The Butterfly Bandit

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3

Chapter 1

Luna’s moon hung high in the sky, its light shining through the windows of Cloudsdale’s Cloudiseum. Silently, unseen against the night sky, a strange pony slipped in, her appearance resembling a large, blue butterfly.

“Is everything secure?” a voice from down the hall asked.

The intruder silently flew up and clung to the ceiling, quietly crawling to eavesdrop on the conversation.

“Spitfire herself locked the safe, sir,” a guard reported.

“Good,” the other guard said. He seemed to be this one’s superior. “Are you up for a patrolling the area tonight? Keep the doors locked, and make sure nopony enters the safe room.”

“All by myself, sir?” the guard asked.

“Relax, rookie. There are other patrols outside in case you need help. I doubt anypony would dare to rob the Wonderbolts, anyway.”

The butterfly above couldn’t help but smile at hearing that, as she repositioned herself to be out of the light. She reached back and pulled her tail up between her legs as she hung upside down from the ceiling.

Clamping the end in her mouth to keep it from slipping into view, the intruder quietly watched as the guard began his rounds, looking around anxiously as he began trotting down the hall leading around the Cloudiseum.

One, two, three… The intruder counted off in her head, timing how long a single rotation would take.

The guard trotted back into view. Though he was still looking around anxiously, he seemed to be relaxing. Five minutes. One, two, three… Seeing his relaxed state, the intruder felt the need to count again.

In another few minutes, the guard returned to view. The intruder began shuffling as quietly as she could after him. Only three minutes that time… Not as much time as I’d hope…

The guard seemed to have calmed his nerves by focusing his full attention on the hallways and one room in particular. Stopping in front of this room, the guard glanced through the window on the door, before trotting on down the hall.

After making sure the coast was clear, the butterfly gently fluttered down to look into the room herself. She saw the Cloudiseum Director’s office complete with a very conspicuous painting of the Wonderbolts hanging on a wall that wasn’t made of cloud.

Not many parts of this place is made of non-cloud material, the intruder thought. Certainly nothing unimportant would get the honor. Quickly looking around again, she let go of her tail, and pulled out two small pins from her jumpsuit. Holding them in her mouth, she manipulated them in the door’s lock with her tongue, until she heard a soft click.

She placed the pins back in her jumpsuit, grabbed her tail again, and flew back up to cling to the ceiling in the shadows, waiting for the guard to pass again.

The guard trotted past again, and the intruder smiled to herself again upon seeing the guard merely look through the window again, and not check the lock. Once he was satisfied the room was unoccupied, the guard trotted down the hall.

The intruder dropped down again, spreading her wings to silently glide down to the door. She opened it and quietly snuck inside. Counting in her head the three minutes she had, she carefully lowered the painting down from the wall, revealing a locked safe.

She opened another pouch on the underside of her jumpsuit, taking out a small bottle of bugs. She opened it, and placed it near the edge of the lock, where a small crack to the inner gears were.

“You know what to do, my friends,” she whispered, as the insects crawled out of the bottle and into the lock. She watched as the rotary seemingly turned itself, before clicking open.

“Thank you all,” she smiled, gathering her tiny accomplices back into the bottle before stowing it away into her jumpsuit as she opened the safe.

Stacked to the brim, the safe was stuffed with an assortment of bits and gems. She licked her lips with an almost hunger for them as she spread her wings, and swept the contents away into a bag.

As she turned to leave, pulling her calling card out to leave behind, she spotted a roll of tickets on the desk for that weekend’s Wonderbolts performance. Her eyes lit up behind her mask upon seeing what was, in her mind, potentially an even greater prize than the safe.

The guard soon returned, peering into the room, and smiling upon seeing nothing has been disturbed. As he turned to continue onwards, however, something on the desk caught his eye. Sitting on the desk was something he didn’t recognize.

Pulling out a key, he undid the lock and trotted into the room to examine a strange card. Had he been clever enough to make sure the room was clear first, he would have noticed the pony sized ‘butterfly’ clinging to the ceiling above the door.

I love working with rookies, the thief smiled, slipping silently out the door and, upon seeing no guards flying outside, soared out the window across the hall, dropping down to fly unseen beneath the pegasus city.

The guard, meanwhile, inadvertently aided in her escape by calling all guards away from the thief’s escape route and to the Director’s office, incoherently blabbering in the midst of a freak out over the butterfly adorned business card he found on the desk.

“Terribly sorry, but I’m afraid I couldn’t resist. My apologies for stealing the contents of your safe. Yours Truly, The Butterfly Bandit”

The sun had barely risen, and already the Cloudiseum was filled with the Royal Guards and Cloudsdale Police as they searched for clues. Spitfire herself was in the Director’s Office, being debriefed on the theft.

“And how could somepony have snuck in and pulled off this theft?” Spitfire asked, glaring at the guard.

“I-I’m sorry,” he stuttered. “I don’t know how this pony slipped by me.”

“It’s not just your fault,” said Spitfire, rounding on the other guards. “You were on patrol outside, were you not? How could you miss somepony breaking in and out with a bag of bits!?”

“Calm yourself, Spitfire,” a Royal Guard cautioned.

“But, Inspector,” Spitfire began.

“I don’t want to hear it,” he said. “This is your fault for hiring such a shoddy security team instead of using the Royal Guard.”

“Ah, you must be the great Inspector Storm Chaser?” a voice asked.

Everypony in the room turned, to see two ponies standing in the doorway. One was a green unicorn mare, with dark green eyes and a yellow green mane and tail. Her Cutie Mark was a magnifying glass. Atop her head was a deerstalker cap. She wore a monocle over her left eye. The other was a yellow pegasus with light blue eyes, and a white mane and tail. Her Cutie Mark was obscured by the saddle bags she wore.

Immediately, the guards in the room took defensive poses, as the Inspector stepped towards the new arrivals.

“Who the hay are you two, and what are you doing at my crime scene?”

“Your crime scene?” repeated the unicorn, her eyes wide. “Inspector Storm Chaser, I… I can’t believe it! How could you be the thief!?”

“What!?” Storm Chaser gasped. “What are you talking about?”

“You robbed the safe?” Spitfire asked.

“No, I didn’t!” Storm Chaser spat.

“I believe the Inspector was referring to it as his crime scene as in the place he’s investigating,” the yellow pegasus said.

“Ah, yes, that would make much more sense,” nodded the unicorn. “Brilliant deduction!”

“Who exactly are you two?” asked Spitfire.

“Most likely the criminals,” Storm Chaser muttered.

“Now, now, Inspector Storm Chaser,” said the unicorn. “Please don’t hold my error against me. Not when there’s a culprit to catch!”

“Can someone just answer me!?” Spitfire snapped. “Who are you two?”

“Terribly sorry, Madam Spitfire,” the unicorn said. “I am Detective Emerald Loupe, Private Investigator. And this fine pegasus beside me is my apprentice, Voltage Scholar.”

“Aren’t we in Cloudsdale?” Storm Chaser asked.

“We are indeed, Inspector Storm Chaser,” nodded Emerald.

“You’re a unicorn,” Storm Chaser said, after glancing down at the cloud floor beneath their hooves.

