Love's True Flare

by Aderes7Storm

First published

Spitfire has been working way too much and Soarin isn't making things any easier. On top of trying to manage her work load she is asked to help investigate a case with an old friend and longtime crush Detective Blaze. What's a flight captai

Spitfire has been working way too much and Soarin isn't making things any easier. On top of trying to manage her work load she is asked to help investigate a case with an old friend and longtime crush Detective Blaze. What's a flight captain to do? Especially when said case holds a secret that could devastate all of Equestria in the wrong hands.
Contains slight AppleDash

Prologue: Business as Usual with a Twist

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Spitfire was sitting at her desk going over some paperwork that had to be done and wasn't pleased about the amount nor the type of paperwork that was to be turned in. So far she had gone through fifteen insurance claims for fire hazards, seven pilot license renewals, and plane registries. The last two were tedious but the insurance claims were starting to annoy her. She groaned at the thought as to why the Wonderbolts needed fire insurance for the team members. Soarin, her second in command, can not cook even if his very life depended on it. So the very fact that the latest fire was caused by him was frustrating. In the midst of her sorting paperwork, she hears a knock on her door.

“Come in.” she calls out not really paying attention to source of the knock.

“Captain you have to sort through you fan mail and talk to Captain Armor about the latest case.” Soarin says placing the sack of fan mail in front of her desk trying to not draw attention to himself.

“So what is this I hear about a fire in the mess hall?” Spitfire calmly asks waving the insurance claim as if it were a fan.

“I can explain! I was so close to actually making that pie.” He nervously stutters tugging at his black tie to settle his nerves.

“Soarin I don’t get what is so damn special about that pie but it is really cutting into our funding. So either you quit trying to self teach yourself how to bake or take a damn cooking class. Honestly Soarin you bought an apple pie at the Gala and now it’s like you are fucking obsessed with the damn thing.” Spitfire exasperated sorting through the paperwork hoping that he would take her advice this time.

“It’s not just an apple pie Spitfire. It was made by a beautiful goddess and I want to make one just like that pie just to impress her.” He mumbles twiddling his thumbs like a little school boy who just got caught stealing a cookie from the cookie jar.

“Soarin why don’t you just look around and see if you can find her first. Spare us the headache will ya?” Spitfire pleads trying to reason with the love struck pilot.

These pie attempts have really begun to do some damage to the Wonderbolts and it was starting show by the budget cuts done to the Wonderbolt Academy. She wasn’t sure how long the academy could survive the cuts and hoped Soarin knew what he was doing was hurting the team. She noticed that he looked like he was lost in thought before she noticed where he was staring. On her desk was one photo, and it was one of those fan made photos. Turning to look at the photo she felt her heart burn with immediate longing.

The photo was of the well renowned Detective Blaze with the most mysterious and prideful pose. She sighed staring at the young detective wishing she was able to talk to the detective without tripping on her own words. The fact that she had a photo of the detective was more than enough to get some reasoning into Soarin. She gently states, “I know it’s hard to impress someone you really have feelings for, but you need to think about the team. Soarin, the whole team has been worried that you will end up burning our paychecks in the attempt of baking a pie worthy of your dream girl.” standing up to walk over to Soarin.

“How can I do that if I can’t bake a simple pie?” he asks staring a Spitfire hoping to find some answer or guidance on the subject.

“Love isn’t easy Soar. You have to make the effort for her and show her that you are more than some pilot who can cook.” she quips smiling a cheesy I-told-you-so grin.

The silence that soon followed was a calm and pleasant silence. He knew Spitfire had a point but he only saw this girl at the Grand Galloping Gala. Even the prospect of finding her was scary enough to make him curl in a ball and whimper. Plus he didn’t catch her name at the Gala before she left so that made matters even much more difficult. He wanted to listen to Spitfire but he far much more convinced that the best apple pie will lure his dream girl out.

“CAPTAIN YOU GOTTA SEE THIS!” Fleetfoot shouts catching both Soarin’s and Spitfire’s attention.

She runs into the office and turns on the television which was hanging on the left wall. The breaking news channel was on and immediately Spitfire’s eyes widen in shock. There was an announcement for the first annual Lunar Solstice festival and the Wonderbolts were announced to perform. She hadn’t cleared any performances nor had she agreed to announce anything. Confusion was apparent and her anger was boiling until she realized something. The last missing person was reported in a small town and she had agreed to aid the investigation to the best of her ability. She was still confused about this until, “The first festival is to be held in Ponyville, and I personally look forward to seeing the Wonderbolts perform.” the female announcer stated looking to her co-host. ‘The last report came from Ponyville, so why the festival...OH!’ she thought to herself as the pieces fell together.

