Twilight Sprakle is a talented and well-respected detective, she's almost invinsible. Or so she thinks, until a new murder case hits very close to home; very close.
Twilight Sparkle is a talented detective, and she loves her job; even if Celestia begged her not to go down the path of 'that' type of public service. But this is how Twilight helps other ponies, and her friends. But her last case hits much closer to home than ever before. Twilight's intuition, skills, patience, sanity, and emotional strength all play a role when murder hits Ponyville. But she alone must solve it. Because it's not just her fate she's deciding...
The food here wasn't exactly perfect, but I knew it made Spike happy. Plus I didn’t feel like telling him it was the only place open at this time of night. He sat there, sipping the last of his soup, when he glanced up at me.
"Why'd we come here?" He asked.
"Because it's a certain partner's favorite restaurant." I said, disguising my urge to say 'I know right?'
"This is your celebration, Twilight. Why are you treating me?"
"Because you're the key to my success."
"Only some of the time." He said blushing.
I was going to protest, but the steam of my own soup interrupted me. The vapor made my nose tickle and my face hot.
"Have they assigned us our last case yet?" Spike asked with excitement.
"The answer remains…" I told him.
"They better give us a good one."
"Spike, murder or burglary is never good."
"Maybe we'll get an easy one, like the copyright infringement one with Flim & Flam Fields Co.?"
"Easy for you. I got yelled at by the defense attorney for speaking at the wrong time!"
"He had nothing better to do than yell at you for that?"
"Trust me Spike, an attorney's job is to make you feel like a complete idiot."
Our eyes wandered around the quiet diner.
"Can we get some cheesecake from Pinkie's bakery?" Spike yelped.
"I would; but look." Spike followed my eyes down the street to find a very empty bakery. I noticed Pinkie had closed early for the night. The store was empty and dark. She usually was open for another hour but tonight she closed early for seemingly no reason.
Spike shrugged “Be my guest to figure out why Pinkie does anything.”
I nodded half-heartedly.
We paid and left silently; it seems Spike has finally figured out to stop asking if our last case has been assigned. It felt weird knowing that there was only one more case, it felt like the last day of school almost. The mentality that nothing really changes until a week later when you realize you don’t have anything to do.
It felt very satisfying to slap a resignation slip on Chief Brasshoof’s desk and march out without saying a word. Twilight kept replaying the scene from a week ago over and over, not showing signs of getting tired of it. ‘In the name of Friendship’ was the reason she placed on the paper with Princess Celestia’s seal next to it. How stupid and confused Brasshoof must’ve felt. But I didn’t care to know his input, in fact we’ve only spoken twice after that in formal circumstances; and it was rather brief.
Arriving home, I told Spike good-night and lumbered into my house.
Everything was still as I opened the liquor cabinet. One last case…Spike had brought up a good point. What will my last case be? I sat as my mind wandered; the Equestrian Royal Police Department handled a real melting pot of crimes ranging from murder, rape, robbery, fraud, arson, and everything in between. ‘We do everything too big for county and city cops but too small for Feds’ I thought, reciting Agent Bravado’s famous quote. But after exactly two minutes I reached a conclusion to ‘not care’ and poured bourbon into a little glass to help me clear my mind. I gulped it down as a familiar warm but burning sensation settled in my throat. The second shot of bourbon helped me settle down into bed as I blinked consistently for a moment and slipped into sleep.
A loud ring of a telephone interrupted my slumber as I fell onto the wooden floor. A pain in my right hoof appeared, near my fetlock. I was hoping this would happen soon, the last call from HQ. The last time I see a gory scene in a random town, but in a sense, also never wanted it to come. I crawled over to the phone and pressed the button.
"Hello?" I moaned.
"Twilight, we've got a homicide." A husky voice claimed.
"And a good morning to you too, Dante." I said recognizing one of the chief’s secretaries; Dante Fleethoof. He worked the overnight, until Iron Mustang relieved him in the morning; and finally, Steel Force; most of the time I was working them more than the chief himself.
"You know I'm just here to tell you where to go, I'm not your wake-up call." He growled.
"Well, yeah. I'd set it much later if I wanted a wake-up call." I countered.
"Don't you have a murder to investigate?"
"You never told me where to go!"
"Well I didn't get there yet!"
"Maybe you should, it is your job after all!"
"My job?"
"Yes!"
"Really?"
"YES, don't confuse me!"
"Well then go…"
"WHERE!?"
"Fine! Ponyville, Downtown." He said quietly.
I became silent; there were too many thoughts to contain at once. In a mad fury I wrestled my clothes and saddlebags on and staggered outside. I pounded on Spike's door as hard as I could. He was used to it, but this time I needed to see him rush to get ready.
"You know I'm glad this is the last time you're doing this."
"Spike, this is different we need to get there now!"
He collapsed into the door in his pinstripe suit and only having his tie half-tied.
"This better be good." He said running beside me.
"That's the problem, it's not!"
"What do you mean!? Is it someone we know?" Spike asked.
"I don't know!" I screamed.
I raced over Caliber Bridge and onto the dirt road. Spike had lost his breath and was now attempting to jog without keeling over; as he slowly figured out that the murder was right here in Ponyville. I saw the houses and shops of downtown Ponyville approaching, all of them having lights on and likely watching the commotion.
I saw two officers, Beat Watch and Heat Lightning standing in front of the yellow tape. I slowed to a trot as I tried to maintain a professional look. But inside I felt like I was sobbing, my emotions were imploding inside me. Others were gathered around as I pulled out my badge from my saddlebags. Heat nodded and looked at me; as if peering into my soul. His handsome face told a story, as do all the officers lined up around that yellow tape; that transparent, shiny, and symbolic tape that separates evil from the rest of the caring world. But my mind was in some sort of trance, and my body was almost running by itself, as if on instinct. But my eyes could see Sugarcube Corner sitting in front of me; that was not a trance. Pinkie Pie…
"Ready?" Heat said with sorrow.
"I gotta start at some point." I said pretending to look okay.
Spike followed me under the tape as I opened my eyes. Blood covered the ground that was under Pinkie's body. Her flank lay on the ground still bleeding as her head was propped up against the wall. The wall she was propped up against had a lot of blood blobbed in one area and then it streaked down to where she lay.
Spike approached her taking notes. Two tears ran down my cheek as I repeated in my head 'Pinkie, Pinkie, Pinkie…'
"L-Lots of blood." He said quietly.
"Yes there is a lot." The doctor said passing me.
"Hi Dr. Tenderhoof." Spike said.
"I was just running some tests that confirmed my theory. Pinkie Pie was kicked in the forehead and fell back onto the wall hitting her head against the wall causing another bruise. She died of blunt trauma, immediately, and then blood loss ensued." He said scratching his head, just now realizing the gravity of the situation.
"Anyway, blood loss followed overnight and then that Big MacIntosh stallion found her when he was doing his early runs to the bakery. She was defiantly killed last night though" He concluded.
I turned and saw Big Mac being questioned by Beat.
"You're silent Twilight." The doctor observed.
Spike then kicked him in the leg, however that wasn't in time.
"Why so glum, this is your last case. No?" He asked.
"I knew her." I said in a weak voice.
The doctor turned to Spike and noticed he had a 'nice going, ass' face on.
"Well uh, I better, you should-"And walked away trembling.
"Sorry." Spike said scowling at Tenderhoof.
"Don't worry Spike, I got this." I said, mostly unconvinced that I could go on myself.
"Okay, first off I see the bruise he was talking about, two hoof prints right next to each other."
"And…"
"And that's kind of it. He or she didn't leave anything behind; they literally came, kicked, and left." He said a-matter-of-factly.
"Oh."
"And judging by the ballistics I'd say she didn't see it coming. She didn't know her assailant." He said.
“…Or she trusted her assailant enough to let them charge a kick right in front of her”
"That's not a lot of evidence…"
"We'll see what Big Mac has to say and then go to Ponyville HQ to see who they got as main suspects. Okay?" He said coolly, but his voice was clearly on the verge of breaking.
"Gotcha." He said walking away.
"No one at all!?" I squealed.
"Sorry Twilight, I saw no one, it's like I'm the only pony that ever knew this alley existed." His deep voice startled me so.
"Well she was murdered last night, so, that's to be expected. I guess."
"Sorry Twilight…"
"It's okay, thanks Big Mac. You may go now, if you want"
"A.J. will be devastated." He said walking away, turning his head straight.
This was defiantly not starting off well. In the past three hours we still know nothing. I really hope Ponyville HQ has some definite suspects or clues to present me. I hated this, I just hate it. There was nothing good about this case. Nothing and it couldn't get worse.
Heat Lightning approached me with Sheriff Gunnery in tow.
“I’m assuming the ERPD is taking over this investigation formally?” He asked in his harsh baritone voice.
“Yer ERPD team is waiting at the tape over yonder” Gunnery claimed.
I glanced over to see some familiar faces chatting at the tape, with various pieces of equipment and such ready to do a full crime scene takeover.
“Yes; thank you for securing the area.” I affirmed.
“Any evidence and suspects have been handed over to Regional crime I assume?”
“Yes ma’am, certainly are waitin’ for ya at Canterlut I s’pose.” Gunnery answered.
“Thank you.” I politely affirmed.
Gunnery stalked off as Heat jabbed my leg. He produced a bottle of odd looking pills (or so I assumed) and showed them to me.
“Look I’ll keep this short; I know how it feels to do a case about one of my own. These are uppers right here; they give you the boost to go on. Don’t expect miracles; but your emotions will be at ease.” He huffed quickly, eyes darting around.
I used my magic to pluck to pills from the bottle and shot them into my saddlebags.
“These legal?” I probed.
“In Saddle Arabia, Yakistan, The United Goat Republic, and certain parts of Canadeer I believe.” He cited with a hint of humor being reinstated in his voice.
I nodded and awkwardly walked off.
“You’re welcome.” He snorted rudely.
Spike had reminded me about one positive look on the situation. We know this wasn't a group of people, science and ballistics could prove only one pony did it. But that only provided a temporary fix for that black hole in my heart; it stung hard.
I walked down the hallway to the Chief of Police's office suite, as I shoved the pills into my mouth and swallowed. I didn't even knock, as I just barged into his office and stared at him.
"Why?"
"Why what Twilight? How are you? How are your friends doing?" He asked, almost evil sounding.
"You know I have personnel relations in this case."
"There are no family members involved so I don't see a problem."
I inhaled deeply. "You wanna know what?" I growled as Spike braced for it. He sat in the chair behind me, thumbing his tail.
"What do I know? Hm? I know you're a valuable asset to my team here, and I'd hate to lose you." He said getting up from his chair.
"Well then it's a good thing I'm working for you only one more time." I hissed.
"Be a shame if you didn't fill out those promotion papers."
"I don't care if you make me the Surgeon General. I'm not going for more time in here!"
"I'd really like it if you stayed for more than one last case."
"NO, this is my last!" I screamed; everyone outside who had their ear on the door listening fell silent.
"I need to enjoy life with…my…fr-"
"Who? Who Twilight?" Who are you going enjoy life with?" His ugly grey hair stood straight up as a chilly breeze blew through his window.
"Who do you have to go back to after this case? Hmm?" He asked, cocking his head.
“Celestia wants me to-I want to become the leader of friendship in Equestria!” I said reciting Celestia word-by-word from their last meeting.
"And I'll do a damn good job at it!" I yelled as I backpedaled to the door. I almost kicked down the door as Spike followed. Brasshoof didn’t even seem angry; he just sat down again in a very content matter. As-per-usual, everypony that was listening next to the door had sprinted off in hopes I wouldn't notice them.
I passed security and entered the interrogation room. Steel Force had told me we have four solid suspects. He said they're rating them as 'highly probable' that one of them did it. I had not bothered to look at the ‘case files’ or ‘suspect files’ due to the limited information. After all, it was only hours since I laid eyes on Pinkie…
I feuded with myself on the inside, I just know it's going to be someone I know, it was a reality I wasn't prepared to face.
"You can do it." Spike quietly prodded.
Deep breathes, you can do this. Just don't think about your heart rate, blood pressure, or anything; medical.
"All right let me see suspect one." I said to the guard as I sat in the observing room. The air felt stale and cold as I sat; not welcoming to say the least. At the corner of my eye I saw Spike drop is jaw when he thumbed through the suspect files, and his eyes narrowed.
The heavy door opened and Fluttershy walked in. I did a double take as I saw the yellow figure standing there behind the desk. Her huge eyes were filled with tears as she stood there whimpering.
"What is she doing here!? She's eh-uh!" I stuttered as I cringed and slowly fell out of my chair.
Fluttershy begs to Celestia for forgiveness if she's standing in the way of a fly! She doesn't have a single cell in her body that even thinks about murder. My heart rate sped up to large percentiles as I hoisted myself up. My face trembled as we stared at each-other. I forced myself to pretend to look at something below me as I stared at the floor.
"Second one please." Spike said doing likewise.
A blue annoyed figure struggled in.