“Brilliant deduction, good sir,” said Emerald, her voice full of sincerity.

“No wonder you were promoted to Inspector,” said Voltage, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Storm Chaser narrowed his eyes at the two, as they trotted into the room. “Hm. Any clues aside from the card on the table?”

“None that we can report,” said one of the guards. “There appears to be no forensic evidence left behind.

“Interesting,” said Emerald. “A sure sign of the Butterfly Bandit.”

“Who is the Butterfly Bandit?” asked Spitfire.

“A crafty thief that I’ve been chasing for ten years,” Emerald replied.

“Not that good of a detective then, are you?” Storm Chaser smirked.

Voltage gritted her teeth. “Boss, did you hear what he just said?”

“I heard him,” said Emerald, looking down. “It’s understandable. After mistaking a beacon of justice like a Royal Guard for a thief, I clearly am unworthy of my title.”

“Don’t say that,” said Voltage, patting her mentor on the back. She looked over at Spitfire. “What exactly did the criminal take?”

“Every single bit and gem in the vault,” said Spitfire. “At last count, there was a total of twenty thousand bits in there.”

“Quite a large sum to be stored in a temporary office,” commented Emerald, her mood suddenly lifted. She peered into the safe, before looking at the card on the table. “You’ve left the evidence where it was, correct, Inspector Storm Chaser?”

“Yeah,” he said. “I’m not dumb.”

“Then why didn’t you report what else the thief snatched away from Madam Spitfire?”

“This Butterfly Bandit took something else?” Spitfire asked.

“Indeed,” mumbled Emerald, her horn glowing as she magical levitated things on the table to look around. “I see, yes… Voltage Scholar, count the tickets, please. Madam Spitfire, how many ponies can fit in the Cloudiseum?”

“It seats a thousand,” Spitfire said. “Why?”

“If you don’t mind me asking,” said Emerald, “how many tickets have been sold so far?”

“Two hundred,” said Spitfire.

“And, as popular as the Wonderbolts are, I’m guessing you have a roll of a thousand tickets here to sell for this weekend’s show?” Emerald asked.

“Yes,” Spitfire said. “Are you saying…?”

Emerald nodded. “Indeed. Best to double check, though. Voltage Scholar, how many is one thousand minus two hundred?”

“Eight hundred,” Voltage said.

“And how many tickets do you count on this role?”

“Seven hundred and ninety eight,” replied Voltage. “The Butterfly Bandit stole two tickets to the Wonderbolts show.”

“The Bandit did what!?” Spitfire snapped. “Was twenty thousand bits not enough, she had to get free tickets as well!?”

“Well, what do you expect from a thief,” Storm muttered. “How did you know, though, Detective? Are you in on it?”

“Of course not!” Emerald gasped. “I live for justice, after all! It’s the Butterfly Bandit’s modus operandi. She always leaves her calling card in place of what she stole. So, why not leave the card in the safe? Why put it on the table. Deductive reasoning would conclude she took something off the table, in this case the two tickets.”

“Hmph,” Storm snorted, before turning towards Spitfire. “Do you have a record of all ponies that bought tickets to the show?”

“Unfortunately, no,” said Spitfire. “I didn’t sell them myself, and even if I did, I don’t think I could remember two hundred different faces.”

“And of course, some may have bought the tickets as a gift,” said Emerald.

“Do you seriously expect a thief to give the tickets away?” Storm laughed.

“Well, she did take two of them,” Voltage muttered.

“Happy Birthday, Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy smiled, passing her an envelope. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were joined in the library by Pinkie, Twilight, Applejack, Rarity and Spike. Pinkie had the place decorated with streamers and balloons

“Another one of your homemade birthday cards?” Pinkie asked. “I always like those.”

Rainbow tore the envelope it, and two slips of paper fell out. “Fluttershy? Are these what I think they are?”

“Oh my,” said Rarity. “Fluttershy, however did you afford-”

“Two tickets to this weekend’s Wonderbolts show!” Rainbow interrupted, happily taking flight. “Thank you so much, Fluttershy!” She swooped down, pulling the sky pegasus into a tight hug.

“I-It was nothing,” Fluttershy stuttered. “D-Dashie… I can’t breathe…”

“Sorry,” said Rainbow, letting her go. “This is just so awesome!”

“That must've cost ya a wing an' a leg,” said Applejack.

“I was thinking of getting a ticket for Rainbow, too,” said Spike. “But they’re like 100 bits a piece or something.”

“Really?” Rainbow asked in surprise. “Fluttershy, you didn’t have to spend 200 bits on me. Don’t I still owe you money, myself?”

“You don’t need to pay me back,” said Fluttershy. “Besides, I was happy to get those for you.”

“But-” Rainbow began.

“Oh, just accept her gift, Rainbow,” said Twilight. “She went through all the trouble, after all.”

“Alright,” said Rainbow, gazing sternly at Fluttershy. “But this second ticket is yours, okay? I won’t feel right otherwise.”

“Are you sure?” Fluttershy asked, as Rainbow shoved one of the tickets back at her. “What about Twilight? She might want to go, too.”

“I’d love to,” said Twilight, “but I have a lot of royal duties to handle this weekend. I had no idea the crime rate in Equestria was so high until I actually got all the paper work about it.”

“Well, if you’re sure,” said Fluttershy, “then, I’d love to go with you, Rainbow.” Yes, yes, yes! This could be your big chance, Fluttershy! A weekend outing alone with Rainbow!

“Had no idea you’d be this happy, Flutters,” said Rainbow.

“Huh?” Fluttershy asked, snapping out of her thoughts. “Did I say what I was thinking out loud?”

“No, you just sort of giggled to yourself,” said Spike.

“Why?” Applejack asked. “What were ya thinkin' about?”

“N-nothing,” Fluttershy mumbled, ducking behind her mane.

“Well now that that’s sorted out,” said Pinkie, “let’s get on to the cake!”

“Yes!” Fluttershy quickly agreed. “Cake sounds great!”

Rainbow tilted her head in confusion, staring at Fluttershy. Deciding she’d ask her later, Rainbow shrugged it off and followed her and Pinkie over to the snack table.

Pinkie happily lifted the knife in her mouth, when a knock on the door interrupted them.

“Who could that be?” Twilight asked.

“Police,” a voice replied from outside. “Open up.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened and her pulse quickened. “P-police…?”

“What could they want?” Twilight asked, confusion across her face. Not noticing Fluttershy’s sudden hyperventilation, Twilight crossed the room to open the door.

Standing on the other side of the door was a grumpy looking white pegasus, decked out in armor that Twilight recognized as belonging to an elite Royal Guard. Twilight stepped back in surprise from his glare, feeling her voice get caught in her throat. “C-can I…?”

Without a word, the pegasus butted his way into the library. Following behind was an oddly dressed green unicorn and a yellow pegasus, ladened with saddle bags.

“Inspector Storm Chaser, that was surprisingly rude,” said the unicorn. “If I were you, I would apologize for crashing what appears to be some form of celebration.”

“It’s a birthday party!” smiled Pinkie.

“It’s also the day of a rather serious theft,” said Storm. “So, forgive me if I show no tact.”

“That’s not very nice of you, Inspector Storm Chaser,” said the unicorn.