She had agreed to a cover story to mask the true reason for their arrival in the town and why they were staying for a long while. She had completely forgotten that the Lunar Solstice had conveniently been set to start around their arrival time. Face-palming she groans, “Our damn agent forgot to inform us that this would happen and we had to rehearse to make it seem like we had this planned out.”

“So this is all Agent Sky’s fault. Why didn’t he pass out a reminder like he always does?” Fleetfoot asks confused at the revelation.

“Heck if I know Fleetfoot. I just-” Spitfire answers before she is cut off by the news anchorman.

“In other news, there had been reported threats to our beloved Princess Luna. So many threats in fact, that the world’s finest Detective Blaze has been in charge of guarding our Princess of Night. We go to live to Quick Press for details.” the news anchorman states causing Spitfire to freeze.

“Thank you News Flash. Here I am at Detective Blaze’s office where the town Runesvale awaits to hear her reaction to Princess Luna’s proposition. Oh here she comes now.” Quick Press comments before the crowds goes wild.

“Citizens of Runesvale and everyone watching this it has come to my attention that our fair princess whom has been freed from the oppressive spirit of Nightmare Moon is now being threatened. I assure you that I will not let this stand for a moment longer. Whoever dare threatens our beloved rulers will have to answer to me and the Elements of Harmony. So to our beloved ruler I answer from the deepest depth of my being. I WILL PROTECT PRINCESS LUNA WITH MY LIFE!” Detective Blaze bravely proclaims slamming her fist on the podium causing the crowd to give a roaring cheer.

Spitfire’s jaw went slack and her heart raced at Detective Blaze’s fierce words. Blushing a deep red hue she stare in awe at the passion Detective Blaze possessed and expressed. Soarin noticing Spitfire’s current state turns off the television and gives a knowing smirk. Holding a cheeky grin he quips, “Looks like our captain has a thing for the detective. I believe she had some sort of connection with her in the past.”

“Yeah some history in high school I believe.” Fleetfoot teases going along with Soarin’s plan.

“Oh shut up you two. Before I have you on trash duty for a month.” Spitfire grumbles attempting to hide her blush.

“Hey don’t they have an apple farm in Ponyville? Maybe they can teach lover boy how to bake a pie.” Fleetfoot jokes dodging Soarin’s grab before running out the room.

“GET BACK HERE YOU PINT SIZE DWEEB!” Soarin exclaims chasing after her.

Spitfire chuckles at the antics of her teammates before looking at the photo of Detective Blaze. She did have history with the said detective but it was only as friends. She never forgave herself for letting her nerves get the better of her. Now here was the opportunity to finally give it the old college try and ask the detective out on a date. Grinning a confident grin she whispers, “Symphony better be ready for what I have in mind for her. She won’t know what hit her.”

A Detective's Worry

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The festival had caused a massive uproar and it worried Detective Blaze to some extent. She knew what was to be at stake should one thing fall out of place and for that reason she accepted Princess Luna’s request. ‘I can’t let him get the advantage. No matter what happens, I can’t let him hurt anyone else.’ she chants in her mind walking into her office. Staring at the pile of paperwork, she takes off her black mirrored aviators and briefly wonders how the newest threat would be extinguished. She sighs a tired sigh before sitting at her desk to commence her work which at the moment was going through paperwork.

“Of all things to do with my time it has to be sorting paperwork.” she grumbles taking a small portion of her paperwork from the giant pile next to her, “I could be out on the field keeping Equestria safe from him.” she adds seething at the idea of being stuck with paperwork.

She turns her head towards her small office window to get a quick glance outside observing the cloudy skies like the answer truly was hidden in the clouds. She had to protect the Princesses and ensure that the Wonderbolts’ cover isn't blown in the process. ‘As if I don’t have enough on my plate as is with that wretched scum, Black Shard!’ she seethes mentally glaring right back at her work. She had to find that bastard and with the constant threats to the princess of the night the urgency was increased to excruciating heights.

“Spitfire wouldn't have to deal with this crap if it weren't for that self-obsessed punk HeatWave making a fool of himself in front of the Equestria Elite Force.” She grumbled glaring at the newest files on the current issue only to have her eyes widen in shock, “WHAT THE FUCK?! HOW DID SHE GET ROPED INTO THIS CASE!” she shouts in shock dropping the article in midst of her mental freak out.