"Rainbow Dash!" What is she doing here?! My lungs felt heavy and my breathing was now forced.
"Is this a mistake? Because this is a mistake!" I said re-assuring myself. I now noticed I was out my chair and was pacing as I hyperventilated and sweated.
"Twilight your eyes are getting huge and your mane is sticking up. Should I get the doctor?" Spike asked seriously.
"No, this is a mistake; this is A MISTAKE!" I said loudly. My brain raced for answers. It was Chief Brasshoof’s fault, he set me up to fail, and he knew I'd crack if somepony like Pinkie got involved! And my friends!? He had to have known about this; easily.
"Maybe it's a test. YEAH A TEST! RIGHT!?" I said staring and clutching at the other guard on my side of the glass. He began to sweat bullets and shy away from me.
"Please sit down." Spike said muffled through his arms over his head in embarrassment.
"Sure, okay, yeahhh I'm good." I said reassuringly to myself as my hoof involuntarily stroked my mane over and over. The pills…I thought.
"No, you're not." As he pointed to the window with Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and now Rarity stood there whom looked as scared as I was. Rarity's mane was ruffled as she wore an annoyed face with a frightened expression. Her composure was pure hopelessness and sorrow. All three had misery written on their faces as they tried to compensate over what had just happened.
"Watch the mane!" She remarked, as the dark green earth pony shoved her in the little room.
"Egh-Uh." I stuttered in anguish.
"OH SWEET CELESTIA!" I said as I panted and paced.
Three of my friends are suspects; I will have to interrogate them and question them and crack them like an egg in the end! They were going to not only see, but feel how I interrogate ponies; like criminals! The future was laid out and it was grim! Get a grip Twilight, you're thinking like a mad-pony.
I slowly realized my thoughts were turning into dialogue as Spike gave me an incoherent look.
My mind had given up on finding an answer and was now ready to burst.
"Twi-" Spike tried.
"DON'T EVEN SPEAK SPIKE! All I need now is alcohol or a pinch to wake me up from this horrible nightmare!" I screamed.
Based on my luck today, I think I can figure out who the final suspect pony is. I turned slowly, only to see the orange figure standing confused and wary.
"APPLEJACK!? No, no…" My mane had stopped standing up straight, my heart had ceased pounding on my chest, and my blood had halted rushing at the speed of sound.
I felt lighter than air, almost like I was drifting through air. I was lighter than a cloud. I began to think about laughter and begun to giggle.
"heheheHEHAAAHAHAHHAHA." I laughed loudly as Spike held the chair tightly and looked at me with the look of death. The guard who was originally in the corner was now cowering under the desk and looking at me with the look of 'the last time I'll see the light of day.' The room suddenly changed color and my eyes swirled.
"Twilight!" Spike's voice was carried off into the wind as I saw darkness.
"Her pulse is returning." Spike's voice trailed off quickly.
"Is that okay?" He asked, though I barely heard it because of a muffle-effect it strangely had.
"It's there, but it's still slow." A familiar voice mumbled.
"Twi, are you there?" Spike asked softly.
I struggled, I couldn't speak. My vocal box was; dysfunctional almost, and my lips ceased to move.
"Try again." The doctor said putting an ear against my chest.
Nothing; I tried but there was pain that I couldn't overpower.
"Yes, she's awake." He said.
"I think I know what this is, Twilight experienced a Vasovagal Response from a stressor. This is an uncommon form of fainting but I've dealt with similar cases. She may sweat and seem pale for the next few hours but tomorrow she should be fine." He said, clearly not knowing the context; or the ‘stressor.’
"So she just, passed out?" Spike asked.
"Yes, it's normal for victims to be like this for a few minutes, if it takes more I'll get a Holter monitor." He remarked.
I forced a smile to myself. As one minute seemed like hours I finally felt myself turning onto my side and putting my hoof onto the ground and pulling myself up. Spike offered help but Dr. Tenderhoof gestured him away. I finally opened my eyes and saw we were outside the station. The sun pierced my eyes and forced me to squint them almost shut again. Spike, Dr. Tenderhoof, and the guard from earlier stood in front of me with a confused but hopeful expression. The green grass of Canterlot helped sooth my pain. I swayed back and forth a little and eventually stood tall.
"Twilight! Ah you took a horrid fall back in there. I always thought if you fainted I'd laugh, but, that wasn't funny at all…" He grinned from ear-to-ear, as he thought about what he just said.
“Coarse Iron here dragged you out and got the doc.” Spike said gesturing to the guard as he blushed and blinked at me.
“Well…uh thanks.” I said with a slight slur as I grazed his face in an attempt to pat him on the back. He blushed some more and stepped closer to Spike.
"Look so it's 3:30 now, I suggest you rest for the remainder of the day, okay?” Tenderhoof said.
"Okay, thanks Doctor.”
"No problem. Anytime." He said sarcastically.
Spike and I stared at each other for a minute; we listened to sound of Canterlot bustling around at such a hour. In silence we walked to each other’s homes; which were right next to each other. The rich green leaves on the trees aligning the road as we walked next to them would sometimes brush against my mane. Each time the pollen would flow off the leaf and get lost into the breeze. It felt odd to be going home this early, especially on a case. Spike eventually spoke up and claimed he wanted me over for a drink. I accepted in hopes he would finally open that new bottle of Armand de Brignac Rose Champagne I got him for his birthday. After some time of walking along we arrived at his large blue house. He opened the door to reveal a contemporary area with spacious rooms and elegant decor. It was very clear Rarity had helped out; a lot. Spike would never admit to such a foolish idea, but it was more than true.
"Have a drink Twilight." He said, breaking my thoughts; he pushed over a glass that was filled with a Bellini-like mixture. It tasted that way as well, which broke my hopes of salvation.
"Are you okay? Feeling normal?" He asked quietly.
"Yeah, I think the doctor was over-exaggerating when he said I-"
"No, I mean about this case." He said in a mono-tone voice.
I began to drink some of my Bellini as Spike prepared another comment.
"Twilight, you have to tell me you’re going to be alright with this." Spike yelled. His eyes were large and serious.
"Spike, I don't want you to worry."
"If I get answer maybe I won't."
I paused for a moment, my mind was spinning. I honestly could not get myself together; why couldn't I handle this? That damn Chief Brasshoof set me up. What does he want? To watch the stress and wrath eat me alive as I wilt away? He was an evil, despicable, corrupt, and sex-addicted pony; but it goes another level to watch somepony solve their own friend’s murder case.
"Twilight could-"
"SILENCE!" I screamed as I felt my blood pressure rise. He interrupted my thoughts so plainly.
He recoiled, angered. "I, AM, THINKING!" I screamed.
"Let's calm-"
"Just shut up Spike! Stop caring about me! I don't need you to care about me! What I do need you to do is do your damn job! Oh and I can handle this!" I spat at him as I kicked his door open and stormed across-the-way to my house.
"But what did-"His voice was cut off by the door slamming from my magic.
“MAYBE I should ask you if you’re okay!” I screamed at his shut door; undenounced if he could hear me.
I stormed into my dark house and shut the door hard, it was soon about to be night now meaning I couldn't see much. I turned on the lights and ran to the liquor cabinet. I ripped open the nearest bottle with my magic and chugged hard. The warm sensation of rum awaited me as I felt the bottle getting lighter. The liquid spilled everywhere onto my body and to the floor.
I fell back on to the wall crying. I tasted tears in my mouth as I ripped something else open from the cabinet. I heard my sobbing as I gulped down more rum. I felt my heart drop to my stomach as another bottle fell to the ground and shattered. My crying intensified as I thought about everypony. Pinkie Pie is dead, all my friends are rotting in a jail cell, and one of them heinously murdered them. You love them all, and you care for them so much. You helped Dash with flying lessons, you did some labor for Applejack, you consoled Rarity after that jackass Maxa Millions dumper her, and you helped Fluttershy wake up the animals during Winter Wrap Up. Was that all worthless now?
I dashed to the cabinet and grabbed two bottles of whatever and attempted to drink both at the same time. Alcohol spilled all over the floor as my vision was blurred in combination of alcohol and tears. I cried as I grabbed yet-another bottle and glugged the substance as quick as I could. My mouth and throat were completely numb at this point, I could no longer distinguish what I was drinking; but I didn’t care. This time I felt an unexpected blow to my body and fell to the floor. My vision blurred horribly as my body felt like pure goo. I sat there sobbing loudly as I saw the bottle rolling on the floor; and then total darkness.
I heard muffled and faint noises as the light of day pierced through my eyelids. The noises sounded strange and peculiar, like somepony had made a remix of someone's voice.
There was no hiding it, I was officially hungover. Even worse, my legs felt like jelly and my head felt like it was splitting.
I heard a thump as somepony's hoof gabbed my arm; but it turned out not to be a hoof, but a claw.
"Twilight! Can you hear me!?" Spike's frantic and vibrant voice rang in my head. His voice penetrated my head and bounced around painfully like a bouncy ball. I finally managed to open my eyes to reveal the results of recent events. Bottles both shattered and in one piece lined the floor.
"Twilight! What happened? Are you okay?" He asked loudly and directly in front of my-face.
"Spike, I'm fine, just please. Go away for a minute." I asked faintly.
Spike slowly backed up to the counter, as he fiddled with his claws nervously. I crawled to the chair and put my weight on it as I attempted to hoist myself up. It didn't quite work as I slipped and slumped back onto the floor. I tried twice more until the third try resulted in the chair being knocked down on top of me.
"Help me up Spike! Don't just sit there!" I yelled in aggravation. Spike grabbed my hoof and pulled. I felt my body heave up as I planted my hooves onto the ground.
This hangover felt awful; it had all the trademarks of a serious one too. Aching joints, splitting headache, blurry vision, dry mouth, and sensitivity to light and noise. And now Spike was a witness to the awful events preceding the present situation.
"Twilight, the bottles…" He said as his voice trailed off.
"Why did you-how did you drink this much!?" He demanded.
I rubbed my neck; "Well Spike, I uh-"
"Twilight! You can't drink like that! That's five bottles of hard liquor, don't you know that could kill you!?" He screamed as his face turned red as a tomato.
"Spike, I was troubled…"
"No! No, no, no! That's no excuse. Can you even work today? You have to compile evidence and a meeting is scheduled with Chief Brasshoof at 4 and-"
"Damn chief." I muttered.
"Are you sure you can handle it? I mean isn't that a lot of alcohol!?"
"Spike, stop. I think I got this."
"You thought you could handle the murder suspects, but we had to faint, didn't we?" He said raising an eyebrow.
"I didn't expect to see my fellow elements of harmony friends to be there!" I yelled back. “That’s a low blow!” I never heard such a downright dirty blow from Spike; at least directed at me.
Spike got closer to my face. "Look, the combination of hatred for your chief, recovering from a Vasovagal response, and a hangover could make for a rough day, okay?" He said calmly and quietly for once.
My teeth grinding stopped and my hooves stopped shaking, Spike was magical this way. He always found a way to go all ‘podium style’ and preach to me in a way that made me feel awful for saying or doing ‘insert bad thing’. I suppose I let him do it out of pure necessary evil; because that’s all it was, a ‘necessary evil.’
"I was just thinking for your safety, that's all. Okay?"
I nodded, slightly embarrassed.
He watched as I grabbed my saddlebags, badge, and case file notes.
It wasn’t too uncommon for ERPD agents to not wear anything while investigating or otherwise working; especially mares. I had always tried to look my best to attempt to live up to the precedent of special agents, but that thought had somehow eluded me recently. Along with many details that had been lost throughout the last 48 hours. But, usually I'd wear a vest at the very least, but it really wasn't quite worth it. The effort was simply too much.
The mahogany desk in front of me was neat and kempt; two drawers on each side in-between the chair-hole. A lot of ink, parchment, and quills were in the first two. The other two contained a couple family pictures, a wine bottle opener, files from previous cases, and 5 bits. The top surface contained ink and quills along with a lamp, regular office supplies, a picture, and a clock. Since about four years ago I moved into this room because of my special agent promotion. A huge window was set right behind where I sat. It overlooked a huge part of the Canterlot skyline, but immediately in front of the window was the corner of Main Street and Melody Avenue; a slightly less busy corner of the capital's streets. I would sometimes watch the high class ponies walking around, buying things from other ponies and going about their business. I would then think 'Twilight your being creepy' and finally turn around.
Ten minutes ago, Spike had slapped a leather folio containing evidence and witness reports. I started rummaging around for a moment; until a familiar churning feeling started in my stomach. Shortly thereafter I felt the also familiar feeling of stalling in my head. Who invented the clock? What’s the weather for today and the next for years? Who is the all-time goal scorer for the Horse Hockey National League? Unfortunately the stalling never actually worked; and additionally, I knew all three of those answers. It was a temporary fix to a permanent problem...I knew the stalling wouldn't last.
Shaking, I pulled a page and found the doctors' medical reports. I quickly placed a hoof covering the ‘picture’ portion of the report, where a very cold, dead Pinkie Pie was sure to be lying. My eyes refused to break away from the text under the picture that read ‘Synopsis of Death.’ My teeth began to chatter slightly and the air suddenly seemed to become much more cold and stiff.