“Would you stop calling me by my full name and title!?” Storm snapped.

“Speaking of which,” said the yellow pegasus, “I’m certain the Princess and her friends would like to know our names, boss.”

“Of course!” the unicorn gasped, bowing to the six ponies. “Forgive me for my rudeness, noble ponies. And after I chastised Inspector Storm Chaser for his rude behavior, too!”

“Uh…” said Twilight. “It’s okay…?”

“Yeah, cheer up, miss!” said Pinkie.

“Quite right!” said the unicorn, hopping back up, a big smile suddenly on her face. “It wouldn’t be right to be sad at a party, would it? I am Detective Emerald Loupe, Private Investigator. And this fine pegasus beside me is my apprentice, Voltage Scholar.”

“How do you do,” said Voltage.

“Well, what brings a detective and Royal Guard Inspector here?” Rarity asked.

“I don’t recall inviting you to my birthday,” Rainbow muttered.

“We’re investigating a theft,” said Emerald. “Have any of you heard of a thief know as The But-”

“Hey!” Storm interrupted. “You can’t just talk about the case in front of anypony! We’re only here to report it to the Princess!”

“It’s fine, Inspector Storm Chaser,” said Twilight. “If it's important, I’d just tell them myself, anyway.”

“Besides,” said Applejack, “given that the six of us have saved Equestria before, I’d say we earned it.”

“National heroes do have a bit more pull than you, Inspector Storm Chaser,” said Voltage.

Storm sat down, burying his face in his hooves. “Ugh… Whatever. Tell them.”

“Where was I?” Emerald asked. “Oh, yes. –terfly Bandit?”

“I haven’t,” said Pinkie. She was the only one that seemed to understand what Emerald said, however.

“…Come again?” Rarity asked.

“Did you just start in the middle of a word?” Spike asked.

“Perhaps you could start at the beginning?” Voltage suggested.

“Very well,” said Emerald, clearing her throat. “Let's see, you barged in and then I said: "Inspector Storm Chaser, that was surprisingly rude." Then-”

“Not that far back!” Storm snapped.

“You have a very short temper, sir,” Voltage muttered.

“Have any of you heard of The Butterfly Bandit before?” Storm asked, ignoring Voltage’s comment.

“Can’t say I have,” said Applejack.

“I think I might have heard something about her,” said Twilight.

“The Butterfly Bandit!?” Rarity gasped.

“You have?” Twilight asked, surprised.

“You haven’t?” Rainbow asked.

“Rainbow Dash, you’ve heard of the Bandit, too?” Rarity asked.

“Her first crime was in Cloudsdale, after all,” said Rainbow. “It happened just before Fluttershy and I moved to Ponyville.”

“Hm?” Emerald hummed, glancing over at Fluttershy.

Fluttershy shrank back from Emerald’s gaze. Rainbow stepped between them, staring Emerald in the eye. “What is it?”

“Nothing,” said Emerald. “I just realized I never got any of your names.”

Rainbow narrowed her eyes suspiciously, before stepping to the side so Emerald could see Fluttershy.

“I-I’m Fluttershy,” Fluttershy stuttered.

“I’m Rainbow Dash. And that’s Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Spike, and T-”

“We all know who Princess Twilight is,” Storm interrupted. “Just cut the pointless chatter and talk about the damn Bandit.”

“Quite right,” said Emerald. “Madam Rarity, you said you’ve heard of the Butterfly Bandit?”

“Madam?” Rarity repeated. “What do you mean by ‘Madam’?”

Applejack rolled her eyes, and nudged Rarity in the side.

“Ahh!” Rarity gasped. “Never mind. Um, yes, I read it in the papers. Something about a jewelry store in Canterlot being robbed, I think? They gave a picture and it looked like a butterfly, but it was kind of blurry.”

“Ah, yes,” said Emerald, looking up at the ceiling. “I remember the Canterlot Jeweler Heist…” Emerald trailed off, and continued staring at the ceiling, a faraway look in her eyes.

“She’ll be like that for awhile,” said Voltage. “But, yes, that case was the only time we got any unintentional evidence from the Butterfly Bandit.”

“Unintentional evidence?” Spike asked.

“The photo,” said Voltage. “It’s the only photo of the Bandit that exists.”

“But what do you mean by unintentional evidence?” Twilight asked.

“Apparently The Butterfly Bandit always leaves a calling card,” said Storm. “We can’t show you what it looks like, though. Not even you, Princess.”

“I understand,” said Twilight.

“So, I’m guessing the Bandit made another robbery?” Pinkie asked. “Or did you just want a piece of cake?”

“Yes, there’s been a theft,” said Voltage. “Cloudsdale Cloudiseum is currently playing host to the Wonderbolts for a show they’re putting on this weekend.”

“Last night,” said Storm, “the Butterfly Bandit broke into the Director’s office and made off with twenty thousand bits.”

“What!?” Rainbow gasped. “This thief stole from the Wonderbolts!?”

“It’s particularly surprising since the Bandit has been inactive for the past three years,” said Voltage.

“No wonder I haven’t heard about these thefts,” said Twilight.

“I-is the Wonderbolt show still going to happen?” Fluttershy asked.

“Probably not,” said Spike. “Sorry, Rainbow.”

“No need to apologize to her,” said Voltage. “The show will proceed as planned.”

“Really?” Rainbow asked, excited.

“Even after the theft?” Rarity asked.

“Yes,” said Storm. “No more questions. Let’s go, Detective.”

“Huh?” said Emerald, snapping out of her thoughts. “Oh, yes. Good evening to you, Princess Twilight Sparkle, Madam Rarity, Madam Rainbow Dash, Madam-”

“Can it and let’s get moving!” Storm interrupted, spreading his wings and pushing the two detectives out the door.

“Good night to all of you!” Emerald quickly shouted, before Storm slammed the door behind them.

“Well then,” said Spike. “That was… odd.”

“Sorry about that, everypony,” said Twilight. "Royal Guard Inspectors sometimes come debrief me about big crimes like that now."

“It’s no big deal,” said Pinkie.

“Hope they catch that thief,” said Rainbow. “Stealing from the Wonderbolts. How low can you go? Am I right, Fluttershy?”

“Huh?” Fluttershy asked. She looked down sadly. “Oh, yes. Very low…”

“Aw, don’t be sad, Flutters!” Pinkie smiled. “Have some cake!”

“Thank you, Pinkie,” Fluttershy mumbled, as Pinkie shoved a slice of cake at her.

Rainbow stared after Fluttershy as the shy pegasus trotted across the room to sit and eat in the corner. What’s wrong with Fluttershy today? she thought, her mind working overtime in an attempt to figure her friend out.

“Rainbow?” Pinkie asked, snapping Dash out of her thoughts.

“Huh?” Rainbow asked.

“Aren’t you going to eat some cake?” Pinkie asked.

“Oh, uh, yeah,” said Rainbow, forcing a smile, and grabbing the slice of cake Pinkie was offering. “Thanks, Pinkie.”

“That was a complete waste of time,” Storm complained, sitting in his office. “Why’d you make me tell them? Wasn’t forcing yourselves into the joint investigation enough?”