Staring at the file of most recent disappearances and attempted kidnappings done in Equestria for the past five months, she found that her little cousin was one of the failed attempts. Despite her having a full on mental breakdown she looked completely calm to the point where it appeared like nothing was wrong. ‘She can’t possibly...NO WAY! This is the most dependable of lassies and the most reliable of amigas you’re talking about here.’ She thought as she paced back and forth in the small office. She was confused and this wasn't a good time to be a ticking time bomb considering the situations she is currently in. Just when she was about to scream her frustrations a knock breaks the silence.

“Come in.” she says her voice masking her anger.

“Detective Blaze, the royal guards are here to escort you to Canterlot. Dr. Note should be arriving in Canterlot shortly with the lastest evidence on your current case.” a young girl steps into the office with a bounce in her step, “What happened to Dr. Note’s dog?” she asks taking notice of a dog passed out in the middle of the room.

“Hm… oh nothing is wrong with him, Cassy. He is just taking a nap and judging by the time I should give him a wake up call. Do be a dear and tell the guards I will be there momentarily, we wouldn't old Thrasher to miss lunch.” She quips nonchalantly giving a last clean check on her desk.

“Sure thing Detective Blaze.” Cassy eagerly states skipping out of the room with a cheerful spring in her step

Once Cassy left the room she grab a mini syringe from one of her desk many hidden compartments and rushes over to the unconscious pitbull to check his vitals. She lifts her head to give one more check to see if Cassy was nearby or not before she stabs the syringe in the pups chest. The pitbull yelps once the syringe takes effect and by the time she pulls it out of him he is already running around the room like a crazed mutt. This goes on for a few moment before he crashes into the desk stopping to shake his head in confusion.

“Good to see that my birthday gift works. Thank you for your help old chap. Cassy will be looking after you while I tend to some pressing matters. Be good for her this time, Thrasher.” she quip giving the pitbull an apologetic head rub.

She walks out of her office to see the royal guards and the town chief waiting inside a small lobby area. ‘No matter what happens, Black Shard, I will put an end to your madness.’ she vows giving her office one last look before leaving to join the guards. She wasn’t about to let some psycho attack those she cared for and take over the land she adores more than anything. Putting on her black sunglasses, she says in a calm manner, “Shall we get going gentlemen?”

Morning Briefing

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Canterlot 11am No POV

Detective Blaze manages with very little problems to arrive to Canterlot thanks to the royal guards and meet up with her partner on the case, Dr. Note. Dr. Note is a woman in her mid twenties with a neon blue streak flowing through her caramel colored hair dressed in a nice business suit. She was standing next to a newspaper stand holding a briefcase when Detective Blaze approached her.

“Good morning Symphony, I trust that you didn’t hurt Thrasher this week.” she comments turning to face the detective with a bemused smile.

“Come on Note, that only happened once. Besides Thrasher is getting into his years and it was a good time as any to test out the gift I have in mind to give to someone. The effect is supposed to be an energy enhancer and Thrasher had his morning wake up call with it. The little fella ran around in my office until he bumped into my desk.” Symphony chuckles happy that her long time friend didn’t use her nickname to greet her.

“Symphony one of these days you are gonna kill my dog and explain to your little sister whose fault it was.” Note sighs shaking her head in amusement.

Symphony had never understood how her nickname became her title but never really complained about it. After all, this only meant that select few knew her real name which in turn meant less time running away from the press and more time to do research. She unlike some famous celebrities prefered to enjoy blending in with the crowd or being cooped up in a library with a good a book. She was dressed in black slacks, light brown button up blouse, black vest, brown sneakers, and her trademark black bandanna that had a red dragon design.

“Aw come off it Note. You make me seem like I have no idea what I am doing.” she quips running a hand through vibrant blue hair that had a grey lightning streak pattern running through her locks.

“You are probably the last person I would expect to not know what she is doing. Besides Thrasher is my pet, not your lab rat.” Note laughs causing Symphony to playfully pout at the notion.

“Aw but I want pitt bull as a test subject.” she mockingly pouts causing Dr. Note to laugh at the display.

“Detective Blaze, Dr. Note I assume?” asked a male voice in a rude manner.

“You assume correct but you are not Captain Amor nor Soarin the two men we were supposed to meet.” Symphony retorts cautious of the male.

“No but I am here to relay a message from someone. Here in this envelope is the message but if I were you detective I wouldn’t take the message lightly.” he replies leaving the envelope on the table before leaving.