What is the average length of an eyelash? I knew how it happened; I just needed to read it plainly. This was silly; having to convince myself to read something; to read. Eventually after a long, awkward blink, the words began to be read.
'Suffered a blow to the head, causing the victim to fall back and hit her head on a wall. Cause of death- Blunt trauma & eventual cardiac arrest due to blood loss.'
'Time of death-Sometime around 3 hours after dusk.’
‘Further investigation on the body shows no other injuries towards the body other than the blow to head.’
‘Hoofprint, chemical, DNA, and RNA tests are all negative.’
I flipped past a couple pages until an idea sparked. I went to the page marked 'Ballistics' and opened it. I was doing it, but my fears began to dwindle as I continued to read.
Ballistics: (MIE) Mathematical Interface Estimates- The blow was made from level ground and the murderer was standing exactly 1 yard away from the victim.
"Gah!" I yelled as I slapped the folio off my desk. I didn’t bother to read further.
'A blow from level ground!?' Anypony; pegasus, earth pony, or unicorn could've done that! And as if that wasn't enough, height is out of the question, because anypony could've kicked someone if you're standing one yard away.
More thinking ensued. Clearly the kick must have been charged so much that the blow killed a pony and knocked her back into a wall. If I didn’t know the ‘suspects’ I would’ve deduced that ‘the victim’ must’ve trusted her killer. Obviously the victim had to have trusted the killer for ‘said’ killer to charge a kick of that might right in front of her face. This fact was already known though, as the only four suspects are her damn friends.
I was about to get the folio and try again until Spike walked in, carrying a clipboard as he stared at the folio propped against the wall.
“This is, not good.” I admitted.
He thought for some time as a stiff; almost suffocating silence dawned on the room.
“Look I really wanted to discuss this 'thing'…last night.” He said.
I began to heave a sigh as another silence queued in the room.
“We can’t get into it right now, but I think we just have to keep charging onward. We'll grieve in a couple days, right?” He said, refusing to look at me.
I just slowly nodded as I felt a deep feeling of hurt enter my body.
“You’re with me.” I slowly asked.
He finally shifted his eyes to mine.
“Right?”
Despite only hearing four words, he seemed to know exactly what I meant.
“Yes.” He affirmed.
A slight silence once again invaded the room.
“You have some ideas, right?” He asked, his face not changing emotion for a split second.
“I do.” I simply stated, as I found my eyes finally move back to the folio.
Spike paused once more, and cleared his throat. “Chief also wants a quick meeting with you later in the evening.” He announced.
I winced, but nodded obediently as my eyes wandered once more.
Spike eventually turned to the door and left silently. Leaving the folio exactly where he first noticed it.
I had two ideas on narrowing things down a bit. The medical report said that no traces of chemicals were found on Pinkie's head. Certain chemicals that are usually tested are chemicals that are usually used in various polish products for hoof-a-cures. In which Rarity loved to get one weekly, so the plan was to simply ask the Ponyville spa if Rarity had visited recently; or anypony for that matter. It was a simple yet effective task.
Ponyville hadn't had a murder in quite some time; in-fact Ponyville had, like most small towns, had some of the lowest crime rates in all of Equestria. I was certain I’d be headed to Canterlot, Manehatten, Baltimare, Detrot, or Seaddle; which were not so peaceful towns, and also required an actual address or landmark.
I had heard from Spike that the mayor had a speech about the murder last night. It included safety pre-cautions, reassurance, and when her funeral was. Spike said it was in two days. He said he wanted to talk to the doctor right now; I did not. So we split up after a rather swift conversation.
I circled near Sugarcube Corner to see that the usual team of ERPD ponies were busy gathering evidence and whatnot; a job that would usually last two days. The ‘usual team’ consisted of a half-dozen of mostly veteran investigators who were assigned to most of my cases. Chills began to shiver my spine as I saw the once extravagant and fun bakery being turned upside down by agents and officers. But that would be tomorrow’s challenge and not today’s problem. I was not here to see the bakery, but simply to retrieve something from Heat Lightning.
I had found some shade under a rather large maple tree and waited for Heat to glance my way.
Heat eventually noticed me and slowly wondered towards me, looking around carefully. I had motioned him towards a quieter, residential area of Ponyville behind Sugarcube Corner.
The trees had almost concluded budding in the later spring warmth and were now a rich green hue. They lined the flat dirt path leading to a few rows of houses which contained little activity at this working hour.
“You okay?” He huffed quietly, interrupting my thoughts.
“I think those speed pills you gave me yesterday almost gave me a damn heart attack.” I bellowed.
Heat was struck by this revelation rather quickly.
“Look, Agent Twilight, please! I didn't think they'd do that to you! We’ve known each other a long time, I just wanted to help you-” He pleaded, dashing his head around looking to see if anypony was around, until I cut him off.
“I need four more.” I said, calming his fears a bit.
He snapped his head back to me, suddenly feeling relieved and as he stopped stroking his long mane in desperation.
“Oh, yes, yes I can do that.” He stuttered as he jammed his hoof into his saddle bags and produced the bottle.
“I think they can calm me, as long as I don’t overdo it and freak out again.” I inquired, to a clueless, but skilled Officer Heat Lightning.
Heat had a long blue and gold striped mane with a large red colored pegasus body. He was a damn good officer, but that’s all he really knew how to do. There was no way he’d ever make an agent or beyond. I suppose that’s all he really wanted to know how to do at this point in his career and his life. He was just one of those jolly ponies who had learned to smile at life and accept what came his way.
“That’s right, I guess.” He stammered quickly.
His eyes finally settled onto me as he calmed down completely.
“Any word from the team? Anything special or notable?” I asked Heat as I motioned to the bakery.
Heat’s expression stiffened a bit. “They don’t tell me anything Twi, I’m just a tobacco chewin,’ apple bucking, clueless town cop.” He claimed, mimicking an Applelosan accent.
I laughed with a stale tone, narrowing my eyes at his sarcastic statement.
“Aren’t they your team? Can’t you ask them yourself?” Heat questioned.
“Yes, but I was just wondering if there was anything ‘ground-breaking’ recently, or something.” I continued.
“I guess not.” Heat concluded.
A certain familiar silence hung over us as a sudden thought popped into my head, you’re stalling.
“Where’s your partner Beat? Is he off shift already?” I inquired, desperately trying to keep the conversation alive.
“Nah he's stationed out front with a couple other ponies, won’t be long until they takeover though.” He pondered.
A slight breeze rustled the trees and their young leaves rattled slightly.
“Well it’s around that time Twilight, I gotta get back to it.” He announced as he trotted back to his position giving me an awkward wave with his wing.
I simply turned towards the direction of the spa and diligently trotted to it; shoving two of the pills down my throat.
I thought about constantly repeating ‘I can do this, I can do this’ to myself and how it could help. Moments later I deemed it ‘not helpful’ as I continued to the spa; stomach beginning to churn.
"Hello Ms. Sparkle" Aloe commented sweetly.
"Hello, can I ask you something?" I replied.
"Of course, you don't have to ask that you know."
I thought about the mechanics of the sentence I just asked, and she was right. I almost stuttered as I began to start the question.
"I'm with the ERPD and I need to know if Ms. Rarity was here recently?" I asked showing the young pony my badge. Aloe knew who I was; why did I just show her my badge like that? My thoughts continued to feud as Aloe’s eyes widened slightly as her actions became more jerky and peppy.
"Oh, well let me check my records, officer." She stuttered, after a fight with the drawer she produced a large binder filed with papers.
I nodded as I felt a slight choking feeling.
"Last time she checked in waaaaaas…two weeks ago." She said and produced a hopeful smile.
"Nothing earlier?" I pleaded.
"Nope, she usually comes in every two weeks, fact we should be seeing her today." She said cheerfully.
“Any of my other friends?” I asked hopefully.
“Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and uh, um.” She began to stutter and blink rapidly.
“Please it’s okay; don’t worry. Just those three.” I said, attempting to re-assure her.
“Right.” Aloe commented, trying to rebound her stutter with a semi-confident, professional tone. She continued to expertly flip through each page by hoof, stopping on seemingly the right page each time.
“No. Not recently.” She finally claimed, staring at the binder with a straight face.
"Mmm, yes. Thank you." I said, agitated.
I heard a faint offer of a spa treatment, but I was already gone and out the door. There was no more hope on the chemical front, the idea died as quickly as I came up with it. I could bother Tenderhoof to run a test on the exact polish they use to detect when the polish chemicals wear off completely, but I could assume it was much less than 13 days.
There was no point though; but when a lead runs out, you make a new one.
The commissioner’s secretary was now in its second shift of the day. Steel Force sat at the desk in front of his door, quietly scribbling something onto the parchment in front of him. Sometimes an agent would pass by going to their respective office on the third floor. I knew them all, and under normal circumstances would’ve chatted with them, or even acknowledge them in the first place. But I was to assume they didn't want to talk to me as much as I didn't want to talk to them.
Not even the bulky dark grey unicorn who sat a few mere yards across from me would say anything; he instead continued to write diligently. Steel refused to make eye contact with me, or even Spike for that matter. We arrived about five minutes ago, and I was to assume Steel had let the commissioner know that we had arrived. But it was really an enigma with Steel Force, a rather quiet and mysterious officer who made is way up the peripheral public service ladder, 'with a good 'ole fashioned hard work ethic,' or so he was told.
The silence made for a long, drawn out wait that mostly consisted of staring at the commissioner’s door and thinking. Whilst the silence on this posh, special agent office floor was merited, the two floors below were sure to be hustling and bustling with agents and other associated ERPD workers. Those floors were swiftly avoided on our walk in through the back staircase, which was mostly done on purpose to avoid the stares and murmurs of overly curious agents that knew about my case.
A faint light that blinked on Steel’s office call box interrupted his writing rather quickly. He quickly shifted his cold blue eyes to mine and nodded slowly.
I slowly got up and lumbered towards the door in slight agony.
Spike glanced at me before he opened the door. He carried a brown leather folio under his arm as he gestured to let me go first after turning the knob.
"Thanks." I murmured.
"Ah, Ms. Sparkle, it’s so good to see you. How are you?" Brasshoof’s voice sounding cheerful and inviting.
"Fine; you?" I commented plainly.
"Oh lovely! Yesterday evening I went to the track and made a 500 bit bet on the underpony; odds were sixty-three to one. And guess what!?" He squealed, a toothy smile brewing on his face.
I sighed deeply. "You won and got paid exactly thirty-one thousand, five hundred bits in winnings?" I offered, after a quick calculation.
"No, he crashed on the third turn and stumbled to the finish-line and made history; slowest finish by a pony ever. Isn't that exciting?" He asked, smiling fading quickly.
"Sounds like a blast." I replied in monotone.
“It most certainly was.” He replied in complete disgust.
"Look, are we here to chat or have a meeting? You’re the one who called me." I asked frustrated as I rubbed my face with my hoof.
"Fine." He said stiffly.
"Before I begin; a smoke Twilight?" He offered, waving a large dark brown cigar in my direction that picked up from his desk.
"No thank you."
"Spike?"
"Not today." Spike replied gracefully.
"Well okay." He said as he plucked the cigar into his mouth and moved it over to the candle flame and inhaled.
Brasshoof was an evil, corrupt, sex addicted, and bipolar depressed police commissioner. The problem was that those adjectives used to describe him were formalities compared to what most other ponies thought of him. Really anyone involved in law enforcement, justice, and/or law hated the pony; even if they haven’t even met him yet.
Federal agents, regional agents, county police, city police, lawyers, judges, prosecutors, his own secretaries, and probably even the newspaper pony on our corner had likely created their own word of combined insults and curses to describe him. My personal favorite was Agent Wavecrasher’s damn piece of ass-shittery.
His mane was a shiny, gelled black product of seemingly hours of styling. The shiny mane only complemented his large matte ivory body to create one absolutely insane commissioner. And his wardrobe only completed the package; for example today was a pink tie with a burgundy suit vest all on top of a black collared shirt. It was all very neatly tailored and ironed on the taxpayer dollar of course, most likely last week. With simply looking at the stallion on the streets you could conclude that he was one of those stallions simply from how he acted, what he wore, and how he looked. The kind of stallion that could simply be called a ‘jackass’ just because he seemed to act and look like the stereotypical jackass. The kind of stallion that had that ‘I’m a jackass’ kind of smile as he strutted around town.
“I just wanted a quick word with you about that DNA testing. You see, I had Tenderhoof put a ‘negative’ for DNA matches on purpose. Even though, technically, we had some sort of… match.” He explained.
I stared at him, expecting more as my heart began to pick up pace slightly. Instead, Brasshoof took another puff from the cigar, eyes wandering.
“What kind of match?” I eventually asked, almost growling.
"Ah yes, well Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy all bear an element of harmony, like you." He stated.
“We gathered this information rather quickly with the help of Spike, here.” He said gesturing towards Spike.