“I thought it would be a courteous thing to do,” said Emerald. She and Voltage Scholar were sitting across from Storm.

“Well, be nice on your own time,” muttered Storm. “I have a job to do.”

“As do we,” said Voltage. “Doesn’t mean we should shelve kindness, does it?”

“Besides,” said Emerald, “I’d say it was enlightening.”

“What the hay are you talking about?” Storm asked. “You spent most of the time staring at the ceiling.”

“…I suppose you’re right, Inspector Storm Chaser,” Emerald said. “It’s probably nothing.” But if that pony shows up this weekend, then it may be something worth looking in to.

“Stop calling me by my full name already!” Storm snapped.

Fluttershy was lying in her bed, staring up at her ceiling. Angel Bunny was sitting on the pillow next to her, gazing at her with concern.

“Angel, what do I do?” Fluttershy asked. “Rainbow Dash seemed so angry at the Butterfly Bandit for robbing the Wonderbolts.”

Angel made some noises, seemingly asking a question.

“Oh, she loved the tickets I gave her,” said Fluttershy, a smile on her face. “She seemed so happy!”

Angel made some more sounds, before curling up next to Fluttershy to sleep.

“You’re right, Angel,” Fluttershy smiled. “She was probably just overreacting. It’s not like I hurt the Wonderbolts or anything. Besides, as long as she’s happy with me, who cares what she thinks of the Bandit?”

The only sound Angel made in return was a soft snore as he slept. Taking the hint, Fluttershy curled up under the blankets and fell asleep as well.

Chapter 2

“Oh, I’m so excited!” said Rainbow. She and Fluttershy were standing in line at the Cloudiseum, waiting to be let in for the Wonderbolts show. Or, rather, Fluttershy was standing. Rainbow Dash was happily hovering next to her, trying to see over the long line of pegasi.

“I’m just glad you’re happy,” Fluttershy smiled.

“Thanks again, Fluttershy,” Rainbow smiled back, pulling her into a quick hug. “I really owe you.”

“You don’t owe me anything,” Fluttershy smiled, returning the hug. “Being with you is enough.”

Rainbow opened her mouth to say something, when a voice interrupted. “Ah, Madam Rainbow Dash! Madam Fluttershy! What brings you two to Cloudsdale?”

“Eep!” Fluttershy gasped, letting go of Rainbow in surprise.

“I believe you surprised them,” said Voltage, as she and Emerald trotted up.

“Aren’t you those detectives that crashed my party?” Rainbow asked.

“Indeed!” Emerald smiled. “I am glad you remember us.”

“I’d prefer if they remembered us in a more flattering light,” muttered Voltage.

“Well, you’re better than that Inspector, at least,” said Rainbow, landing back in line next to Fluttershy.

“Pond scum is better than him,” said Voltage. Her eyes widened. “I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

“So I can surmise you two are here to see the Wonderbolts performance, yes?” Emerald asked.

“Yeah!” said Rainbow. “Fluttershy here gave me two tickets for my birthday, so here we are!”

“A-are you two here to see the show, too?” Fluttershy asked.

“Alas, no,” said Emerald. “We’re here on business.”

“DETECTIVE!” a voice screamed from the front of the line. “QUIT WASTING TIME AND GET OVER HERE!”

“I’d recognize those angered screams anywhere!” smiled Emerald.

“Inspector Storm Chaser,” Voltage sighed. “Enjoy the show, you two.”

The two of them trotted off, Voltage sagging under the saddle bags in depression, Emerald with a smile and her head held high.

“I’d hate to be them,” said Rainbow. “Stuck working with Storm Chaser instead of seeing the performance.”

“Y-yeah,” Fluttershy stuttered. Why are they still here!? They can’t suspect the Bandit is here, can they!?

“Fluttershy?” Rainbow asked, giving her a concerned look. “Are you okay? You’ve been acting kind of weird lately.”

“Oh, I-I’m fine!” Fluttershy replied, forcing a smile. “Oh, look, the line’s moving!”

“Finally!” Rainbow smiled, trotting forward with Fluttershy. Her smile slipped as she kept glancing over to her shy friend.

Storm Chaser, Emerald Loupe, and Voltage Scholar were watching the crowds as they entered, looking carefully at each pony that handed in their ticket.

“One thousand suspects,” muttered Storm. “This is going to be hell.”

“There’s only one thousand suspects if you don’t know anything,” muttered Voltage.

“What did you say!?” Storm snapped, glaring at the pegasus.

“Tell him, boss,” said Voltage.

“The Butterfly Bandit is a pegasus mare, who has been in action for ten years,” said Emerald. “Therefore, all colts, stallions, fillies, and mares under the age of… let’s say, twenty are exempt from this. I doubt a mere filly could pull off robberies of this magnitude, at least.”

“Okay, so that leaves us with how many suspects?” Storm asked.

“Only two hundred and seventy two, based on that criteria,” said Voltage. “But you have to remember that Bandit stole two tickets.”

“So she’ll likely be here with a companion,” said Emerald.

“…You know what, you two handle this,” said Storm. “This elimination nonsense is giving me a headache.”

“We’ll debrief you later, Inspector Storm Chaser,” said Emerald, not even looking as the stallion stormed off.

“How unprofessional,” said Voltage.

“Ignore him, Voltage Scholar,” said Emerald. “We have more pressing matters to attend to. If we mess up this chance, the Bandit may never be brought to justice.”

“R-right,” Voltage stuttered, before looking back at the crowd.

Fluttershy was sitting nervously in her seat, glancing around at the crowd of ponies filling the Cloudiseum.

“Hey,” said Rainbow, tapping her on the back.

“Eep!” Fluttershy gasped, leaping into the air.

“Whoa, calm down, Fluttershy,” said Rainbow, pulling her back to the cloud as she sat down. “It’s just me.”

“R-Rainbow,” Fluttershy stuttered. She looked down, her cheeks reddening. “Y-you startled me…”

“Sorry,” said Rainbow, before picking up a paper food tray. “I bought us some nachos in case you get hungry.”

“Huh?” Fluttershy asked, looking up. “Oh, you didn’t have to, I brought more than enough to buy us both food.”

“After you spent all those bits on the tickets?” Rainbow asked, a smile on her face. “Flutters, I appreciate how much you want to do for me, but at least let me buy you a snack to pay you back.”

“I keep saying you don’t owe me anything,” said Fluttershy. “It was a gift, and…”

“I don’t care if I owe you or not,” said Rainbow, a stern look on her face. “I wanted to buy you a snack, so I did. Now, there’s a lot, so please don’t make me eat all of them on my own, or I won’t be able to fly home.”

“O-okay,” Fluttershy stuttered, grabbing a chip, her face blushing an even deeper shade of red. “T-thank you, Rainbow…”

“No problem,” said Rainbow. “They’re just nachos.”

“I know,” said Fluttershy, “it’s just nice that-”

“Fillies and gentlecolts, the Wonderbolts performance is about to begin!” an announcement rang out, interrupting Fluttershy.

“Ahh!” Rainbow squealed, her joy drowned out by the cheers of the rest of the stadium.

Spitfire flew out first, leading six other Wonderbolts out into their opening formation. Rainbow stared up, eyes wide, and a huge smile on her face. Fluttershy smiled too, though her eyes weren’t looking at the Wonderbolts.