Silence remained and Symphony didn’t like the idea of anonymous man leaving an envelope that seemed to hold a threat instead of a clue. She stared at the envelope in a way that would make cold-hearted criminals wince. ‘A stranger leaves us a note and tells me to not take the message lightly. As Granny would say, “That there seem like a no good varmint is a barkin up yer tree sugar cube.” Whoever it is and whatever they want must be approached with the utmost caution.’ she thought as she stared at the envelope. She was not the only one who was disturbed by the sudden message. Dr. Note was fearful of who it might be from and with reason. Still she kept quiet in hopes of meeting the others who will be assisting them on the case.

“Excuse me, but which one of you is Detective Blaze?” Captain Amor asked while Soarin checked the area.

“That would be me, Captain Amor. Pleasure to meet you and I ensure to protect the princess with my life.” Symphony salutes pushing her worry aside in an effort to maintain her cool.

Moments Later- Spitfire’s POV

There are these senses that shout something is a bad idea, and I just ignored it by walking in for the briefing with Fleetfoot of all people. Yep, I was staring right at the woman who leaves me breathless with someone who could embarrass me and by the heavens she has only grown more beautiful with each passing moment. It took all my willpower along with Fleetfoot’s constant teasing to not go right up to her and shamelessly flirt with her. Seriously, does she even realize the power she has on others or how sexy she is? As if my workload isn’t bad enough because of Soarin’s borderline obsession with an apple farmer’s pie.

“Any leads on possible suspects so far?” she asks staring intently at the latest victim’s file.

“No leads so far Detective Blaze. That is why you are to now guard both Princess Luna and Princess Twilight. With this new threat approaching there isn’t enough guards to protect the Princesses.” Captain Armor sighs worry lacing his voice.

“This isn’t some inexperienced crook. Whoever this is had some inside help and the common thread is farmers. Know any criminal who has a thing for farmers?” I ask trying to wrap my head around the case instead of her.

“Only one would be interested in farmers and that is Acerbus Sino Dual Heart. This is by far most worrisome now that the only farmers left are in the Apple clan or know the Apple clan.” Detective Blaze replies staring up at the stain glass window of the Elements of Harmony,

“Knowing him and his ways, it is all an attempt to flush out any means of resistance.” she turns towards the Princesses with a look that screamed frustration.

“The sick bastard was supposed to be hung at the gallows before wanna-be activists protested the execution. Should have made the execution a private matter.” Dr. Note mutters darkly looking away from the files.

“All the more reason you must get to Ponyville before the actual festival to investigate on any leads. I don’t want the citizens of Ponyville instantly treat you like royalty seeing as how that might tip off the suspect. Do you personally have any reason for being there?” Princess Celestia asks calmly surprising me for a little while.

“Actually there is one reason…” Detective Blaze trails off with a smile growing on her beautiful face.

Mission and a Breakdown

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Detective Blaze had just requested the most confusing condition of all time for the investigation. She requested to help with the Lunar Solstice festival while she is investigating the missing people case. I was shocked that she had asked to help out with the festival but what really terrified me was the position she had asked for. She asked to be the Lunar Solstice organizer along with Princess Twilight Sparkle. The one job that was in the spotlight 24/7 and no way to sneak off and tend to other matters. She would be a sitting duck and there would nothing anyone can do about it. I just wish I knew why she would place herself in such a dangerous position.

“You worry too much about her, Captain. I’m pretty sure that she knows what she is doing.” I hear Soarin state bringing me out of my worrisome thoughts.

“She is throwing herself headfirst into a trap, Soar. Of course I would worry about the best detective in the business.” I reply sighing at the mere thought of my crush throwing herself into a trap.

A trap that could very well end her life, and I was shocked that Princess Celestia allowed it. She is allowing my beloved to place herself in the line of fire for the sake of finding a no good bastard. It is ultimately the dumbest and most frustrating case but I couldn’t say a word. I couldn’t intervene in her case, question her method, and most of all I can’t place the Princess's lives in danger. As much as I wanted to I could not prevent the decision made by her and Princess Luna with allowing my crush to go to Ponyville first. I glare at the train station that would soon be transporting the love of my life into the danger zone with nothing to defend herself. Banging my fist on the railing in hopes that the pain would wake me from this nightmare.

“She knows what she is doing Spits. You shouldn’t worry too much after all she will be staying at Sweet Apple Acres.” he quips hoping to ease my frustration.

“Like an apple orchard is the best hiding spot from a farm crazed psycho.” I sarcastically reply wanting to hunt down the bastard myself and kill him with my bare hands.