He paused again for a slight cough of smoke.
“Please continue.” I bellowed, agitated.
“Rude. And impatient.” He snapped back, finally meeting my eyes.
"All six of you are magically connected through the elements." He continued.
I shook my head as my eyes shifted to the floor.
"You did that on purpose!" Spike accused.
“Oh, my apologies.” He claimed in a semi-mocking sad voice.
“The rest of you five are magically connected through the elements of harmony, and thus, your DNA strands almost act as one. It's really quite a scientific phenomenon.” He stated, moving his hooves together.
"So-" I tried to say something but the chief cut me off.
"Sooo-o, it renders your DNA strands. And we found this DNA on the victim’s head. Thus giving us our four suspects. Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash" He explained, reading off a paper on his desk.
Silence hung over the room as Spike and I slowly put the pieces together.
“That’s it; now go solve a case.” He finished, waving a hoof at us to leave.
"Unless you have questions."
I stared at him, both shocked and disgusted at his arrogance.
“Twilight, let’s go.” Spike prodded.
The chief seemed to silently beckon to me, wanting me to retaliate and go off on him.
I wouldn’t oblige…this time.
The Canterlot beauty never failed to please. Except for Spike, who after his first two days on the job years ago, started to hate the city's attempt to glorify polluted and vandalized areas. I didn't want to think of it that way, but in the long-run, it was very true.
"Twilight, I'll make this brief because we're almost home." He stated.
I looked his way to see a serious but tired face staring at the ground as he walked.
"I know you have a dead friend, I know you have to commit a fellow element of harmony bearer to murder, and I know the case has nothing so far. But unless you want to end up like Pinkie, you can't keep drinking like that every night. And you know what I'm talking about." He huffed.
"Spike! Don't bring Pinkie into this!" I claimed. How dare him! She didn’t drink herself to death!
"I am not going to sugar-coat this. You need to see the reality of that alcohol. Somehow, your liver isn't gonna be able to keep going!" He bellowed.
"It was one night. Sweet Celestia, I’m not some drunk guzzling in the tavern every night." I said with a loud, obnoxious sigh.
“You sound like my grandmare. Don't be ridicules, do you even know me!?” I continued.
"You sound very defensive right now..." He declared.
"One. Damn. Night." I growled.
"Please keep it that way. Do it for anyone you like, but just do it." He said desperately.
I said nothing as I continued to walk to my own home, but I’m sure the silence spoke thousands of words to Spike; who turned towards his own home in silence.
Sleep was alluding; it seemed like every hour I was up pacing and trying to find a more comfortable position in my bed. Eventually there was no use by early morning. At least I had killed time figuring out how much time I had actually slept; which was somewhere between forty-six minutes and one-hour and eleven minutes.
While there were a cocktail of energy supplements in the medicine cabinet, I didn’t feel like I needed them. There really was no sufficient use for such supplements at this point.
Food wasn’t that important either, and neither were the books scattered on the floor, or even the bottles that were still skewed on the floor from last night. At least I could convince myself to brush the barbwire that was my mane this morning; which for the record felt good. After all, the morning routine was no longer routine, it mostly involved pacing, thinking, putting on my saddlebags, forgetting something, thinking, remembering my badge, pacing, forgetting something, and so forth for around twenty minutes. I once again stared at the wardrobe filled with vests and shirts and other work related clothes. To this day, I still remember the chief’s face when he realized I was a mare. A mare got promoted to a special agent? It was a classic case of a stallion dominated workforce having a mare outlier. But the chief’s disgust was quickly morphed into a borderline sickening obsession for me. That was a topic that was not mentioned much, even in a joking tone; much less thought about.
Most of the stallions wore mostly black suit vests underneath white buttoned shirts; the classic agent attire complimented by their big ‘ERPD Special Agent’ badge hanging down from their neck. I stared at my own copy of the badge; ‘ERPD Special Agent’ with an etching of the ERPD seal underneath, and at the bottom ‘Twilight Sparkle.’ I managed to slip into the same attire out of a need for pure and basic acceptance by my stallion peers. I had omitted wearing a hat however, simply to make it seem like I wasn’t copying the stallions. And the weapon holster for that matter. It never occurred to me how much the agents loved the gun holster until I reached the special agent tier. Being a unicorn I never needed to learn how to use a gun, or a holster for that matter; or at least was required to. It was seemingly a fashion statement among the whole division; a form of individuality almost. You use a chest or shoulder holster? Do you prefer the mouth trigger or the hoof trigger? It was an enigma almost, a real head scratcher to me at first.
Thankfully I didn’t really work alongside or even hang around the other agents too much at this point in my career. I knew them for certain, but we kept our distance and kept the communication to basic chit-chat.
Finding my way to a window, I stared outside; I’d expected somepony by now like Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, or really anypony in Ponyville to come blasting my door down expecting answers, security, and/or a reason for the murder. I was to assume it was out of the mayor telling them not too or out of the simple fear that I’d become upset with them.
After years of ‘harmless’ ribbing like ‘Oh Twilight’s gonna be at the party tonight, better not have too many kegs’ or ‘don’t set those fireworks off; they’re not legal in these parts’ I’d grown immune and rather coarse to it. It was the life of any cop and his or her friends to embrace the teasing; but to me it felt much more personally hurtful. That aurora could also be a reason for the ponies leaving me alone.
The phone rang again with the same call light beckoning to me. One simple magic burst answered the line and placed the phone on speaker.
“Ye-es, this is Twilight Sparkle.” I claimed, voice breaking due to the first time speaking today.
“Morning Twilight; I expect you’re taking tomorrow off for bereavement purposes?” Iron Mustang asked.
His military-esque monotone could startle anypony into submission without knowing the stallion. A weathered veteran of the Royal Guard, and once an officer until a nasty corruption sweep took many ponies like him out. I wasn’t quite sure what exactly the bust caught Mustang doing; I was to assume either drugs or human trafficking. Two scandals the Royal Guard couldn’t quite shake after the media blew the top off it. Mustang got off easy compared to most of his comrades whom were sitting in cells right now; most likely cursing at the stallion in some way. He landed the desk job in exchange for ‘cooperation;’ it was as textbook as a snitch gets.
“Yes; that’s correct.” I stated.
“Thank you for letting me know.” He sniffed with a hint of what was left of his humor.
“The chief advises you head to the crime scene today as the team is wrapping up today.” He continued.
“Sure thing; just tell him if he’d like to lead this investigation, he’s welcome too.” I scoffed.
“Alright; I’ll tell ‘em you said a hearty ‘thank you.’” He said with a click.
“Oh piss off.” I yelped at the now idle phone.
Spike was waiting outside my door with a rare cigarette in his mouth, burning away. He held a box of St. Germane’s Full Flavor Blends; ‘domestic and foreign blend tobacco’ the label read.
“Is Iron Mustang working his regular shift?” Spike asked with a huff.
“Mmhmm.” I hummed, staring at the cigarette with a burning glare.
Spike eventually got the message as he glanced back over to me.
“Hey! We both smoke occasionally so don’t try and pin the ‘I have a drug problem too’ nonsense on me!” He exclaimed defensively.
“Alright mister; but I’ll remember this moment…” I said mysteriously.
Spike was going to retaliate, but decided to let it go as he sensed my somewhat content mood.
The walk to Sugarcube Corner was slow; ponies who noticed Spike and I gave us stiff glares and worried demeanors as they went about their business. I resumed to a brisk pace when I was done absorbing the monumental glares.
“We’ll go the back way, next time.” Spike noted.
The rest of the walk felt like hours creeping by until I finally saw the building coming up on us. I attempted to control my stomach from churning as I saw the police tape once again.
Heat Lightning and a different officer from before were standing around the tape once more, discussing politics or something of the sort. Heat noticed me and moved the tape out of my way with his magic.
“Lazy ass.” His partner muttered.
“Oh you’re just angry because you were born a hornless and wingless Earth pony!” He announced as he wiggled his horned head in front of his partner.
I kept moving away briskly towards the entrance as I heard a large thump in the background and the sound of somepony falling to the ground.
“Oh don’t cry because you were born a weakling, spineless unicorn!” His partner screamed as he laughed hysterically.
Beat Watch whom was stationed on the other side of the bakery shook his head in disbelief and disappointment.
I hadn’t even realized I had opened the door and was now standing in the threshold of the bakery.
My heart quickly entered my stomach as I realized the seriousness of the situation again. You’re not here to buy cakes or see your friend Twilight…a valiant voice shook my head. But it was ‘oh so true,’ you’re here to solve a murder. Spike eventually ushered me inside with a supportive glare.
“Ms. Sparkle!” A sky blue unicorn greeted me.
“Hello Icy Ashes.” I stuttered awkwardly.
He gave me an odd look “Full name? Ouch, what did I do wrong special agent?” He coaxed, with a half-serious tone; accompanied by a sad, tired face.
His comrades laughed and cooed quietly.
The field agent wore an ERPD-Ballistics hat atop his messy looking mane. His deep hazel eyes could burn a hole straight into any mare’s heart if it weren’t for his wrinkled nose and his over-confident personality. Two features he claimed he couldn’t do much about. He was most-likely the most tenured pony here though, and probably the most skilled as well.
“Sorry-sorry Ash.” I recalled. “It’s just-sorry.”
His fiery colored mane, which was now standing up by itself recoiled a little bit.
“Okay then.” He said plainly.
Ash stiffly glanced around the bakery, I followed his eyes go over the mostly empty shelves and tables in the back of the building. But, cakes and other pastries filled the glass paned shelves by the counter and entrance where we were standing. The pastries were apparently untouched by the evil that struck the building days ago.
“Right so, reconstruction was our main objective.” He noted, breaking my strangely poetic thoughts. “Let’s get right too it; I know that’s your style Twilight.”
“Mm, yes.” I said awkwardly, now realizing that Ash didn’t know the context.
“Medical report showed that the body must’ve been moved.” Spike cited.
Damn, I didn’t know that, I missed that. Well, I actually didn’t really read much of it.
“Righto, which is why we deduced that the victim was kicked, riiiiiight here.” He backpedaled and pointed to the floor.
A sickening pain took my body; I suppressed it as best as I could and continued on. Ash was pointing to the threshold between the bakery’s kitchen and a side cabinet which contained numerous party supplies.
“She was then dragged through here…” He motioned through the other threshold, which lead from the kitchen to the back room which stored more baking supplies and ingredients “…and was dropped here.” He once more pointed to the threshold that lead out of the room and to a small loading dock outside, and eventually into an alley.
“There’s no rhyme or reason; there is no why.” He probed.
“Why drag a body from here, to the exit?” Spike repeated.
Say something Twilight…Dammit no.
“So passerby’s wouldn’t see it?” Spike questioned.
“The body was already away from the windows…in fact, there was better chance of someone finding it after they moved her.” Ash’s shrill voice countered.
Say something!
Spike stared at the blood streak from Pinkie’s original position and followed the blood trail until it ended in a pool by a white rope that was set up to depict her body's final resting place. The blood itself was already soaking into the wood and getting very sticky.
“Perhaps the murderer wanted someone to find it…” Spike continued.
“But-“ Ash began.
“They were going to drag her out into that dumpster.” I spoke quietly, pointing at a large green dumpster; the height of at least three ponies.
Ash immediately turned to me to rebound.
“No pony could hoist a body into that tall dumpster; not even a pegasus…” He claimed.
“That’s why I said ‘they.’” I repeated.
“Alright then; please tell me how in the hay you concluded that there were two ponies dragging this body.” Ash challenged.
“It’s rather simple really.” I announced.
Ash recoiled a bit as his confidence drained from the ‘friendly’ competition.
“Look at the blood trail; it’d be smeared if she was dragged. But this trail is a constant, straight stream of blood with just a few drops outside of the stream. So unless somepony hoisted Pinkie over their shoulder like in a fire pony carry; two ponies carried her to the door.” I claimed as Ash quickly stared at the blood trying to ready a counter-attack.
“That’s just simple ballistics.” I ended my tirade with a slight tap on Ash’s hat that read ‘ERPD Ballistics.’
Most of the ponies in the bakery were either wearing ‘ERPD Ballistics’ or ‘ERPD Forensics’ with a couple more that wore other specialties. There were about a half-dozen of them lingering around the bakery, but by now they’d all gathered to watch Ash’s ‘demise’.
“Well…the blow was to her head, so the blood could’ve been dripping off her…” He failed to end the sentence as he stalked back to the blood trail; keeping me in the corner of his eye.
Spike had his eyes trained on the trail as well; confirming my theory.
Two ponies, never before have I wanted to be so wrong…
“I think you’re right Twilight, the blow was so hard; blood was pouring out at such a rate that’s consistent with the trail’s dimensions.” A bay colored unicorn stated; wearing his white lab coat as he surveyed the blood much closer.
I wondered around back towards the front door to look out the window as the rest of team discussed quietly and went back to their stations. I looked around at separate groups of ponies I could see from my vantage point until I eventually found myself staring out the window at the Sheriff, tending to Heat and his partner. Their minor fiasco had apparently bothered him to an angering extent.