“That was awesome!” Rainbow smiled, as she and Fluttershy trotted out with the crowd. The sun was beginning to set by the time the show ended. “What did you think, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy was staring at Rainbow Dash as they trotted through Cloudsdale, a small smile on her face.

“Fluttershy?” Rainbow asked. “Are you okay?”

“Huh?” said Fluttershy. “I’m sorry, did you say something?”

“Daydreaming, Fluttershy?” Rainbow asked.

“Um, yes,” said Fluttershy. “Sorry.”

“It’s no big deal,” said Rainbow. At least, I don’t think it is… Rainbow frowned. “Uh, Fluttershy? Are you-” Rainbow stopped midsentence as she saw a small statue that looked exactly like- “Is that the Sapphire Statue from Daring Do!?”

“Huh?” said Fluttershy, turning to look into the shop window with Rainbow. “I… I think so.”

Rainbow smiled, quickly ushering Fluttershy into the shop. Rainbow’s jaw dropped, as she saw the store was filled with different pieces of Daring Do replicas.

“What is this place?”

“Welcome!” the shopkeeper greeted them. She was a red pegasus with a blue mane, and was dressed up in clothes made to look like Daring Do’s iconic outfit. “I take it you two are Daring Do fans, too?”

“Totally!” said Rainbow.

“Hey, you sort of look like that pony on the cover of the newest book,” said the shopkeeper.

“Does that mean she can get a discount?” Fluttershy asked, her eyes wide as she examined the price tag.

“They are a bit pricy, aren’t they?” the pony asked. “They’re one of a kind replicas of the most recognizable artifacts from the series. I’d love to give a discount, but I need to make a living in this shop, you know?”

“It’s fine,” said Rainbow, glancing sadly at the Sapphire Statue. “Let’s go, Fluttershy. Everything here’s too pricy for us.”

“O-okay,” Fluttershy stuttered, sadly trotting out of the shop after Rainbow.

“Sorry I couldn’t help you!” the shopkeeper called after them.

By the time the two pegasi made it back to Ponyville, the moon had risen. Exhausted from the day’s excitement, Rainbow quickly parted ways with Fluttershy, heading to her cloud home. Without even making herself dinner, Rainbow dove into her bed, and snuggled up under the blankets.

“G’night, Tank,” she said to her pet tortoise.

She lay back against the pillow, and closed her eyes, letting out a sigh as she tried to fall asleep. Barely ten seconds later, Rainbow began tossing and turning, slamming her head angrily against the pillow as she tried to get comfortable.

“Agh!” Rainbow snapped, tossing the blankets off, and staring up at the ceiling. “Why can’t I get to sleep!?”

Tank poked his head out of his shell, and turned to look at the nightstand next to Rainbow’s bed.

“Hm?” Dash glanced at Tank and turned to follow his eyesight to what sat on top of the stand; a photo of her and Fluttershy from back at flight camp shortly after they earned their Cutie Marks. The photograph’s Fluttershy shyly pressing her head against photo Rainbow’s chest made the actual Rainbow’s eyes wide, as something clicked in her head.

“I still haven’t talked to her!” Rainbow slapped herself across the face. “I’m such an idiot! I keep getting distracted by such stupid stuff like work and Wonderbolts! Thanks for reminding me, Tank!” Rainbow leapt out of bed, and flew out of the window in the direction of Fluttershy’s cottage.

Tank stared after her, before slowly pulling his head back into his shell.

In almost no time at all, Rainbow reached Fluttershy’s bedroom window. She tapped on the glass, peering through to her friend’s room, narrowing her eyes at the bed. “Fluttershy? You in there?”

Letting herself in, Rainbow landed and found herself alone in the room. Not even Angel Bunny was there. Rainbow peeked out into the hallway, training her ears to pick up any sounds. All she could hear was the sound of animals sleeping.

Sighing, Rainbow shut the bedroom door again. Guess I’ll have to come back tomorrow. Hm? Just as Rainbow turned to leave, she saw a broken bottle on the floor near the window, a strange, powdery substance glittering in the moonlight.

What's that? Oh, please tell me I didn’t just break Fluttershy’s make up, or medicine, or something... Nervous curiosity getting the best of her, Rainbow trotted over to take a sniff. The powder was very lightweight, and was sucked up Rainbow’s muzzle.

“Ack!” Rainbow coughed, the sudden inhaling of powder surprising her. “Achoo!” The sudden inhale before the sneeze sucked up the rest of the powder, and left Rainbow rubbing her nose in irritation.

She looked up, and spread her wings to fly home, but her vision began swimming and her wings fell limp faster than they rose. Stifling a yawn, Rainbow glanced over at Fluttershy’s bed and stumbled over to it.

“I’m… sure Flutters won’t mind if I… spend the night…” Rainbow mumbled before flopping on top of the bed, snoring as she fell sound asleep.

The Butterfly Bandit landed silently atop a cottage, staring at the Ponyville Bank across the street. A small, white bunny hoped off her back, holding an air horn.

“Angel,” the Bandit whispered, “if you see somepony about to enter the bank before I can get out, sound that horn.”

Angel saluted, and started taking watch. The Bandit spread her wings, about to swoop down, when she glanced over at the bunny in a glare. “And try not to drop it like you did that bottle, please? It takes the butterflies a year to make that powder, and even then I don’t get much.”

Angel looked down embarrassed, before giving another salute. With a satisfied smile, the Bandit checked to see if anypony was able to see her before swooping down to the bank.

Diving down into the back alley, she landed next to the staff entrance, pressing an ear against the door. She stepped back with a frown the moment she heard voices, and she quickly looked around. Her smile instantly returned the moment she spotted an air vent above the entrance.

Flapping her wings, she hovered up silently next to the vent, peeking inside. There was no passage hidden in the inside, and the vent just led directly into the hallway where, after tilting the metal flaps to direct air downwards, contained two guards. One sat right up against the staff door, while the other leaned against the entrance to the vault.

“I’m just saying, there’s a Princess living in town,” said the guard against the vault door. “Regardless if you can pull off a theft against a robbery, nopony in their right mind will pull something off right under the nose of a Princess.”

Struggling not to giggle, the Bandit pulled out a bottle of powder, opening and gently blowing the stuff through the vent and into the hall with the guards. Once the bottle was empty, she slid the metal flaps of the vent back to their normal position, dropping down to stand in front of the door again.

Not noticing the powder drifting through the hall in the dark, the guard against the door took a deep breath, before letting out a sigh. “Maybe,” said the guard against the door. “I’d still feel better if they gave us a few extra guards, though…” The guard trailed off at the end of his sentence, letting out a huge yawn.

The guard at the end of the hall began laughing, inadvertently inhaling the remaining powder. “Am I that boring to… you…?” He trailed off as he let out a loud yawn of his own. The two quickly collapsed, snoring softly as they fell into a deep sleep.

Taking out the two pins again, the Bandit picked the lock to the staff door, gently opening and catching the guard that slept against it. With a deep breath, she lifted the guard the best she could, dragging him gently down the hall. She set him down and closed the staff door, before moving the guard that lied against the vault door as well.

