To be honest, it was a pleasure to be working with you." Minuette admitted, stretching out her forehoof.

Amethyst looked between the detective and her hoof as a warm feeling rose in her chest. She promptly shook her hoof. It was a sign of battle well fought and honour between two opponents.

Amethyst's thoughts were cut off abruptly when Minuette clapped a hoofcuff on her forehoof, locking the other end to a metal bar below the dashboard.

"You call this a pleasure to be working with?" Amethyst's face remained flat, gazing at the detective.

"you wouldn't survive out here unless you're on guard against those who would harm you." Minuette replied smugly. "I remembered what you said."

Amethyst chuckled in amusement. "It would only take you about five minutes to take me to the nearest police department."

"Uhm, just down the road. I can drive you there whilst blindfolded." Minuette reared up the vehicle and it shot forward. The convertible rolled along at a considerable pace.

Just as it passed through an intersection, the flashing of red and blue lights intensified. On both sides of the intersection were several police vehicles blocking the road. Numerous officers looked on as the convertible drove on track.

Amethyst's mane flew back wildly as she leaned on the seat. She had no idea. Amethyst thought to herself as she scanned the determined unicorn on the wheel.

The vehicle continued down the straight stretch of road as a troop of police vehicles followed behind, escorting the convertible to the police department. There were several unmarked cars and a police van tagging along. It almost looked like a parade. The night air was filled with the relentless flashing of lights.

Lyra sat in one of the unmarked vehicles, smiling confidently. "Let's see if you can escape this one."

Minuette kept her hoof on the pedal, driving past another intersection again. Just like the previous roadblock, groups of police units galloped along to see the car through.

"We're almost there, why don't you take action now?" Minuette slowed the car down, turning to the purple mare.

"I've done everything I need to..." Amethyst said weakly, glancing at the detective with half-closed eyes.

"I'm not done yet though." Minuette said, keeping her eyes on the road. "If I'm unable to take you to the police department tonight, I think I'll regret it all my life."

"Only with this regret will you remember me." Amethyst stated.

"Don't worry, I will remember you."

Amethyst coughed and leaned forward painfully, her body trembling with every hack. She quickly pulled out a napkin and violently coughed into it. Minuette glanced at her with concern.

"You okay?"

"No... I- I think this may be it..." Amethyst looked up and her napkin flew against the windscreen of the vehicle.

Minuette felt her heart pounding up to her throat as she saw the blood-stained napkin, fluttering and flapping, held up by the wind. The detective was faced with a crushing truth. Amethyst will not last long, and yet, she can't help but feel a mixed emotion of empathy and emptiness.

"I'm sorry about that." Amethyst quickly retrieved the napkin and threw it out of the window. Leaning towards the detective, Amethyst took off her coat and also threw it onto the road.

Minuette gaped at the device strapped onto the purple unicorn's barrel. It was a bomb of some sort, with a digital interface locked at one minute. "Surely not this trick again?" Minuette felt her words shaking even before it left her muzzle.

Amethyst held up a detonater. "It is real." Her tone was emphatic.

Minuette shook her head and laughed. Amethyst coughed again, stretching out the detonator. She looked as if she was about to pass out any moment, her hoof was trembling as she held out the detonator.

"If you're not convinced, you could activate it yourself." Amethyst nodded once.

Minuette felt a surge of anger rising from her being. She was determined not to fall for a trick again. Minuette raised her forehoof whilst keeping her other hoof on the wheel. She forcefully slapped down the button and the detonator lit up.

Minuette's face was in horror when she saw the bomb ticking down before her eyes. She clamped her mouth shut and silently berated herself. "It's not really real, right?"

"You're the one who pressed it." Amethyst said.

Minuette looked at the weak mare and quickly put the transceiver to her muzzle, "Everypony, please don't get to close to us. We have a bomb in here." She said calmly.

Lyra stared at the convertible in disbelief, "Bomb? Everypony, back off from the target vehicle!"

"Are you scared?" Amethyst asked with a faint smile. Minuette said nothing, just looking on blankly. "I'm not... How or where I die isn't important. As long as I don't die in the police department..."

Minuette slowly riveted her head towards the mare, hit by the strength of her words. Her face was forlorn and filled with guilt. Amethyst laid lifelessly on the seat, her head drooping to the side of the car. For a brief moment, the air went silent and cold at the same time.

As the car tore down the road, the timer on the bomb ticked down.

Minuette cast a broken look at the mare, hoping with all her might that it was just a trick. But alas, she had to accept the truth that she had failed. Amethyst's death hit her more than her pride did, and Minuette couldn't help but feeling a sense of remorse.

Minuette drove on peacefully, passing through another intersection. With a slam of the brakes, Minuette brought the convertible to a halt.

"Don't get too close, stop!" Lyra yelled through her radio.

Minuette took one last look at Amethyst, who was still slumped on the seat, still and spiritless, and got out of the car. She trotted back towards the police escorts morosely. For once, Minuette was convinced that she was defeated. And she gladly accepted it.

She was convinced.

"This is chief Lyra speaking! The target vehicle is rigged with a bomb and it may go off anytime! Proceed carefully!"

The bomb continued to tick down to its last ten seconds as Minuette ambled down the asphalt, her face was miles away.

Lyra knelt down beside her car, together with the other officers with pistols drawn. They kept their eyes locked at the detective, wandering towards them. Minuette raised her head and smiled slightly. It was a fake smile and she herself knows it.

The bomb ticked down to zero.

The engine of the convertible started up once more as the lights lit up. The engine rumbled and the car carried on down the road. Minuette ignored it, and continued to her friends. There was no point. Amethyst had won.

Minuette laughed when she suddenly realized she'd been tricked not once, but twice. Again.

Lyra was livid, she quickly stomped towards the detective and yelled out a directive, "Go after her! Now!" The officers scrambled off.

Amethyst sighed and shifted herself into the driver's seat. A smirk pulled from the side of her muzzle. She shook her head, thinking about how Minuette must have felt when she drove off. Her emotions were probably reeling right now. Amethyst felt sorry for the detective.

"Why did you let her go?!" Lyra yelled at the detective.

Minuette continued past the chief, her face sullen and smile broken. "She said that there was a bomb..." She waved Lyra off.

"A bomb? You believed her when you're not supposed to, and you refused to believe her when you're supposed to!" Lyra chided in annoyance. Minuette said nothing, trotting by and shutting the car doors as she passed them. "You've been fooled, you fool!"

Minuette proceeded to canter off further past Lyra, her chief's words bouncing off her ears. Lyra was obviously miffed to the core, unable to fathom what the detective was doing. "Where are you going?!" She shrieked down the road.

"I'm hungry!" Minuette wailed back. Lyra let out a displeased huff of air and quickly scampered towards her colleagues.