Spike eventually appeared beside me fiddling with his tail. He followed my eyes out to the sheriff.
“Heh, leave it to Ponyville to elect an Apploosian sheriff…” He quietly mused.
I continued to stare at the sheriff, but didn’t really pay any mind to what he was actually doing; nor what Spike was saying. Seeing that his new strategy wasn’t working Spike tried to speak again but was interrupted by a chocolate colored unicorn.
“Hey forensics, we gotta feather over here!” He exclaimed.
All the ponies stopped and gathered around in curiosity. They began shouting and asking questions as the unicorn attempted to control the crowd.
Spike quickly turned and joined the fray, joining those who attempted to calm down the team whom were now shouting.
“Aight, aight calm down; shesh.” The original unicorn exclaimed in his usual Manehatten accent; named Flash Scope.
The team had since turned to me, expecting me to move from my original position by the window across the room.
“Can we, get back to it, please?” I replied in a hoarse voice, motioning them to move.
“Flash and I will discuss it and whatnot. I’ll let forensics know what to do.” I continued, in an uneven voice.
They eventually parted to make room for me to walk up to Flash. However, they really didn’t quite get back to work either.
“Soarry, Twi. Probably shouldna yelled it like that.” He apologized, rubbing his neck.
Sensing my discomfort, he backed to the door. “The feather is right here, I haven’t moved it yet. I found it under this here box. When yer ready to see it; come on ova.” He said quietly, Spike now joining him to talk.
A feather; it was the holy grail of evidence when it came to crime. The murderer might as well have spit on the victim and rubbed his hoofprints all over the scene. It also meant ‘pegasus,’ which narrowed it down to two possibilities considering there were no other suspects than the four we had. One look at the feather, and the colour would be revealed; yellow or blue. It could be some other color, blowing this case wide open. An improbable but hopeful thought; another colour would be my only hope at somehow saving Rainbow Dash or Fluttershy.
There could also be an explanation for the feather, after all we always liked to visit Sugarcube Corner, and it could be plausible for a feather to be shed the day before the murder while Rainbow Dash or Fluttershy were helping in the back. It’d never hold up in court though; too improbable.
The internal battle brewing inside me was beginning to show on the outside as tears began to well in my eyes and hooves began to shake. I had to do this, just look at the feather for Pinkie Pie.
At that point, I had some sort of epiphany.
I had never thought of it; or anything involved in this case like that. To do any of this for Pinkie Pie; it was a sick reality really. It was a sick and twisted fate, where avenging your best friend means charging another one of your best friends with her murder. But it had to be done; and not for my sake.
The team still hadn’t quite gone back to doing their work; they more so were pretending to work near the feather location, giving long and intuitive glances at me often. The feather was apparently next to the exit door, under a box like Flash Scope had said. A box that was stationed right next to Pinkie's death location. He had since moved the box back to its original position for the CSP to photograph it quickly. This also unfortunately created an unintentional climatic reveal that was sure to come.
I began to walk towards the unicorn, taking careful, but full steps.
I nodded slightly, and he began to move the box manually with his hind legs. I thought about closing my eyes, but instead stared at the box and silently mused about all the possibilities. Blue, Yellow, another colour, a fake, a griffon feather, a figment of Flash’s imagination; all had some sort of statistical probability.
A long, blue feather was revealed in the matter of moments as the box finished its journey sliding across the floor.
There was a long deep silence, as I heaved a very slight sigh as Spike gave a nod.
Flash was seemingly looking at me for direction, what to do next. Standard procedure was to seal it up, and send it to Regional HQ for testing. All sorts of things could be found out during that process like if the colour was dyed, how old the feather was, when it left the pegasi’s body, and most importantly; DNA.
“Seems to me, somepony wanted to hide it. A feather doesn’t just crawl underneath a box.” Spike assured, as I silently thanked him for not saying Rainbow Dash.
“It would seem that way…” Flash agreed, adjusting his ‘ERPD Forensics’ hat.
“What’re we doing here Twi?” Flash asked, dropping his voice dramatically; eyes darting around quickly.
Pretending to not know what he meant wasn’t going to get me very far, and it’d just be stalling. I could brush it off or take it as a serious question either way. He wanted to know if we were about to commit felony spoliation of evidence. I doubted he knew Rainbow Dash, but I assumed he wanted to help me.
“Well you’ve already announced it to the entire team so I suppose, do the normal procedure. Let’s see what we got.” I said, trying to instill some humor in my voice.
“Make sure to dust that box for hoofprints too.” I queried, with a defeated tone.
Flash chuckled nervously for some time, “Certainly.” He answered, as he reached for tweezers and an evidence bag.
I turned to survey what was left of the bakery. The team had turned everything over at least twice in search of anything useful; as they always did. Under very normal circumstances, I’d be on the front lines along with them, chasing leads and finding evidence with them; drawing conclusions along the way. Instead, I’d distanced myself from this place for very, very good reasons.
There was a part of me that needed to avenge Pinkie Pie and do my job to punish whom was responsible. But there was also another part that claimed that this investigation was wrong in so many ways and I shouldn’t be involved. I had since decided both statements are very correct and would have to guide me through this case.
My thoughts once again drowned out as I trudged on; there’d be time for thinking.
Ash was seemingly waiting for me to be done with my inner ‘struggle’ by the corridor that led to a medium-sized room near the kitchen. He leaned against the threshold with an inviting pose, motioning me near.
“Team leader Icy Ashes reporting, Special Agent Twilight.” He announced, giving a sarcastic salute.
“Bite me. I said your full name once, shesh.” I countered.
He chuckled lightly as he guided me to a table in the middle of the room, five chairs set around it.
“I’m going to assume you’d like to know why we have the suspects that we do right now?” He questioned, his tone rising to peak confidence-level.
“That’d be helpful, yes.” I replied sarcastically; which unfortunately only fueled his ego some more.
“This paper right here; it’s a list of…ideas I guess. Twilight, they were planning a surprise party for you that night. All five of them signed off on it.” He explained, handing the paper to me. So I suppose he did know the context, he was just being insensitive as always.
Levitating it, I read the writing filled paper.
‘Twilight’s Super Special Anniversary Party since Moving to Ponyville (Super DUPER Special).’
Sure enough, all five of them wrote their names with certain ideas they had written under them. It didn’t take an expert; a simple handwriting comparison test could see it was my friends who had written this. It contained Applejack’s stencil, Rarity’s cursive, Fluttershy’s small but neat text, Rainbow Dash’s large and messy writing, and finally Pinkie Pie’s fun and wiggly slanted type.
“While we don’t know exactly when the ‘meeting’ dismissed, we can assume it was near the victim’s time of death.” He said, nodding his head.
How does a meeting about a surprise party among friends become murder? This case was wrapping up right in front of me so quickly and we had absolutely no motive. Everypony on this team was just treating this as a cold-blooded murder with no consequences. Some anger began to boil over inside me.
“Look at this, Ash. These were my friends, planning a party for me.” I spat, shoving the paper near his face.
His face dropped a little, clearly getting my message quickly. “Ye-es it is.” He said after a long pause.
“Look Twi, you know I’m a conformed bachelor pony. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-“
“That’s the problem; you didn’t mean to do anything about giving me a reason to why my friends killed one of my other best friends! Do you know how many pony’s lives you’re affecting with this case; mine included!?” I screamed, ranting off on a tangent.
“Perhaps, if you were here assisting us…you could’ve helped us with the ‘motive’ portion.” Ash asserted, gaining some confidence back.
I suddenly paused, he was obviously right in every way; I just couldn’t let him know that. I suppose that he meant well but his insensitivity bothered me to the core.
“Look, my job is to help you solve a case, that’s it; and you know I’m one of the best damn ponies in that business around here.” He declared, whipping his hooves around.
“Oh so now you’re trying to concoct this into ‘you’re the victim?’” I countered.
“I’m trying to say I’m doing my freaking job. Alright?” He lashed, clearly trying to end the conversation.
I was silent, staring at him as a foal would stare at its parents after a similarly angering conversation; typically late at night. But I decided to let it go after a full minute of inner feuding.
Icy Ashes was certainly a coarse and callous pony, one whose work outweighed his personal and social life. It was a classic story of ‘all work no play,’ which led to an over-confident, zealous, and infuriating Field Agent Ash. ‘There isn’t any fun or love in this profession, so why try and instill some in it?’ was Ash’s favorite quote around a crime scene. To which the other ponies would appropriately reply with something of the likes of ‘I guess that’s why you’re so good at your job’ or something of that level of sarcasm.
“Let’s just go, what else?” I eventually decided to say, my eyes narrowing. I was letting him off the hook; temporarily.
Ash seemingly was caught off-guard by my suddenly normal tone, but moved on. He flipped through his notes after rebounding them from the floor.
“It was seemingly just another day, Pinkie clearly made some stuff, sold some stuff, and just went about her day.” He said as trotted out of the room and looked out to the kitchen.
“There are no other real oddities in or around the bakery.” He explained.
I noticed Spike had made his way outside to talk with Heat and his partner.
"This wasn't a robbery-murder?" I questioned.
"Register has exactly 46 bits in it. Tip jar is full too." He said.
“What about where the body was found; when Big Mac found her?” I asked.
“Yes well, you’ve been…out of the loop I assume. Did you even look at the case files? Notes yet?” He asked tenderly. “I’m not saying-“
“No, its fine, I understand. And no; not really.” I stuttered.
“Right. Big MacIntosh apparently found her early in the morning, delivering exactly two sacks of assorted apples via cart.” Ash started, now reading off a paper he motioned a pale yellow earth pony to retrieve.
“He noticed Pinkie was laying the threshold, ran up to her, and tapped her leg. He then noticed the blood and the bruising and ran to an officer in town.” He recited.
“Beat Watch made the first contact; correct?” I asked.
“Yes, I guess he pulled his gun and stalked around the bakery for a couple minutes and called it in after not finding anypony.” Ash pondered.
“I questioned both of them, and that adds up.” I replied dryly.
Ash looked at me calmly, looking for the next question about whatever I can conjure up.
“What about that night’s weather?” I asked.
“Clear, calm, and a cool 46 degrees Celsius. If you want more specifics, I can get Droplet to give you the exact wind speed and whatnot.” Ash answered, pointing to a sky blue pegasus after a slight pause.
“Just as long as I get the specific reports later.” I answered, with an unintentional bored tone.
Ash’s other job was to collect each of the separate reports from each specialty as needed. It mostly consisted of medical, ballistics, forensics, and other reports, and then discuss them in a think-tank setting. It was a job I was not looking forward to in the least.
There was a stiff silence in the room, complemented by the slight bustling of the team back inside the kitchen and wherever else they might be.
“Look, to be honest we haven’t really done too much to investigate any variables. We’ve been under direct orders to drive the investigation to one of these four suspects.” Ash admitted, head dropping.
“Dammit what?!” I replied, suddenly feeling a re-kindling of anger. “By whom?! I am you superior, you take orders from me!”
“I wasn’t going to tell you, but then I was going to tell you when you were angry with me back there, but then you kind of…well you looked like you wanted rip my testicles off and feed them to me…” He said, as he stumbled over every other word.
“Explain. Now.” I growled.
“Look; Regional HQ is under a lot of pressure from the Feds and even the Royal Guard themselves. As I’m sure you’ve heard. They wanna hang whoever did this yesterday. I mean, I know you and Celestia aren’t as close as you were...” He said, voice trailing off into silence as he looked away.
“But they’re all worried about the repercussions of an Element of Harmony dying. And believe me; we all got an education on these elements last night.” He continued, voice trying to level.
“That’s why Brasshoof is heading me on this investigation I guess.” I spoke dryly.
“It’s simple; he tells them I’ve got my best mare on this case and shows you off to them. That keeps the Feds from barging in on this scene and huffing that this case is under Federal control. And I assume your brother is keeping the Royal Guard on a tight leash about this.” He said, giving me look of question.
“The Royal Guard can’t even handle a murder case.” I thought aloud.
“No, but RGCIC can.” He replied.
“The Royal Guard Criminal Investigation Command? They have no jurisdiction!” I said, dismissing the thought.
“They’ll make a case, appellate jurisdiction and all that nonsense.” He replied, sounding defeated.
“That’s why this case is being done by the book.” I declared, as Ash turned to me finally. I had come to realize we made our way outside and were leaning on the loading dock rail.
“Don’t we always?” He probed, a smile appearing on his face.
“Mmm, and to answer your previous question, No; I haven’t heard about this witch hunt by Regional.” I said, thinking back to Ash’s previous rant.
“It’s rather hush I hear. Especially when you’re around I suppose.” He claimed, rubbing his hairy chin.
“I guess I figured you knew this…sorry.” He mused.
“Then again, I was instructed not to tell you anything; but what the hay?” He said.
I guess it was only fair to half-forgive him for his callous handling of the team's work. But it was no real excuse.
Thinking back on the conversation some more I thought about Brasshoof.