After double checking to make sure the two guards were still sleeping soundly, the Bandit turned her attention to the bank vault door itself. After determining it wasn't very thick, she spread her wing and made a soft clicking sound. A bat flew out from under her wing, and landed on her head. Going right up against the vault door, after the Bandit determined the location of the tumblers in the lock, the bat let out a soft screech, and listened for the echo. Making clicking sounds, the bat relayed the position of each part to the lock, allowing the Bandit to quickly figure out the combination and unlock the safe.

His job done, the bat happily flew back under the Butterfly Bandit’s wing, as the Bandit herself trotted inside, and cleaned out all the bits inside into a large bag. Placing her calling card on the vault floor, the Bandit staggered out of the bank under the bag’s weight, locking both the vault and staff doors behind her.

Seeing she made it out safely, Angel climbed down from the roof, and hopped over to keep watch for his owner as she staggered through the alleyways. Waiting in the dark near the edge of town was a large bear who, seeing the Bandit struggling under the weight of the bits, grabbed the bag to carry it back for her.

“Thank you, everyone,” the Bandit smiled, as the bat flew out from under her wing to fly beside her. “You were all a big help.”

Making it back unseen, the Bandit and her animal accomplices quietly entered her cottage. After peeking out the window to make sure she wasn’t followed, Fluttershy lowered the hood to her costume, and let out a sigh of relief.

Her face quickly turned to a panicked one as she heard sounds from up in her room. Slowly flapping her wings, Fluttershy quietly hovered upstairs, and peeked through to her bedroom.

Her face turned red upon seeing Rainbow Dash draped across her bed, shamelessly sleeping away. Quickly flying back downstairs, she slid out of the costume, and turned to face Angel.

“Angel, she’s here!” Fluttershy said, a mix of fear and joy in her voice. “Rainbow’s here! Sleeping in my room! Ahh!” Letting out a squeal, Fluttershy quickly darted back up to her room.

Rolling his eyes, Angel picked up the Butterfly Bandit costume, and helped the bear store the bits away.

Fluttershy, meanwhile, slowly entered her room, blushing heavily as her eyes looked over Dash’s sleeping form. As gently as she could, she lifted Rainbow up and slid her under the covers, tucking her in after laying her head against the pillow.

Though she didn’t wake, a small smile crept its way onto Dash’s face, as her body snuggled itself deeper into the blankets, inhaling deeply as she rolled over in her sleep.

Fluttershy smiled, before trotting over to clean up the broken bottle by the window. “Oh, Dashie, did you inhale the whole bottle? That’ll knock you out for hours!” She turned to look at her sleeping friend. “Though, maybe it’s not so bad after all.”

Trotting over to stand next to her, Fluttershy felt her pulse quicken, sweat rolling down her face. Gulping and taking a deep breath, Fluttershy leaned in to steal a quick kiss on Rainbow’s forehead. Pulling away quickly, her face blushing a deep red, Fluttershy let out a nervous giggle.

Stealing a kiss like that… Hee-hee! Fluttershy thought, a huge smile on her face. She looked up at Rainbow, who continued to sleep. It may have just been her imagination, but Fluttershy could have sworn that Dash’s smile grew slightly larger.

“Sleep tight, Dashie…” Fluttershy whispered. “I’ve got a lovely surprise for you in the morning.” And with that, she trotted out of the room, closing the door behind her, before happily prancing down to her living room.

The sun had barely risen, but Twilight Sparkle was already frantically galloping to Ponyville Bank, Royal Guard officers leading the way. They charged in through the staff entrance, where Emerald Loupe and Voltage Scholar were already waiting.

Emerald gestured with her head towards the vault, cueing Twilight to look inside. She glanced in nervously and her eyes were met with exactly what the guards had told her; an empty vault devoid of bits. The only thing in there was a butterfly adorned business card lying on the floor.

Nervously, Twilight levitated the card up with her magic, bringing it close to her face to read the message written on the other side.

“My deepest apologies, but I just couldn’t help myself under the circumstances. I am sorry for stealing the contents of your vault. Yours Truly, The Butterfly Bandit.”

“How odd,” said Emerald, as she and Voltage trotted into the vault behind Twilight. “According to all the information I’ve gathered on her, the Butterfly Bandit only strikes once each season.”

“Perhaps she’s trying to make up for the years she missed?” Voltage suggested.

“Perhaps,” said Emerald, biting her lower lip. “Or something’s changed in her personal life. If we can take advantage of that, she just might slip up. Justice will finally be served.”

“You have information on her?” Twilight asked.

“But of course, Princess Twilight Sparkle,” said Emerald.

“You don’t have to use my full name,” Twilight mumbled. “But, anyway, do you think I could see some of it? I might be able to help in your investigation.”

“If you don’t mind accompanying us to our office,” said Voltage. “There’s a lot of information.”

“I don’t mind,” said Twilight, as Emerald grabbed the Bandit’s card to look over.

“Then come along, Princess Twilight Sparkle,” said Emerald. “Come and let me regale you of the tale of the Butterfly Bandit.”

Emerald led the way, with Voltage, after adjusting her saddle bags, following directly behind. Twilight sighed, before trotting after them. Seriously, why does she keep using everypony’s full name and title?

Fluttershy landed in Cloudsdale in front of the Daring Do shop from yesterday, gasping as she caught her breath. A heavily muscled, white stallion landed behind her, a large sack in his mouth.

He dropped the bag at Fluttershy’s hooves, and Fluttershy fished around inside for a large collection of bits. “Here you go. Thank you so much for helping me carry this up here.”

“Y-yeah…” the stallion stuttered, nervously glancing at Fluttershy’s Cutie Mark.

Fluttershy glanced at it too, a confused look on her face. “Um, i-is there something wrong with my flank?”

The stallion shook his head, before flapping his tiny wings, and flying away. Fluttershy sat down, her head tilted in confusion. What an odd pony… With a shrug, she stood up, and dragged the bag into the shop.

The shopkeeper looked up in surprise. “Hey, it’s the pony from yesterday? Where’s your rainbow-maned friend?”

“She’s still sleeping,” said Fluttershy. “She had a long night.”

“Mhm,” the shopkeeper nodded. “Well, is there something I can help you with?”

“If I made a purchase, would you be willing to deliver it for me?” Fluttershy asked, looking around at all the artifact replicas. “I don’t think I could carry these on my own.”

“Certainly, I could,” the pony said. “It’ll cost a bit extra, though. Are you sure you have enough?”

Fluttershy tilted the bag over, letting the pile of bits spill out. The shopkeeper stared at them wide eyed, his mouth hanging open.

“I think I might,” said Fluttershy. “If you could deliver all the artifacts to Ponyville for me, you can keep the change, too.”

The shopkeeper picked one of the bits up, examining it. Upon determining it was genuine, she looked up at Fluttershy. “All of them, you said? Would you like those gift-wrapped?”

Chapter 3

Rainbow Dash slowly opened her eyes, finding herself staring at a picture of her and Fluttershy that was sitting on the nightstand. With a yawn, Rainbow sat up, stretching her front legs and wings.

“Morning, Tank,” she mumbled, looking down to where the tortoise usually slept. Her eyes widened as she noticed Tank not only wasn’t there, but neither was the usual floor of her bedroom.

