The White Phoenix

by Quick Fix

Epilogue

Ponyville
May 2nd

---

Compared to the intense urban atmosphere of Manehatten that she had been subject to for the past few months, being back in gentle, sunny Ponyville had almost come as a shock for Rarity. Still, she had every reason to be back now, both her reasons for donning her detectives guise had been fulfilled and fun as it had been, she had her own boutique to run again. Still, she could always find a day out from that to help her friends and family. Today she was helping both, at least, she would be as soon as Sweetie Belle was able to get a few minutes away from her fans.

Stopping for a moment to wait for her to catch up, Rarity gave some thought to the aftermath of the case. Just before returning home she had checked if anything Coco Pommel had said after becoming herself again had been looked into. It turned out the mention of Starlight Glimmer, AKA Equestria's second most wanted pony had sent both the higher ups at the precinct and local security into a fervour for several hours. That had quickly abated several hours later, the reasons why had been classified but Rarity had found out on her own that Pinkie Pie had somehow been connected. She had been told the situation was resolved though and for the time being she was making sure that a certain pony or two made the most of their fresh peace.

"I'm, still not sure this is a good idea." Coco said quietly as she stayed close to Rarity. All things considered, the earth pony had gotten off lightly, released without charge and the knowledge that she had been the White Phoenix largely contained to Manehatten itself. All the same, the reaction from most ponies within the city had been less than welcome, enough that Rarity had quickly decided to bring her friend to Ponyville and let her keep working at Carousel Boutique.

"Don't worry darling. Even if the odd pony here found out, this is still the friendliest town in Equestria. You'll fit in just fine once we've got you a place of your own." Rarity reassured her. She'd been looking at houses for sale for several days and now they were heading to finalize the purchase of her choice. Coco would be safe there and as a bonus, Sweetie Belle could stay there whenever she was in town, like right now with her next show just a few days away.

"I hope so...But I trust you. Thank you, Rarity," The two of them stopped and looked back, hoping that Sweetie was going to catch up with them soon. They both needed a moment to register what they saw though. "I err...What's Sweetie Belle doing?"

"She's..." Rarity watched with understanding as her sister stood nearby, talking to a light violet unicorn with a blond mane and foal's schoolbook cutie mark. She couldn't hear Sweetie's words from here but after a few moments, she could see Dinky Hooves crack a sad smile and mouth her thanks. "...Just keeping a promise she made."

---

And that's the last little detail from the case that needed to be wrapped up. As much as everypony played their parts in this, I can't help but feel like Sweetie Belle put even my investigative skills to shame. She went into this case expecting me to take charge and end whatever blight we faced. Instead she ended up taking the lead where I couldn't, forged ahead and not only uncovered the truth, but helped out many more ponies than we thought in the process. I may be the veteran investigator, and an Element of Harmony, but when it came to facing the White Phoenix, my sister was more of a hero than me.

I couldn't be prouder of her.

Author's Note:

Phew...That's a wrap. I didn't expect this to clock in at over 70,000 words when I started, or that it would end up with a 100% positive rating at completion (There are no words for my thanks to you all) but I think it was a major step forward for my writing ability. It's been almost a year since I started writing the Quickverse stories and the fact everyone seems to keep enjoying them all the while is a major boost for me. Thank you all so so much!

I've got some short stories to upload during planning for my next major story. Whichever you choose to check out, thank you again and stay awesome until next time!

Comments

[Menti Ardenti]

Wow, nice ending!

[Quick Fix]

7609586 Thanks, and thank you for reading through the whole thing.

[Quick Fix]

7622705 Damn you Chekov, making everyone into a genre-savvy sleuth.

7623440 Huh, weirdly I didn't think of that. Realism is not my strong point.

7623910 It is rare, I mean even putting canon aside, the number of ponies know how to do it here is only 8. (Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, Aurora, Starlight Glimmer and Sweetie Belle)

7623923 Could you do me a small favour and put a spoiler tag over that theory please? I mean it's obvious for those who've read the other Quickverse stories but if someone started here, I don't want to give it all away for them.

[redmar]

This was a nice story and I wasn't surprised that Coco Pommel was being mind controlled into being the White Phoenix. Luna's comment about not seeing Coco's dreams was the last clue I needed.