“Hey the orchard has the best spot because she will be keeping a close watch on the farmers. Doesn’t that sound better than living alone while this craziness is going on?” he gently argues making me smile a little.

I didn’t like the idea but he did have a good point. She will be in a crowded house protecting the potential victims and chances of her being outnumbered are slim. I still didn’t like the idea of her going there first and staying there for a week with Doctor Note. I just liked the fact she wouldn’t be alone and that the festival in a small town means that chances of an attack are slim. This creep won’t know what hit him.

Meanwhile on Train- No POV

Symphony was staring out the window lost in thought. This wasn’t the first missing farmer case but it was Equestria’s first missing persons case on this extreme. She was bracing herself to be the bearer of bad news for a few families for a lost loved one. Her only problem was the latest missing person case, Braeburn Apple from Appleloosa. She knew many detectives who had a family member become their case and she had hoped that she would not have the same burden. ‘He will pay for taking my cousin. Mark my words he will pay.’ she thought darkly glaring out the window. She would have continued glaring out the window had it not been for the gentle touch on her shoulder.

“Symphony, we will find him and bring him home safe and sound.” Doctor Note gently says noticing how it was affecting her.

“It was my job to keep him safe, Aura. My job as an Apple and I failed my family. I’m going to find him, that I vow on my name. I will murder the asshole for even kidnapping my kin in the first place.” Symphony replies turning away from the window, “I should have not let that bastard get Braeburn in the first place. I will have this bastard head delivered to the princesses when I get my hands on the asshole.” on the verge of losing her temper.

“Symphony Apple, remember the family creed.” Aura ordered glaring at Symphony.

“Don’t take a life unless there is literally no other option.” she monotones exasperated at Aura argument, “You know as well as I do that this psycho is a danger to everyone unless he is dead!” arguing with Aura and losing more control over her temper.

If there was anything Symphony was known for aside from her fame it was her vicious temper. Anyone who knew her personally knew that her temper was literally a killer. She had in her moments of extreme anger had killed those that brought her to that point. The only one who could even bring her close to that and not suffer massive injuries was Aura Note. She and Symphony have been friends for twenty years now. She was the only who knew of Symphony ties to the Apple clan and she knew exactly the reason for that. Looking at the file that had Braeburn picture on it she frowned knowing the hell Symphony was putting herself through. ‘Symphony is blaming herself for Braeburn’s disappearance and she isn’t the only one in the family who doing so.’ Aura thought as she stared into heartbroken ocean colored orbs of her dearest friend. She suddenly pulls Symphony into a tight embrace allowing her friend to sob on her shoulder.

“Shh, it is ok Symphony. We’ll find him in no time.” she comforted while Symphony cried in her arms.

Symphony kept sobbing in Aura’s arm losing control of her emotions and for once she felt like she wasn’t alone. She didn’t have to be a hero, or a no emotions detective whenever she was with Aura. The only thing is that she knew exactly what had made her feel this way and that was letting the Apple clan down. Her adoptive family had been the most important to her and knowing that one of her family members became a victim killed her. It destroyed her very soul and Aura knew how much this case meant to her.

“HE WILL PAY FOR TAKING MY KIN! HE WILL PAY!” Symphony sobbed in Aura’s arm her screams muffled in Aura’s shoulder.

“I know Symphony, but save some of the revenge cider for me will ya.” Aura quips comforting Symphony hoping to get her to laugh.

“Hehe I’ll be sure ya get some of the Apple’s finest revenge cider.” Symphony weakly chuckles wiping her tears away, “Thanks Aura.” looking up still rubbing her right eye.

“What are sisters for?” she asks with a gentle smirk on her face.

“Support and love. Thanks though, it is not like me to lose my cool.” she chuckles slowly regaining her bravado.

The duo then decided to spend the remaining time sleeping or at least they tried to. Right when they were about to enter the dream realm an announcement rings from the intercoms, “Next stop is Ponyville for those getting off please make you have your belongings with you at all times.”

“Well here goes nothing.” Symphony comments shrugging at her now grumpy partner.

“I know we aren’t related by blood but thank the princesses that I view you as a sister.” Aura glares making Symphony wince in fear.