“So I guess he isn’t as slimy as pony as I thought. He’s not an insane dickhead who wanted me to investigate my own friend’s murder on the spot.” I said impartially.
“Well he is; just not in this context.” Ash said with a quick laugh.
There was a quick silence, after Ash gave a quick smiling glance at me before turning back to the alley.
“So that’s it?” I asked.
His face turned back to a neutral, content smile.
“Basically, like I said, we’ve only been chasing suspect related leads; we haven’t really dug into her finances, social life, business, traveling, or family related crap.” He admitted.
“But you lead the investigation so…and now you’re here…” He suggested.
“Give me some more time around here.” I coaxed.
“Hey, listen lovebirds. It’s Spike here.” Spike suddenly announced behind us, snapping his claws as he walked towards us.
Ash awkwardly moved away half seriously and half-jokingly as Spike moved next to me.
“You two looked like old high school crushes re-uniting.” He bellowed inconsiderately.
Spike enjoyed poking fun at Ash’s usually unintentional ‘advances’ at the crime scene. However, Ash normally didn’t have the mutual feeling of poking fun.
“We had to discuss important evidence and workplace bureaucracy.” Ash announced.
“Yeah, yeah, sure ya did Oxymoron; now I think it’s my turn to discuss; whatever it is Twilight here and you were talking about.” He dictated smoothly.
Ash’s face soured rather quickly after he heard Spike’s favorite nickname for the unfortunately named pony. Spike quickly shooed him away after another scowl from Ash. I motioned him to go, at least for now.
“Twilight, a minor situation for you to handle.” He offered.
“The Pie family?” I retorted, both frightened and relaxed. At some point they had to arrive at Ponyville; but now was not a good time. I did not want them to see me here, they couldn’t take it.
“Yeah; I believe the whole family is out front.” Spike replied, repeating himself.
Ash and some of the team had taken notice to the family and started to give their worried glances at me.
“Spike, did they see you here?” I asked desperately.
“Err, no. I noticed them before they got to me; they’re talking to the sheriff last time I checked.” He replied.
I thought frantically, I can’t do this; not now. The looks on all their face’s and on her sisters, it was horrible. A familiar shivering feeling took over my body as I began to blink rapidly.
“Let’s get out of here.” I said lowly.
“What?” Spike spat, unsure of what to think.
Ignoring him I turned to Ash, “Ash; we were never here. We’re at home grieving, and we wish not to be disturbed by anypony. Understood?” I demanded.
Clearly floored by my words Ash gave me a dubious look, unsure what to say.
“Do it Ash.” I declared, turning back towards the alley and started to trot out towards the back street.
“Twilight! You’re acting on impulse! You can’t run from them forever!” He sprayed out, frantically.
“Follow me and go home Spike; I’ll see you tomorrow at the funeral.”
I refused to look at him as we broke into a run; but I could feel him shooting daggers at me with his glare next to me.
“You’re not thinking.” He eventually said, clearly hurt.
I said nothing, and continued down a small dirt path which would eventually lead to our little house enclave.
Beat had given us a clearly confused look as we sprinted under the tape a moment ago but most likely brushed it off as one of our usual shenanigans. I couldn’t deal with the family right now; they’d just break my focus off the case. They'd surely want answers to questions I didn't know and reassurance I couldn't give. Reviewing what I had was the most important thing I could do now.
As we neared our houses Spike broke away from me coldly and neared his door.
“I don’t agree with this.” He claimed hoarsely.
“I didn’t ask for your opinion.” I replied with a shallow tone.
Clearly not bothered, Spike shut the door softly with one last cold frown.
I sighed and entered my own house, and shuffled to my desk across the room. The desk showed signs of not being organized for such a strenuous amount of time; probably at least a week. And a massive amount of paper that littered the surface and surrounding floor only made for a more disastrous look to the office.
The case was all that there was to think about; the Pie family would be fine. I tried to convince myself that they were weeping quietly and leaving my team alone; and defiantly not asking for me.
My gaze shifted towards a box of cigarettes that laid on the edge of the desk; mostly full. Ponyliament Super Lights ‘a refreshing concoction of domestic tobacco.’ I could analyze the label all day, reading all the warning labels and whatnot. That idea actually held some water for a moment until I gave a half-hearted sigh and pushed them into a drawer with my magic. I thought about smoking one to relieve some of the monstrous stress I had endured but there was really no point.
I found myself in the desk chair, suddenly leaning back in frustration and agony. I planted a hoof on the desk, the cool wood quickly warming to my touch.
An outsider looking in saw a case that involved a brutal mix of law enforcement politics, relations, card stacking, and consequences. Brasshoof played me, and that made him almost as worse as what he was before I heard this information. This case should be in Federal hooves and he knew it, but he instead choose to put me at the center stage, showing me off to the entire division; promising a perfectly smooth case. But the most angering fact was that I was missing a piece, there had to be something more than me that was holding the Feds off from this case. Ash had given quite a plethora of information though, and all I would need was a bit more info until it was clear. I thought about telling all of this to Brasshoof as my eyes fell to the phone call box that laid on the other side of the desk. It was a charming thought no doubt, the feeling of vindication alone would be glorious, but it wouldn’t get me very far in the long-term.
It was only the early afternoon, but my emotions had led me to believe it was midnight. It’d be simple to say that I felt like a darkness had taken over me, but I instead felt a certain thunderstorm was brewing up, starting to blow and thunder in the distance. It was clear sitting at the desk wasn’t going to motivate me to work; so my bed was my next best choice.
My mind wandered to wherever it pleased, mostly about the same things it thought about last night. The afternoon hours bled by, rather quickly to my surprise. Spike didn’t dare attempt to knock on my door as the sun eventually set.
I tried not to think about sleeping, hoping to create a reverse psychology into sleeping at first; which didn’t work. Liquor was the next best option; but I knew with the funeral tomorrow; that was the last thing I needed. The third option at this point was to give up and try and find something to do for the entire night; which normally led to either a book or sifting through old case files.
I was once again staring; this time at my front door as I waited for Spike to walk out of his house. For obvious reasons I didn’t want to seem like I was waiting outside first due to another sleepless night.
‘Presentable’ was really the only word that could describe me today; which was a clear upgrade from the last four days. A simple black dress would do for today’s event, simple and straight-forward. I didn’t bother to focus too much on the rest of my look, other than to fix my bangs and bathe; accidentally in that order. After shoving an energy pill down my throat in hopes it'd help my eye bags and pale color; I was back in my office, waiting on Spike.
Spike eventually appeared, wearing a black suit with a thin dark green tie, that was neatly tucked in. I decided to finally walk out after a moment of him peering around the road.
He nodded at me as I approached him slowly.
“Ready?” He asked; a loaded question to say the least.
After a moment of silence he trudged ahead towards the town.
“Twilight, I’ve been feuding whether to go over this with you; but you know who’s attending right?” He asked eventually as we neared Ponyville.
I winced at his tone as I immediately understood what he said.
“All three princesses, your brother and your parents, a good three-fourths of Ponyville, the Pie family, and a lot of our friend’s families.” He choked out, as he winced for my response.
“They didn’t want to talk to me, so they talked to you; didn’t they?” I immediately queried; knowing I was right.
Spike quickly gave me a disbelieving look “How’d you know? I was going to tell you.” He retorted, clearly confused.
“I’m a detective.” I simply replied; dryly.
Spike shook off the claim, dismantled but not disheartened. “I have asked that they do not ask about the case or the investigation. They said they would all try, but a lot of them are rather upset.”
“Obviously; look I’ll handle it.” I claimed.
“Okay, sorry for looking out for you Ms. Heartless. And you’re welcome for my services of handling all of their frantic calls and demands to speak with you.” He replied, pouring every ounce of his sarcasm and hatred into each word; all-the-while scowling at me.
“Your mother is especially pissed off with your withdrawal.” He continued.
“It’s not withdrawal, I just wanted to be alone for a few days and grieve to myself. What the hay? Is that so hard to ask!?” I complained.
Spike stared “I guess so. You know, if you actually grieved, maybe I'd be less pissed.” He spat.
I shook my head in dismay as Spike finally dropped the argument.
The streets were mostly empty, as I had predicted but feared. After several minutes of slow walking to the funeral home, which was located at the outskirts of town. The funeral home was coming up to our immediate right as I stopped to see the small gathering of ponies outside. They were mostly either smoking or making small talk as they waited for others.
There would usually be a few hours of talking and remembering Pinkie until some words were said by family and friends. After that, a normal funeral would end with putting the casket in the ground after a slow succession to the graveyard. But Pinkie’s body was not resting in a coffin; it was instead sitting a super cooled chamber being torn apart by doctors in search of evidence pertaining to a certain Regional case. I didn’t really know what the Pie family had planned exactly, but I was to assume it was the best they could do with the circumstances.
But I did know if a certain amount of suspects were captured in a case; the Regional and Federal authorities have the authority to hold onto a body for a certain amount of time before surrendering it to the family.
So I was to assume this funeral would be closed casket and would not involve a succession after words.
As we approached I noticed two Royal Guards scanning those who walked inside; with eagle-like eyes, including us as we passed. They were most likely commissioned to Celestia and Luna for the afternoon, even though I doubted they had arrived yet; or more-so 'hoped.'
I expected murmurs from the ponies that were passed, but none yet.
“Afternoon miss. Name please?” A kind turquoise stallion asked me as I neared a small check-in desk. The small funeral home only contained two rooms on each side of the dimly lit, dark hallway. The woodwork was actually quite beautiful and the fixtures were rather modern. A couple other ponies dotted the hall, mostly crying or otherwise chatting quietly. Both rooms had funerals going on, I was to assume the much larger one was Pinkie’s.
“Twilight Sparkle, and Spike.” I answered.
“This room on my right; sorry for your loss.” He motioned, after expertly flipping through a small handbook in front of him.
Spike removed his coat and gave it to the helper pony behind the turquoise one and moved in behind me.
The room was filled with ponies, many familiar, chatting quietly or grieving to mourn the loss of Pinkie.
Normally at a function similar to this one; just like anypony else, I’d try to find someone I knew. It was the classic story of ‘I sort of knew this pony so I figured I should go but I won’t really know anypony. This time it was more about the opposite; avoiding basically anypony that Spike had mentioned before. This was an impossible feat; however I could try for as long it would take.
But I failed seconds in as a certain white unicorn noticed me almost immediately.
“Oh he was waiting for you.” Spike whispered, agreeing with my thoughts.
“Twily.” Shining Armor simply stated as he hugged me intensely. His brute strength could easily crush many ponies with the force he exerted on me quite suddenly. His warm coat pressed against me tightly as he laid his heavy head on my shoulder.
Time seemed to stand still for a moment as my brother’s embrace warmed me against the chilled, crisp air. It felt like a hint of forgiveness almost. But ‘forgive’ was a word that was no longer quite in my vocabulary.
“Hey there big brother.” I replied awkwardly. His hug eventually broke as he and Spike exchanged an odd hoof-claw shake.
“Are you okay?” He asked, in a lower than usual tone.
“I am; I think I really am.” I claimed, nodding my head in an assuring motion.
“You know this case, I can really handle it; along with Spike here.” I continued, trying to instill as much bravado and assurance as I could to my voice.
Shining’s eyes grew a bit “Ah I see, I’m happy you’ve come to terms with it.” He announced, rubbing the back of his neck.
Very nicely done; I silently applauded myself sarcastically. Spike just told me how hard he worked to get everypony to not mention the case and I have to go out and blurt it out as soon as I see my BBBFF.
“It’s great to see you.” I quickly offered, trying to avoid a cue of silence.
“Likewise, I usually assume you’re busy or something.” He said, voice trailing off.
I stared out at the assorted dark colored suits and dresses other ponies wore, idly chatting or weeping in their own clusters dotted around the room. I was hoping to send a message to Shining that read something like ‘please go away’ or something along those lines. He must've noticed how distant I'm talking, at least I hoped so.
“There’s someponies that really would like to see you right now. I was actually just speaking with them, sooooo if you don’t mind.” Shining exclaimed, motioning a group near us to me.
Clearly not understanding my body language “Shining, please not right now!” I whispered loudly. I motioned for Spike to try and stop him but he just stood their raising an eyebrow at me.
Much to my dismay it was in-fact the Pie family that was called upon by my brother. They all wore similar attire and had equally as sad faces, clearly wet from many tears.
Suddenly, I felt a sudden blow to my heart and a breathtakingly cold chill that waved and vibrated throughout my body.
It was obvious, even if Pinkie Pie would never admit that her family had a slight disconnection with her. After all, being an extravagant party planner who moved away from the long-time family home of rock-farming wasn’t something any family would take lightly. I had always assumed Pinkie’s parents thought of her moving away as the sort of ‘opposite of adoption’. The kind of thing where your child un-adopts your way of life and family by rejecting your lifestyle, moving away, and doing something completely unheard of and different. And then the family moves on, assuming you were a lost cause that only merited an occasional letter or stop by. However, I didn’t dare speculate if they still loved her, even before seeing their faces just now.