Her eyes quickly looked around the room, interrupted only by another yawn, as she realized where she was. “Fluttershy’s bedroom?” Rainbow looked down at the blankets she had snuggled into. “Fluttershy’s bed…?”

“Oh, good, you’re up!” Fluttershy said from the bedroom door.

“Ahh!” Rainbow screamed, falling to the floor in surprise.

“Oh, Rainbow!” Fluttershy gasped, setting down a tray, before helping Dash up and back into bed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Startle,” Rainbow corrected, looking down with a blush on her face. “W-when did I get here?”

“I’m not sure,” said Fluttershy. “When I got back last night, you were sleeping on my bed. So I tucked you in and slept on the couch.”

“Wait, so this wasn’t planned?” Rainbow asked, looking up as she tried to remember what happened last night. She quickly stopped as she picked up on something else Fluttershy said. “Wait, you slept on the couch?”

“Yes,” said Fluttershy.

Rainbow groaned. “Fluttershy, it’s your bed! You could have woken me up and sent me home instead of letting me steal it.”

Fluttershy blushed. “I didn’t want to disturb you…” And with how much sleeping powder you inhaled, I doubt I could have…

Rainbow looked down at the bed. “Thanks for letting me crash here. I can’t remember why, but I think I got real sleepy when I dropped by last night. Where were you, by the way?”

“Huh?” Fluttershy asked.

“Last night, at whatever time I got here,” said Rainbow. “I remember I was tired but couldn’t sleep, I came by to talk to you, you weren’t here, and then I… crashed.”

“Oh,” said Fluttershy, looking down as she tried to think of an excuse.

“Flutters?” Rainbow asked, a look of concern crossing her face. “Where were-” She stopped mid-sentence, sniffing the air. “Do I smell maple syrup?”

“Oh!” said Fluttershy, leaping up. She trotted over to the tray she put on the nightstand and grabbed it in her mouth, carrying it back to the bed. “I made you breakfast. I thought you might be hungry…”

Rainbow looked down, seeing a plate of blueberry pancakes drizzled in Whitetail Wood Maple Syrup. “Fluttershy, seriously? I break into your house and force you out of your bed, and you make me breakfast?”

“Well, it’s you,” said Fluttershy. “I mean, um…”

Rainbow sighed as her stomach growled. “You don’t need to explain anything, Fluttershy.” She pulled the tray towards her, taking a large bite. “Fhanksh.”

Fluttershy gave a small smile, as Rainbow wolfed down her breakfast. “Try not to eat so fast, Dashie. You don’t want to get a stomach ache.”

Rainbow nodded, slowing down her chewing. She paused in thought, before swallowing. “Fluttershy? Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine,” said Fluttershy.

“You sure?” Rainbow asked. “I mean, you’ve been daydreaming a lot lately and seem even jumpier than usual.”

“Oh, um,” Fluttershy mumbled, glancing at the clock. “Oh, is it that late already?”

“Fluttershy, please just tell me if something’s wrong!” said Rainbow.

“Nothing is wrong,” Fluttershy insisted. “It’s just we have to meet the delivery ponies at your house at two, so eat up and we can head out together.”

“Delivery ponies?” Rainbow repeated. “My house? What are you- wait, did you say we need to hurry for two? As in two in the afternoon?”

“Yes,” said Fluttershy. “I think I have time to take a quick shower while you finish breakfast.” She quickly hurried out of the room and Rainbow heard her bathroom door slam shut.

Confused, Rainbow looked up at the clock hanging on Fluttershy’s wall. Her eyes widened in surprise. “It’s already one thirty!? How worn out was I last night?” She took another bite, and chewed slowly as she thought back to last night’s events.

I came here to talk, then I sniffed that broken bottle by the window, then I think I passed out… Heh. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say I was drugged by that stuff. Guess the excitement of that show was more exhausting than I thought. Shrugging, Rainbow returned to her breakfast.

“You bought me everything in the shop!?” Rainbow gasped, looking around, her eyes wide with excitement as the delivery ponies set down the last of the Daring Do artifact replicas.

“I saw how much you liked them in the shop yesterday,” said Fluttershy, a slight blush forming on her face.

“Well, I hope you enjoy them,” said the shopkeeper. “Thanks again for your patronage, miss. I might even be able to retire now.” The shopkeeper and the delivery ponies waved, before trotting out of Rainbow’s house, and flying off back to Cloudsdale.

Rainbow blinked in surprise, and turned to look at Fluttershy. “She couldn’t give a discount because she needed to make a living, but now she can retire? How much did you spend on me?”

“Um, I don’t remember,” Fluttershy mumbled. “A lot?”

“How could you possibly have afforded all of this?” Rainbow asked.

“Um,” Fluttershy mumbled, “I just could?”

“That doesn’t answer my question,” Rainbow muttered.

“Why are you so mad?” Fluttershy asked, looking down. “I thought this would make you happy. That’s why I bought them for you.”

“I’m not mad at you for buying them!” said Rainbow.

“Then why are you yelling at me?” Fluttershy asked. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No, of course not,” Rainbow said. “I’m sorry.” How am I suddenly the bad guy? I just wanted to know why she’s acting so weird.

“Are you sure you’re not mad?” Fluttershy mumbled.

“I’m sure,” Rainbow sighed. “Cheer up, okay? Come on, let’s go see if Twilight can help us move these things around.”

“O-okay,” Fluttershy stuttered, following Rainbow out the door, and across two to Twilight’s library.

The two flew along silently. Rainbow glanced back briefly at Fluttershy, who seemed to be trying to avoid looking at her. I don’t understand it. Yeah, she’s sensitive, but she hasn’t been this vulnerable since we were fillies. With all that money she’s been spending on me, too. She’s not dying, is she?

“Rainbow?” Fluttershy said. “We’re here.”

“Huh?” said Rainbow, looking down to see the Golden Oaks Library. “Oh, yeah. Thanks.”

“Rainbow?” Fluttershy asked. “Um, are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” said Rainbow. “Just… I don’t know, let’s just talk to Twilight.”

“Um, alright,” said Fluttershy, as the two of them swooped down to the front door.

“Twilight?” Rainbow called, as they trotted into the library. “Are you busy?”

“She’s not even here,” said Spike, looking up from a comic book. “She went with those two detective ponies to get more info on the Butterfly Bandit.”

“Why?” Rainbow asked. “Where’d the sudden interest come from?”

“You didn’t here about it?” Spike asked.

“I only woke up an hour ago,” said Rainbow.

Spike set down the comic book to pick up a newspaper from the floor next to him and pass it over to Rainbow.

Rainbow looked down at the headline, mouthing the words as she read. “The Butterfly Bandit robbed Ponyville Bank last night!?”

“Yeah,” said Spike. “Right under our noses, too. Probably why Twilight’s helping to catch her.”

“Twilight’s trying to catch the Bandit?” Fluttershy mumbled.

“So that’s where they are,” said a voice.

“Eep!” Fluttershy gasped, darting behind Rainbow.

Rainbow turned to see who spoke, and saw Storm Chaser standing in the doorway. “Aren’t you that pony that came here with the detectives?”