Realizations

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A Week Later- Spitfire POV

I’m beginning to regret that I had even accepted to ride this train with the newest member on the Wonderbolts. Hurricane Heatflare is the most egotistical and annoying out of the entire team. In my opinion he shouldn’t even had made the team but our manager, if I can even call her that, insisted that he be placed on the team due to his skill. Yeah right, Rainbow Dash could fly circles around this dweeb and has proven herself to be a good teammate to Fleetfoot and Soarin. Speaking of Soarin and Fleetfoot I rather would be on the train with them teasing me about my interest in the detective than with this numbskull. Apparently he is in the midst of his rant about why Rainbow Dash, the most talented pilot, should date him much to my distaste. Honestly Rainbow can do way better than to date this punk. I had zoned out reading fan mail which is both helping shorten my workload as captain of the team and distracting me from thoughts of killing Hurricane. Yes, I had assigned the entire team to at least read their fan mail and gave myself the very same task. In the words of my mentor, “A great captain leads by example and does not assign the team to do what they themselves won’t do.” Lucky for me that Hurricane hadn’t noticed that I flat out was ignoring him when he begun to rant about some other nonsense that tempts me in killing him even more.

I was finally down to the last letter and he had started to rant about why girls should only chase him for the fifth time in a row. As if I would give a damn about his personal affairs, let alone be interested in hearing about them. Seriously the guy does not know how to shut his damn mouth. The letter I had just opened was addressed to me but had no return address which made me curious. What the envelope held surprised me to say the least. Inside the envelope was a bandanna (how it fit I don’t even know) and a letter that made my heart race.

‘Dear Spitfire,

I am writing to you with a nervous heart. I’m not even sure that you even remember me but we went to Cloudsdale Flight Academy together. I just wish I had the courage then to tell you what is written on this paper. I had always admire you for the courage, passion, and determination you had displayed at the academy. I wasn’t the strongest pilot or even the greatest at keeping tabs on a plane. You helped me graduate when the professors had given up on me and I never got the chance to thank you or introduce myself. So allow me to do so now, I’m Symphony A. (Please don’t ask what the A. stands for) but most anyone I meet call me Blaze. I don’t why but it sort of grew on me, so feel free to call me Blaze.

Thank you for the help that you had given me in the academy. I don’t think I can thank you enough but this is a start. I have chosen the path of a detective to help those who could not help themselves because you had inspired me. I crafted the bandanna you now hold as a form of reminder to you that you ARE great at what you do and that I will never forget what you have done for me. Never forget to help those who can’t help themselves, and most of all…

Never forget me.

I am not asking you to keep in touch with me, but please do keep me in your thoughts. For that alone is more than enough for me. Just think of me whenever you go out to protect Equestria from the evils outside. I’ll keep you in my thoughts to remind me of the headstrong, feisty, and beautiful girl that inspired me to be who I am today. I am not sure if I can truly call myself a fan of the Wonderbolts if you are the only reason I watch those airshows.

Someone from your past,

Symphony A. “Blaze”

-soon to be Detective’

Excuse me while I pick up my jaw from the floor and get my heart out of my throat. Detective Blaze is actually the girl I had a tremendous crush while I was in the academy. She is truly my lifelong crush and to even receive a gift from her was enough to make me squeal. Thankfully I kept myself in check while I examined the bandanna that came with the letter. It was sky blue with a yellow phoenix design, the team colors with my cutie mark on it, and I adore it. I immediately put it on with her on my mind and my heart aflame with desire. Sadly I could not savor those thoughts for long because the train had arrived to Ponyville, but I can attempt to woo Symphony instead. It is with that thought on my mind that I proudly grab my suitcase while Hurricane was grabbing his luggage and step off the train to see her standing there with the bearers of Harmony. She looked beautiful dressed in rugged country wear and her smirk had me blushing even redder than her letter had.

“Welcome to Ponyville, Captain Spitfire.” Symphony states with a voice that made my head swim.

“Good morning Detective Blaze, I see that you have settled already.” I reply trying and failing to maintain my composure.
“Indeed I have Captain Spitfire. Now allow me to help you with your bags.” She grins a roguish grin making me weak in my knees.

“Hey Spitfire, what’s up?” I hear Rainbow Dash say in her usual calm laid back manner getting me out of my schoolgirl daze.

Ever since the Equestria Games I started talking to Rainbow Dash more often and found myself enjoying her company. No I wasn’t in love with Rainbow, but I found myself seeing her more of a sister than a friend. She has shown me things that I should have known before I stepped up to be captain. I seriously still feel bad for lying to Soarin like that, and no matter how many times I try to make it up to him he simply tells that I don’t have too. I wish more guys were like Soarin even though his lack of accepting gifts is annoying. The guy is a total softie once you get to know him, and very overprotective of those he cares about. I look towards Rainbow and notice that she was standing pretty close to a very good looking blonde woman. Before I could respond to Rainbow and control my hormones as Symphony was gently grabbing my luggage I hear, “Hey cousin is this normal?” a young voice ask.