This was all with the exception of Maud Pie however, who’d taken joy with being with Pinkie a lot; and us for that matter.
But now, just by the look on their faces, even Igneous’ sad and desperate one, told a completely different story. I felt my breathing heavily increase and my heart desperately incline in pace.
Time stood still for moments it seemed, minutes, hours even. I was suddenly cold, freezing almost as it hit me. Pinkie Pie is dead.
In a trance almost, just as Maud was about to offer a hug; I broke into a sprint out the door, violently shoving certain ponies out of the way. Tears jerked off into the wind as I burst through the door, running home.
“Twilight, what in the damn world!?” Spike demanded, temporarily keeping up with my adrenaline filled pace as he burst out of the home trying to catch-up with me.
“I know what I’m doing…for once.” I said fiercely, lowering my head in hopes of channeling more speed.
Ponyville quickly came and went as my blurred vision only captured the looks of a couple of ponies looking rather confused. Keep running, run dammit.
Eventually my house was somewhere in my peripheral vision as I slowed my sprint.
I barged in with little effort, my weight and momentum doing most of the work on the door. The move reminded me of my younger years, barging into crime scenes looking for suspects or fugitives on the vice squad; a rather short-lived escapade.
Nearing the call-box on my cluttered desk I jammed my hoof on the ‘call’ button and waited for the Regional PD internal dispatcher; Wave Scanner to most surely take the call.
“Regional PD of the Greater Metropolitan; name and badge number?” She asked shrilly.
“Twilight Sparkle; S49021. I need to route a call, Wave.” I asked vehemently, clearly showing my impatience.
At the end of my statement, Spike burst through my front door; Shining in tow.
“What the absolute fuck!?” Spike asked violently; showcasing a rare curse word he used.
“If I don’t do this now, I will regret it.” I growled, fiercely.
Spike was never afraid of me; he’d seen all of my moods eighteen different times throughout our career. But this time I tried to make it seem like this was different, a different brand of anger.
“Who to Twi?” Wave asked idly; clearly trying not to seem like she’d heard the ensuing argument.
“Federal Agent Platinum; he’s an Equestrian Homeland Marshall.” I declared, as Shining’s eyes narrowed.
“Need his badge I.D.?” I asked quickly.
“Nah, routing it now.” Wave said as she signed off with a click.
“Why the hay are you calling a Federal Marshall?” Spike asked, with a hint of defeat in his tone.
Tears once again began to trickle slowly down my eyes.
“I want to do this alone.” I announced.
“That doesn’t answer his question.” Shining countered.
Shining veered some confidence as he approached me.
“Get. Out.” I growled; gritting my teeth as my horn started to glow.
“You won’t hurt your brother or your partner.” Shining accused, softly as he motioned to Spike. Spike folded his arms in agreement as his eyes met mine.
“Federal Agent Platinum.” A proud and tired voice broke the tense standoff just in time.
All three of us silently stared at the box for a quick moment until I finally managed a word.
“Platinum, I need a favor. I’ll make it short.” I said, trying to mask my upset tone; which didn’t work well as certain words rolled together to create a strange dynamic.
Just as Platinum was about to respond I interrupted him “Put case H-6109 under Federal control, I’m the lead investigator and I need you to take it over.”
“Is that the-“
“Yes, it’s the goddamn Pinkie Pie murder case. Put it under your control.” I demanded.
“You know you owe me Twilight. But I also need-” He responded just as I clicked the call off with a quick burst of magic as my breathing settled a bit.
I didn’t break my stare from the box for minutes as the tears once again returned for a more permanent episode. It’d take almost fifteen minutes to realize that Spike had walked out, but that my brother was still in the same spot where he’d stopped before I started talking to Platinum.
Tears had completely soaked through the unfortunate pillow that I’d chosen a half-hour ago. At this point, it was no longer a pillow, it was but a soppy white piece of fluff that more resembled a giant wet cotton ball.
I was still unsure if my brother had ever left since I screamed “Get out!” an hour ago and ran upstairs. I had yet to hear a door slam, but he had yet to follow me upstairs; so unless he was stoic enough to stand in one place for this long I was to assume he exited. Or was it more than an hour ago? Time had once again seemed to escape my grasp and willingly go on without me during my little cry session. It was still light outside, so I hadn’t been here for a long time, but I noticed clouds were beginning to swell in the sky, causing a dark array to glow through my window. The clouds were large and mean-looking, sure to bring violent rains, but well-needed rain at-least.
I didn’t care if time went on, it could go without me for all I care. There was nothing left to do anyways. Time was the ultimate source of apathy in the world.
Suddenly, I heard a faint knock across the room, I quickly pointed my horn ready to do what could be necessary; but it was just Spike, leaning against the corridor.
“Startled?” He questioned.
I sighed and heaved a deep breathe. “You know Spike, do you know how long we’ve been doing this?” I probed.
“Years…a lot of years.” He answered, knowing exactly what I meant. This didn’t surprise me at this point.
“I wanted to quit so I could focus on life.” I continued.
“You don’t have to tell me twice.” He scoffed.
“You never were a good listener.” I immediately countered.
He shuffled his feet and returned his gaze back to me. “Apologies.” He simply stated.
“I just owed it to myself, you know? Before time got away from me, I wanted to use it.”
“You make it sound like that’s in the past now; what’s different now?” He asked, repulsed.
“What’s the point now? Don’t act like you didn’t see this coming; after all you’re here now aren’t you?” I declared.
“Sorry, but I came here to see if you were fine. Excuse the hay out of me!” He said, raising his voice.
“Fine? If I was doing fine? Is that the kind of condition you expected me to be in!?”
“Well…”
“Horseshit. We’ve been partners for a long time, you knew I wasn't fine.” I countered.
“You’re right; I should stop caring because you clearly don’t have any feelings left.” He claimed, sarcastically.
“I’ve been sitting here crying for the past damn hour! Look at this poor pillow!” I shot back, pointing at the sad cotton ball. “How dare you!” I growled.
“Are you convincing me, or yourself?” He replied, calmly, cocking his head a bit.
“There’s nothing to convince! When a friend dies I get sad! I think that’s a very normal damn reaction!” I exclaimed with all the hate I could possibly give.
“So why should that stop you from quitting this job and ending this façade?” He calmly queried.
“There is no façade! There is no more future! Don’t you understand!? I’m not even talking about this damn job anymore!”
“So then what are we talking about now?” He asked.
I was floored, completely fazed, Spike had done it once again. But he wasn’t going to win this time; he’d simply win the battle, and not the war.
Spike cleared his throat and held a claw up when he noticed me do the same.
“It’s my turn now." He stated almost evilly. "I’m sorry one of your friends killed another one, and I’m also sorry you have to solve it, I’m sorry for a lot of things Twi. There’s an endless amount of things I’m sorry about in this one case. But there’s one thing I’m not sorry about, and that’s your inability to have closure.” He shouted; face not changing for one moment.
“Closure?” I asked, teeth gritting.
A slight pause took over the shouting match, as Spike realized he may have made a crucial error.
“What the hay do you call this then!? I called the Feds to take over this damn case; it’s over, done, kaput!” I lashed.
“So if it’s so done, then why are you still trying to convince yourself that’s it’s not over?” Spike announced.
“I’m not!” I snorted loudly.
“I think we’re done here.” He said, as he turned around quickly and began to go down the stairs.
“If you think that’s closure then be my damn guest. You’re not making any sense.” He continued.
“What the hay is that supposed to mean!” I shouted.
“We are NOT done!” I screamed out to the stairs he just descended as I launched myself from the bed.
“I’ll call you when our next case comes through.” He taunted.
“You did not just say that! And it’s not ‘our’ anymore!” I bellowed so loud that a sudden headache began pounding away in my head.
Just as Spike was about to walk out the door, the phone rang; causing an extremely shrill end to the argument. The phone whined to be answered, as the light slowly flashed, waiting to be answered. I turned and faced the phone at my nightstand across the room. I lowered my head slightly, and burst a quick shot of magic to answer the phone.
“Regional Agent Twilight Sparkle.” I answered. I swear if Spike had the guts to pick up the other phone at my desk…
“It’s a real pity that I have to report this to you Twilight.” Brasshoof’s voice shook a swift wave of terror throughout my body.
“Equestrian Homeland Marshalls have taken over your case; our case.” There wasn’t a single piece of sorrow or anger in his voice as it raised an octave.
“Feds? Oh, I see.” I offered.
“Yes, you’ve been relieved of duty by some bonehead I can’t remember the name of…oh those Feds all look the same with their black vests and giant badges. I think they’re compensating for something if you know what I mean…” He rambled as he broke into a weak laugh.
“Thank you for informing me commissioner.” I said in a ‘goodbye-like’ voice.
“Oh, and your resignation does not take effect until two days from now. So if I find a case for you until then, you will complete it.” He claimed, voice dropping tremendously quickly.
“Well you see-“
“It’s a legality clause; look it up for all I care.” He interrupted.
A slight pause took over the conversation as I readied a comeback.
“Good day, pity about your case. I hope it works out. Plat said he’ll keep you in the loop…THAT was his name; Platinum.” He continued, sounding like he was going to ramble again.
I clicked the phone off with another delicate burst of magic and closed my eyes slowly.
I was not aware, up until now, that my bed was this warm and inviting. It’d been a day, I was sure about that. The night came and went, and the sun was once again trying shine through the thick black clouds. There was no rain though, just an overcast of clouds and fog. I hadn't slept, it was more like a delicate trance, that had taken over me for the past twenty-four hours.
But I knew what I had to do today, I wanted to see somepony. This was my mess that I handed to the Feds; it was my job to clean up the personal relations. The time for crying was over, I needed to act. There was no real chance the Feds would care to talk to any of my friends families; except to say that their daughter was charged with murder when they'd eventually figure it out
Convincing myself to get up was the hardest part, the love and warmth of something as inanimate as a blanket was comfort enough. But I had to do it, and not for my sake. Eventually as my mind wondered, I ripped the blanket of my torso and walked down the stairs to the door. I continued out the door despite the slight chill of temperature change. I was going to see Big Mac, and tell him what I knew; I could do it.
I pushed the door open and peered out towards the path to town. And to my ultimate surprise somepony was already coming.
It was just Spike and I’s house at this point in the path; so whoever it was, was defiantly coming to see me.
The path was somewhat short, there were only a few other houses closer to the town; neighbors to which I barely spoke to. The train station was at the end of the path, to which it then turned into the town of Ponyville.
“Oh, howdy der Twi!” He called out; the sheriff.
“Hello there sheriff.” I responded.
“How’s yer day?” He commented cheerfully.
“Yes, it’s going okay. What brings you around here?” I asked as he neared me.
“I jus’ wanted to make sure ye heard about thuse Feds takin’ over yer investigation.” He claimed, copping a genuine facial expression; replacing his usual joyous one.
“Yep, I guess we pissed off somepony real important.” I replied, elbowing him a little bit.
He actually chuckled a bit, “I guess, but I can’t none stand those Feds though. ‘T least you folks let us patroul the tape. But those blockheads told us to scram! Filthily lil’ bastards.” He exclaimed as nudged his holster.
“Sorry sheriff, you know how it is. Nothing I can do.” I said plainly.
“Thas right, I guess; the both of us.” He shuffled around for a moment as I purposely looked away to try and send a message that read something like 'please go away.' It was eventually well-received as Gunnery noticed my eyes wandering. “Welp, I’ll be seein’ ya I spose.” He said as he turned away back towards the town.
“Thanks for thinking of me!” I called out, realizing my shallowness.
“Anytime!” He called back.
I started to march perpendicular towards a lesser known path that looped around the town and towards the apple farm.
I peered into Spike’s house as I walked by the side of his house, but didn’t see him or any movement inside. I wouldn’t allow him to come on this journey anyways.
The path was barely recognizable, most likely due to its seldom use by anypony. I was hoping just to talk to Big Mac and no-pony else. No Applebloom, no Granny Smith, nopony else…I wasn’t ready. In fact, I really didn’t want to talk to anypony at all, but Big Mac deserved an explanation; not only as a witness, but as AJ’s brother.
The walk unfortunately involved many dodges to avoid branches and detours to go around certain obstacles. The path was clearly in disrepair, after all it really only served my purposes anyway. I continued on for a few minutes, thinking about how to greet Big Mac and how to end the conversation.
The trees, in due course, became straighter and were now growing apples; a clear sign I was nearing the farm. The walk wasn’t that much longer than going through town; but at this point I was willing to go hours out of my way just avoid town.
I suddenly realized that showing up unannounced like this could be a long-shot to try and talk to Big Mac. Big Mac really could’ve been anywhere on the property that spanned acres upon acres of land, or in town, or inside the house. However, I was sure of only one thing; that I had to find him. I aimlessly began to walk through a few rows of trees, stopping in silence to see if I could hear him bucking apples or whatnot. Time slowly passed after trudging through rows and rows of identical trees. For once I doubted my detective skills would help much here, plus they clearly weren’t working either.
