Good Intentions

6
"AccUSING eYES"

Twilight spent the afternoon searching Ponyville, but she couldn't really ask any ponies about what had happened, since only her friends knew about her marvelous workings half underground. They were all shocked and horrified by tthe news.

Many hours after sending the note, Twilight got a response from the Princess. It wasn't a cheery response, though at least she wasn't angry:

Twilight Sparkle,

We can only hope whoever broke into the shack didn't know what they were stealing. Tomorrow morning I'll be sending a few guards there along with your brother to investigate and take formal notes with you on what happened. Although I trust her, get a sample of Applejack's mane and compare it to what was found. Please do not give up hope on finding out who did this.

Your teacher and mentor,
Princess Celestia

Twilight hadn't given up hope on finding out who did it, she was just too shocked to think somepony would do such an awful thing with no reason. This pony, whoever it was, had to know what the lab was about.

That evening Twilight and Applejack got together with all their friends for some ciders. Twilight made sure to sit by the farm pony and, once her cider was gone, she dropped her mug to the floor. Twilight faked hitting her head, hard, and Applejack... being the kind friend that she is, offered to get it for her.

"Sure." Twilight replied, faking a daze while rubbing her head. "Oh, my..."

As the farm pony passed the Unicorn detective her hat for a moment, Twilight took a few loose strands from the edge of the stetson. Applejack didn't have a clue as she got the glass. Twilight tucked them away in her saddle bag and hoped by night they wouldn't have gotten lost. It was her mission, even if it meant finding out her good friend had betrayed her... the thought made her sick.

Once Applejack had retrieved the mug and passed it back, Twilight continued looking down at her... causing the farm pony to blush.

"What is it, Twilight?"

"I'm sorry, AJ... I don't mean to stare."

"Is it my mane?"

Twilight nodded as Apple Jack took her hat back and laughed.

"Just thought Ah'd try a new look... got it early this morning. Think Ah look a bit too much like a stallion for my own liking, though. As they say, hair grows."

Twilight put a hoof to her mouth... but was failing to hold it in.

"It's alright, Twilight," said Apple Jack, chuckling. "Let it out... come on, let it out."

Both mares laughed into the night air.

Later that night in the lab Twilight alone studied both sets of hairs under the microscope... the long and the short. They were identical.

* * *

The next morning Shining Armor and two of his guards showed up at the Library. The mare hugged her brother tightly, who sympathetically patted her back... once they were done she took them to the shack and they took a good look at it:

"You're telling me somepony knew to break into this rundown shack?" Shining Armor asked. "Twily, I don't know if a Timberwolf would have any interest in it. Whoever it was knew something good would be found in here."

"That's what I was afraid of," replied Twilight Sparkle, thinking about Applejack.

Shining Armor and his guards stepped inside. They examined the place, top to bottom, and spent about twenty minutes asking Twilight the same questions over, and over...

"I'm sorry, Twily," said Shining Armor, with a brotherly smile. "I know it's annoying, but we have to make sure we know exactly what you're telling us and its consistent."

"You also have to rule me out as a suspect," Twilight replied, narrowing her eyes.

Shining clearly grew nervous:

"Well, yeah... but I don't think that."

Twilight took a deep breath:

"I know that, but-"

"Look, Twily... we might as well just go. We've got your statement on parchment and I don't think you had anything to do with this."

"Do you have any theories?"

"Yes."

Both ponies were silent as the guards packed up.

"Won't you tell me what they are?"

"Persistent! Aren't ya, little sis?" Shining replied, giving her a noogie. "Normally, I'm not supposed to, since it's on Royal Grounds... but you built it and you're my sister. I don't have enough evidence to support this yet..."

"Yes?"

"I think Applejack did it, Twiliy. I just don't know why she would do such a thing to you..."

Twilight's eyes grew tiny:

"I was afraid you'd say that..."

Again, he hugged her lovingly before putting on his helmet.

"We should go... please come up to Canterlot sometime. Cadence and I would love to have you visit for a few days."

"Okay."

Shining Armor's guards had already left... but Shining had yet to even turn around.

"Twily?"

"Yeah?"

"We'll find out who did this... and if it was Applejack, we'll go easy on her. Promise."

"You have to do what you have to do, Shining. I won't hold it against you."

The stallion sighed deeply.

"You're right. I love you, sis."

"Love you, too, big brother... best friend forever."

Shining smiled.

Using his magic, he then opened the door... and left with his guards. Twilight was alone with her thoughts.

She could now think of a perfect motivation for Applejack to destroy her lab... Applejack felt threatened. It made perfect sense, but she didn't want to tell her brother. What if she was wrong? Applejack would have to PROVE that she was innocent if those words escaped her lips.

Twilight sat there for a while, alone... thinking about what to do. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

Twilight opened it wide. Standing there was Applejack, smiling, but looking sad. She was wearing a saddlebag.

"What is it?"

The orange pony smiled well, but for once... the cat had her tongue.

"AJ, what is it?"

"Twilight," Apple Jack said, slowly. "Can I come in?"

"Sure," Twilight stepped aside. "What's going on?"

"You're not going to believe what the Cutie Mark Crusader Treasure Hunters dug up."