Symphony turns around and immediately runs over the young girl. She examines something that looks like a dagger and assuming the blonde is the little girl’s older sister both women look at each other nervous. Symphony takes a deep breath and asks, “Bloom where did you find this?”

“Ah found it when the gals and Ah were tryin’ to get our cutie marks in Treasure Huntin’. Pretty cool huh?” Bloom answers pridefully unaware of Symphony’s tense body language.

“Mind if I hang on to it for a while, Bloom? It could help me with my research.” Symphony nervously asks trying not to sound desperate.

“Sure, Ah reckon AJ wouldn’t let meh hang on to it anyhow.” Bloom nods much to Symphony’s relief.

“Darn tootin’ Ah wouldn’t letcha hang on to that AB!” the Blonde that I am now positive is called AJ comments while Rainbow stares at her with a longing stare.

“Thanks Bloom, now why don’tcha stand next to your sister while we get Captain Spitfire and Private Hurricane settled into Ponyville with the rest of the Wonderbolts.” Symphony suggests in a tone that warmed my heart and made me crave to hear it again.

After me and Hurricane had unpacked at Golden Oaks Library, Symphony had immediately begun to dive into her research of that mysterious item her younger cousin found while everyone else spent time going about the festival preparations. Hurricane was very quick to flirt with Rainbow and AJ was even quicker to get him to back off which was hilarious to watch. I hadn’t known watching my teammate get a well-deserved roundhouse kick to the face would be so damn funny. If I didn’t know any better I would say Applejack, which I had found out shortly after she kicked the shit out of Hurricane, has the hots for Dash and Dash has it bad for Applejack. Still I had to give the girl props for the roundhouse kick. Seriously that was the best roundhouse I had ever witnessed and the power was amazing to watch. Luckily before we reached the library Symphony had introduced the bearers of Harmony to both me and Hurricane. So names were no longer a mystery to us but Hurricane seemed more interested in Dash which annoyed everyone else. After a kick like that I thought he would learn but nope he is still flirting with Dash. I finally managed to catch up on my work thanks to Dash’s help which was surprising to say the least, and was now able to unwind. I was reading a book that I had gotten interested in a few moments ago and was halfway through it when...

“DAMN IT!” I hear before a loud BOOM shook the entire library.

“What in tartarus was that?” I asked out loud before rushing downstairs to see what shook the library.

I literally see a crater in the center of the lobby and a hole in the wall adjacent to it with legs hanging from it. Yet the explosion was not enough to knock the library down just shake the building a little and flood the first floor with dust. I wave my hand in front of my face to get rid of the dust and call out Symphony’s name. It took a while before I hear a muffled response. I still couldn’t hear the response as clearly as I wanted so I kept calling out while wandering around the lobby. For what felt like hours I hear, “I’m r-right...h-here…” Symphony groan out from the wall. I waste no time getting her out of the hole, which thankfully wasn’t deep, and checking her health. At this point her health is the only thing that matters to me and to see her bruised up like this was very upsetting.

“Captain Spitfire, I’m fine but I need to get back to my research.” she coughs trying to get back up on her feet.

“Are you out of your fucking mind?!” I shout angrily holding her down, “You need to rest and that is not a suggestion.” glaring at her when she started to resist my hold.

Symphony was in no condition to continue and yet here she was trying to get back to work. What is so damn important about that stupid dagger anyway? She needs rest and I remember Dr. Note saying before everyone else left that she needed to take a break at the very least. So there is no way in tartarus I am letting her jump back into her research until all her wounds are treated. Symphony should know that and damn it all tend to her heaven forsaken wounds.

“I have to figure what secrets that dagger holds. It might be a clue to the missing people case or who is threatening Princess Luna.” she growls struggling to get back up while I hold her down, “Damn it Spitfire let me go!” struggling even more.

“Not until you take a break from all of this. Damn it Symphony just relax for a while, please.” I plead with her staring into her beautiful ocean colored eyes, “If not for yourself then do it for Spitfire from Cloudsdale Flight Academy?” rubbing her face with my left hand.

“You...r-remember?” she stutters eyes going wide in shock breaking my heart just a little.

“I never could forget you even with the hectic schedule I have. Now come on why don’t we get you treated for those injuries?” I chuckle trying to conceal my affections for her.