Eventually I had to face facts that I was getting nothing; I’ll have to try the house at this point.
I neared the large farm house as it grew in size, suddenly stopping to see if I could see him wandering about. Still nothing to see, but I heard something this time. I tried to drown out the mixture of noises from the animals in the distance to try and locate Big Mac. The loud ‘oinks’ of the pigs were the worst, very abstract and sudden.
Eventually I saw him round the corner of the far side of the house, carrying a bucket in his mouth. This would be a great opportunity to talk, perhaps my only, seeing that he was alone. Hoping I wouldn’t scare him, I tried to wave in his direction from the trees.
His eyes grew a little, but clearly wasn’t startled as he noticed me.
“Twilight!?” He asked; quite confused.
“Big Mac, hi, I need to talk.” I stuttered.
“I’d say so.” He claimed, a hint of cockiness shining through.
“I know you’re hurting, I am too. But the short of it is that there’s nothing I can do anymore.” I stated, refusing to look him in the eye, but I could feel his hurt burning through me. He’d at least see that it took courage to say that. But it was admittedly awkward to say the least, and quite sudden.
“What? Why? What’s going on?” He asked, stereo-typically.
“Someponies above my pay-grade took over this investigation and I have no control over it anymore.” I chocked out.
“Above your pay-grade!? Aren’t you, some-sort of Equestrian detective!?” He bellowed.
I prayed his voice wouldn’t attract Applebloom or anypony else.
“Well…I just wanted to tell you I’m out of the game. And as for Applejack, that wasn’t even my arrest.” I stumbled out the words.
“Oh that’s very comforting!” He shouted.
I’d never seen Big Mac so passionate, and I felt like telling him that until I realized how much pain he must’ve been through in the past days. But still, he was always a stallion of few words; even in stressful situations.
“I just felt like telling you, I didn’t want to offend you or anything.” I tried to recover.
“Sorry, I’m just a bit on edge because of my sister and now the only pony I can trust is now ‘out of the game!’” He lashed. Could he read my mind?
“I never said it was wrong to be on edge, how do you think I’ve felt the past few days.” I spoke calmly, trying not to match his anger.
“Apparently fine, considering you couldn’t do anything about my sister! And then trying to cover it up right in-front of my face; ‘that wasn’t even my arrest.’” He screamed, mocking my voice.
“I had a job to do, that’s not how it works Big Mac, and you know it.” I replied, my patience running very thin.
“There’s really nothing!? Deprivation of character!? Applejack wouldn’t have killed a fellow element of harmony! Pinkie Pie was like family here Twilight, so are all of you!” He exclaimed, eyes widening tremendously; but no tears.
“Big Mac, you’re making me feel worse than I already am; can’t you see I was trying!?” I exploded, suddenly unable to hold back.
But before he could respond another voice was heard.
“Big Mac, who ya talking to!?” A shrill voice called out from the other side of the house.
That was it, I couldn’t do it.
“Hey Twilight; where you going!?” Big Mac called out angrily as he watched me turn around and sprint back towards the path. He tried trotting after me, I think, but he quickly gave up and decided to instead watch me.
“And it’s defamation of character!” I screamed over my shoulder, unsure if he could still hear me.
My eyes swelled as more tears poured down my face. All there was to do was cry, sadness surrounded everypony I knew. I was sick of ending every conversation with a shouting match, fight, or me running away. A dark and deep thought entered the back of mind I can't run forever. I ran back through the path, nearly missing low hanging branches that could’ve clocked me into last week. The words repeated over and over again, pounding my head effortlessly.
My only option was Spike, he was all that was left.
The run back to our little patch of houses was much faster than the previous one, and involved much more thrashing and sprints. I was still not sure if Applebloom or Big Mac were following me; but it didn’t matter, I wasn’t going to let them see me like this.
“Spike!” I screamed as loud as I could as I neared his house. I was assured he had to be somewhere in his house. I reached his front door and started to pound on it. “Spi-i-ike!” I yelled through the crying as best I could, voice cracking astonishingly.
“Dammit Twilight, what’s wrong!?” He exclaimed, appearing beside me out from behind his house; clearly scared but curious.
“I’ve fucked up! I was talking to Big Mac, and now it’s-“ I stuttered helplessly.
“Twilight, breath. Do it.” He demanded.
I continued to sob, as my tears began to drip off my face, I felt like a foal confessing to my mother after doing something horrible. It felt almost worse knowing that Spike probably felt like the mother.
“I’m not going to listen to you if you’re babbling nonsense.” He cooed.
“Sorry, I’d do the same.” Trying to assert my dominance; rather helplessly unfortunately. This was mostly due to the fact that I was still sniffling to try and regain my composure. The sniffling was to such an extent that I could no longer quite control it, it felt was like the world was spinning.
“I’m sure. Now you talked to Big Mac?” He asked, waving his claws trying to get me to talk.
“Yes, he wasn’t happy.” I stated, through what was left of my sniffles.
“And?” Spike prodded, wanting much more.
“Look, that’s not important anymore; what’s important is that I think I know what I can do to fix this…all of this.” I claimed, grasping Spike.
“I know, you want to, don’t you?”
“I always did.” I replied.
I turned and trudged across the path and slowly opened my door, shaking. I felt a slight chocking feeling, almost like I had to breathe manually to avoid dying of suffocation. Spike followed me inside, giving a hopeful glance as he stopped near the door.
I stared at my desk, the papers and phone idly thrown about the surface.
“Can I do this?” I asked myself, loudly.
It seemed like Spike once again knew exactly who the question was asked to, and didn’t respond.
I gave a loud sniff, and manually poked the call button and waited.
“Regional PD of the Greater Metropolitan; name and badge number?” Wave asked, with a shrill bored tone.
“Twilight Sparkle; S49021. We’re routing a call Wave.” I demanded.
“Glad to hear this is a team effort.” She responded; I could feel her grin through the line.
“Equestrian Homeland Marshall Platinum.” I declared.
“Try his case’s direct route first. I’m sure he’s on scene so try the MPO.” I immediately revised.
“One sec. Got it.” She said, and immediately clicked off.
Wave Scanner was a skilled pony, a wonderfully seasoned dispatcher of the Regional PD. A normal pony would take at least a minute to look up a Federal Agent’s case phone number by flipping through the record book. Wave was no normal pony though; in fact many of the dispatchers at any justice level were beyond any reference of ‘normal.’ The job required working in high stress level environments, incredible memory, quick-decision making, and long hours. Wave was clearly a master of her trade.
“This is Federal Agent Platinum.” A voice claimed through the speaker.
“It’s Twilight, Plat. Do you know where Buzzy’s Café is in Ponyville?” I asked quickly.
“Dammit no. Plus I’m not interested in a date right now.” He retorted with a chuckle.
“We need to talk now; it’s across from the train station, quiet joint. Get there now, don’t bring anypony else.”
“What if I’m busy?” He coaxed.
“Figure it out.” I growled, clicking the phone off.
Spike had not said anything since we left, but I think he wanted to tag along, so I nodded to him as I walked out the door. He seemed to take it as an invitation enough.
Buzzy’s was a quiet coffee and drink café on the outskirts of town. The only time they were busy was when a train came through and had ponies waiting on a layover. In fact, they were even audited a couple of months ago for a conspiracy investigation. They’d allegedly been altering conductor’s log books to show that they were out of hours by the time they got to Ponyville, forcing a long layover, and thus forcing the ponies to eat and drink somewhere. It ended up being buried after an investigation error, everypony was sure they’d done it though.
They had decent enough coffee though; I was a regular after all.
Upon approaching the building after a short walk, I found Platinum already outside sipping on something.
The agent was impossible to miss with those antlers he had. Like I remember, he had a thick platinum colored coat with a light brown mane. He was rather stocky, built like a deer would. Though, I doubted he was one-hundred percent deer, his antlers were the only real deer trait he possessed; he was pony everywhere else. Plus, it was rather uncommon for a purebred deer to live in Equestria anyways, they mostly inhabited Canadeer; like the name suggests.
He actually worked alongside my brother for some time in the military. He worked in the Royal Guard Criminal Investigation Command for a few years until he moved to the Homeland agency. That was really the only reason I knew him, I’d seen him with Shining a few times at stuffy and usually couth military banquets that I’d attended simply for the formality. It was an unfortunate disadvantage of being a military stallion's sister; attending banquets and officer ball's. Until a few years ago he told me that he’d moved to the Federal division.
“So Twilight, what’re we going on aboot?” He immediately questioned as I neared him. He obviously remembered me from some time ago. I was sure I'd see him at some point; Regional and Federal agents normally cross each other at least once a year, and an endless amount in a whole career.
“No formalities agent? Rude.” I teased.
“You didn’t seem too interested in formalities in either of our phoune conversations. Plus don’t you live here? You could’ve just popped in and visited me.” He pointed out.
“I suppose that’s true. I’m sorry. Plus I think I’ve had my fill of that crime scene.” I beckoned, trying to gauge if he knew the personal relation to the case.
Platinum gave me an odd look “Don’t worry aboot it.” He said slowly. I think he understood.
“It’s about the case I just gave to you.” I said awkwardly.
“Well that's fairly obvious. I thought I told your commissioner to say that I’d keep you infourmed. Well, I think I told one of his personalities.” He said with a confused tone, as he rubbed his antlers.
“I need back on this case.” I said hoarsely.
Platinum shot an odd look at me, finally meeting my eyes.
“Smooth, Twilight.” Spike piped up, as he sat next to Platinum.
“Whose side are you on?” I asked, repulsed.
Platinum chuckled “You know I can’t do that.” He claimed, as he tightened the tie that was neatly tucked in his vest.
“Well we’re going to figure out how.” I challenged.
He sipped from his cup once again and cleared his throat. “Well the first step in doing so is ‘why’?” He queried.
“Because this is my case.” I tried.
“Until you gave it to me. Try harder.” He said with caution.
“Because I have to solve it, they’re my friends.” I spoke without quiver.
“You know, I think that’s the first time you’ve ever said anything strongly and/or with passion.” Spike claimed, matter-of-factually.
“Passion is great Twilight, but you know I can’t tell my boss that.” He said, placing his hoof on the table.
“What about the ‘friends’ part?” I shot back.
“What aboot the ‘friends’ part? Twilight, what you’re asking is a logistical and bureaucratic nightmare. Do you know how suspicious and angry our divisions are going to get if I tell my commissioner ‘Yes hi, I’d like this investigation returned back to Twilight Sparkle? Yes I’m defiantly not falsifying or destroying any evidence, no sir’” He spat.
“And when this gets to the Federal Attorney’s? Complete Bullocks. The trial will be mistrial-ed six ways from here and back. ”
“What about-“
“Twilight I’m sorry you’ve made a mistake, or at least it seems that way; but there’s nothing I can do. In fact, you owe me! Because now I’ve got the entire Justice Department breathing down my neck waiting for me to slip up. Plus I’ve got every single Federal and Regional agent staring me douwn for hijacking your investigation; ‘You hijacked the famous Twilight Sparkle’s case!? How could you!? You’re trying to sell the best investigator short!?’ Oh, and these don’t help.” He exclaimed, pointing to his antlers.
“What about joint investigation? Federal-Regional joint investigation. You get the resources of both divisions with half the suspicion.” Spike suddenly suggested.
Platinum shook his head “Again, it’s a logistical nightmare, I can’t initiate that either.”
“Then I guess we’re going through your commissioner.” I said dryly.
“If you tell Diamond Salute that you want back in this investigation he’ll just tell you what I said and you knouw that!” Platinum bellowed.
“The worst he can say is ‘no.’” I coaxed as I turned back towards my house.
“Twilight wait!” He shouted, as he jumped out of the chair and trotted towards me.
I turned slowly; I had him right where I wanted him. “Yes?” I asked with an obvious blink.
His face soured as he realized my plan “Look, you got me alright? I’ve been ordered to let you back on the investigation if you approached me about it.” He whispered almost inaudibly.
“Orders from the top. But, I’m still leading it; you’re taking a back-seat.” He barked.
“You’re still leading?” I asked, eyes narrowing.
“Get one of these and then try and take it over.” He shouted, as he levitated his federal badge near my face.
“Should I phone Diamond just to make sure?” I asked, copping an innocent tone.
“I’m sure that won’t be necessary.” He replied, monotone. “We’re meeting at Federal HQ in two hours, be there.” He stated.
“I’ll see you there.” I said, completing my tirade with a silly wave; to which Platinum responded with a chin flick.
Spike suddenly hopped out of his seat and simply approached me without a word. We walked for a moment, eventually out of Platinum’s view.
“You’re a good detective.” He stated.
“Psh, it was nothing. He’s a typical stag; he’s smart and quick, but he’s too proud to make the right decision sometimes.” I quipped.
“Oh so it was easy?” He asked.
I said nothing, much to Spike’s surprise, as we approached our houses.
"So what did just happen?" Spike asked, still confused.
"Spike, sometimes you've just got to keep going, whether you've been pleasantly or unpleasantly surprised."I answered willfully.