Thankfully she agrees but only if she could examine the paperwork while I tended her wounds. I am extremely thankful that it was just me and her in the library otherwise this would have been all over the news. I don’t know if it is just me or not, but carrying her bridal style to the only bed in the library felt amazing if I wasn’t worried sick about her health. Bandaging her up was just the tip of the iceberg, because apparently she was dealing with another injury. I had noticed her slight limp earlier but I never thought she had a leg injury. She notices my hesitation and looks to see what is causing my hesitation.

“That one is from my first case starting out. My former partner turned his back on me and to make it long story short I got that as a result. Never bothered getting it looked at and much rather no one else found out.” She calmly comments never once meeting my gaze.

“How long?” I ask biting my lower lip to keep my anger in check. ‘The bastard is lucky I wasn’t aware of this when it happened.’ I thought darkly feeling my rage boil over.

“Ten years ago, Spitfire. It isn’t a big deal honest, and to be fair I shouldn’t have been so trusting in the past. Lesson learned and life moves on.” she sighs putting her paperwork aside to look at me, “I do appreciate your concern but it was something from long ago. So please don’t let your anger make you do something you will eventually regret. You have already met my former partner anyway and no I won’t tell you who he is.” gently tilting my head so that our eyes met.

“Symphony…” I whimper my concern getting the best of me.

“Hush, you weren’t there to do anything to help me. Trust me Fire, it is really nothing to stress over.” she cuts me off silencing me by placing a finger on my lips.

She is breathtakingly beautiful the way her ocean blues stare into my eyes filled with tenderness and care. Heck even the way she smirks whenever she says “Lassy” or “Laddy” is adorable beyond belief to me. I love her and can’t believe that I had forgotten her nickname.. I guess I was so caught up with the Bolts that I forgot my precious Symphony’s choices for a while. I don’t know how long we stayed like that and I don’t care if it meant I could be with my beloved Symphony like this. It might be too soon to call her mine but damn it all I love her! Yes even when I was lusting after Detective Blaze, not aware that the detective and her were the exact same person, it had always been Symphony that held my heart. This might finally be my chance to tell her I love her and I would be a sorry captain if I didn’t take it.

“Fire I just want you to know…” Symphony whispers stopping me from what I was going to say, “I went to every show you performed in and I gotta say I adore the Symphonix Blast trick you do at the end of every show.” finally removing her finger in a teasing way from my lips resuming paperwork a blush beginning to form on her freckled cheeks.

“Well I named it after a certain project we worked on in the academy for a reason.” I reply no longer bothering to hide the desire I held for her.

“It’s...one of the reasons…I like it so much.” she blushes trying really hard to stare at her paperwork.

She is just so adorable when she blushes and I just had to enjoy the moment even more. Yet how could I get her to blush that much seeing how she is already blushing a light pink? The only way I can think of achieving this is by being flirty. So with that in mind I threw caution out the proverbial window and said, “That project had been one of the best moments in the academy just because I got to spend time with the school’s very own detective.” before crawling so I could whisper, “Especially the time where she got clumsy and jumped into my arms wearing the baggiest mechanic uniform the school had. All while being drenched from fire alarm’s sprinklers too.”

The reaction I got from that was delicious in both sight and hearing. She squeaked and shuddered to the point where it looked like she was about jump off the bed and drop her paperwork. Oh sweet Goddesses she had the cutest reaction that tempted me to get even more out of her. Before I could even do anything else to prompt another reaction she tilts my head so our gazes met and says, “I enjoyed working that project because my work partner wore a skin tight jumpsuit giving me the best view of her delicious figure.” in the sexiest tone I have ever heard.

“H-holy L-luna…” I stutter shuddering in desire trying my hardest not to pounce her like I wanted to so badly.

She uses my lack of response to gently push me to the side providing her easy access to pin me. Instead of pinning me down, like I craved, she gets off the bed. Paperwork in her hand she walks to the door while I hopelessly stare at her rear. Goddesses why does she have to be so damn sexy? Before she leaves the room she turns to face me a smug smirk on her face, “Next time Captain don’t start something you can’t finish.” in a tone that made my desire grow even hotter.

It takes me a while to realize that she no longer was resting. I fall back on the bed with frustrated groan. I had the perfect chance to tell her and she leaves to do her work. Irony that I am beginning to hate her work ethic? Maybe. I do know one thing for sure, I am not going to make the same mistake years ago. She will know of my true feelings before this case is over. I stare out the window to see the sun start to set. The others should be back soon and sleeping arrangements will be discussed. In the meantime I will find a way to tell her and nothing is going to stop me.

“Mark my words Symphony, you will know how I truly feel about you.” I whisper to no one staring out the window.