“Yes,” Storm said, “and I’ve been trying to find them, since we’re supposed to be investigating. Seems they’re trying to go behind my back with the Princess.”

“I’m sure that’s not their intention,” Fluttershy mumbled.

“Did you say something!?” Storm snapped.

“Don’t threaten her!” Rainbow snapped back, spreading her wings aggressively.

“And don’t threaten me, unless you want to go to prison,” Storm replied with a smirk. “Well, I guess I’d better go find those two detectives and Princess, wherever they went off to.”

“Twilight said they were going to their law office in Manehatten,” said Spike.

“Thanks,” muttered Storm, before he stormed out of the door.

“You okay, Fluttershy?” Spike asked, after he left.

“Y-yeah,” Fluttershy stuttered. “Just scared.”

“Scared?” Rainbow questioned.

“Startled, I mean,” Fluttershy said quickly.

Could it be? Rainbow thought. Fluttershy not only bought those tickets and artifacts, but also seems to be scared of the police. She can’t be the Butterfly Bandit, can she? I'd prefer that being the reason as opposed to dying, but she can't be a criminal. Right?

“Rainbow?” Spike asked. “You in there?”

“Huh?” said Rainbow, looking around. “Where’s Fluttershy?”

“She said she was going home to rest,” said Spike. “Apparently she didn’t sleep well last night, being stuck on a couch or something.”

Rainbow blushed a little. “Huh. How… weird. Well, I should go, too, I guess. Catch you later, Spike.”

“See ya, Rainbow,” said Spike, as Rainbow flew out the door. Sitting down, he picked up his comic book again with a sigh. “Pegasi… They’re so weird.”

“Welcome, Princess Twilight Sparkle,” said Emerald, leading the alicorn into the room.

Twilight’s eyes widened as she saw the mess that was Emerald Loupe’s Detective Agency. The walls were covered with newspaper clippings and maps ranging from single towns to the whole of Equestria, with numbered stickers placed on different buildings. The paper clippings were similarly numbered. Looking closely, Twilight realized they were reports about the Butterfly Bandit’s different heists, and that the numbers were meant to correspond to the order she pulled them off.

Emerald’s horn glowed as she added a new clipping to the wall. Marking it with the number 30, she stuck a sticker with the same number on the map of Ponyville over the Ponyville Bank.

Twilight jumped in surprise as Voltage closed the door behind them, and trotted over to Emerald. “Sorry, Princess, but we moved our chairs and couch out. Hope you don’t mind standing.”

That sounded almost insulting, Twilight thought, before looking at the map of Ponyville. “So that was the thirtieth heist the Butterfly Bandit pulled?”

“Very astute, Princess Twilight Sparkle,” said Emerald, leaping up to her desk, lying down to face the ceiling. “Up you get, Voltage Scholar.”

“N-now?” Voltage stuttered.

Twilight blinked in surprise. Is she… scared?

“Boss, we have a guest,” Voltage murmured.

“Fine,” sighed Emerald. “I’ll brainstorm on my own. You really need to get over this, Voltage Scholar.”

“Sorry,” Voltage mumbled. “It’s not easy…”

“Um, can you fill me in, please?” Twilight asked. “Is something wrong, Detective?”

“Aside from you prying into our conversation?” Voltage snapped.

“Um, sorry,” Twilight mumbled.

“The only thing wrong, Princess Twilight Sparkle, is that the Butterfly Bandit is still flying free,” said Emerald, glancing around the room and comparing the new clippings to the old ones.

“Um, can you read those upside down alright?” Twilight asked.

“How would knowing about my reading skills help, Princess Twilight Sparkle?” Emerald asked. “But to answer your query, yes. Otherwise I’d have hung them upside down so they'd be right-side up when I'm upside… Hold on, yes…” Emerald trailed off, her horn lighting up as she rearranged the clippings in a seemingly random order. She also pulled out random files from under her desk, and began reading over them.

Twilight’s eyes widened as she noticed the name written on one of the files. “Rainbow Dash…? Tell me those files aren’t potential suspects, Detective.”

“That would be lying,” said Voltage.

“But if it helps you sleep,” said Emerald, “then those files aren’t potential suspects, Detective.”

“That was quite literal,” said Twilight, her eyes still darting to the file labeled Rainbow Dash. “Um, can I ask why you brought me here?”

“I had a plan, I think,” said Emerald, biting her lip in thought. “No… I didn’t. Not yet, at least.” She dropped all of the files to the floor. “Well then, Princess Twilight Sparkle, I think you should hear about the Butterfly Bandit. It will be most valuable for you to have information on her for when I finally put together the net that will finally snag this outlaw.”

“Um,” said Twilight, sitting down on the floor, “alright.”

“You already know she leaves a card,” said Voltage. “That should clue you in on her personality.”

“Arrogant?” Twilight asked.

“No,” said Emerald, “not entirely, Princess Twilight Sparkle. The Butterfly Bandit is most definitely confident in her abilities at stealing, but that’s not why she leaves her card.”

“Then why do it?” Twilight asked. “Why leave behind evidence?”

“To understand,” said Emerald, “let me tell you about the one time she messed up so far. Heist number 21; the Canterlot Jeweler Heist.”

“Going back five years,” said Voltage, with a sigh. “Try not to talk about my role in it too much, please.”

“Certainly, Voltage Scholar,” said Emerald.

Voltage gave a small smile, before returning to her usual expression as she turned her attention to Twilight. “This is the case when the public finally got an image to go with the almost legendary thief.”

Twilight glanced at the clipping on the wall. “I was still living in Canterlot at the time. Five years ago the other ponies in the school were gossiping about something. I didn’t care for gossip, so that’s probably why I haven’t heard about it…”

“Gossip can be useful in investigating, Princess Twilight Sparkle,” said Emerald. “Though I doubt any of your peers would have known about what I’m about to tell you.”

About five years ago, as night fell on the city of Canterlot, a lone, yellow pegasus mare wearing a cloak trotted out of a local doughnut shop. The air was surprisingly chilly for the time of year, prompting the pony to raise her hood as she trotted along the empty streets back to her hotel.

Regrettably, she would never make it. For at that moment, the Manehatten Slasher emerged from the shadows and-

“Wait,” Twilight interrupted. “The Manehatten Slasher? Wasn’t she in Canterlot? And what does a serial killer from fifteen years ago have to do with a theft from five years ago?”

“Right, my mistake,” said Emerald. “The settings were surprisingly similar.”

“Perhaps you should let me handle this flashback, boss?” Voltage asked.

“Yes, that would probably be for the best,” said Emerald. She looked up at the ceiling in thought. “Come to think of it, I wasn’t even in Canterlot on the night of the Jeweler Heist…”

“But didn’t you flashback to it before?” Twilight asked.

“Hush, Princess,” said Voltage. “My boss works in ways you couldn’t comprehend.”

I don’t think Emerald herself comprehends, Twilight thought. “Sorry. Proceed, Miss Scholar.”

It was nearly midnight by the time the mare left the shop, having spent the evening absentmindedly nursing a milkshake, if you were wondering. As said, she was wearing a cloak to shelter herself from the strange cold spell the city was in.

As she trotted along the empty streets, somepony did emerge from the shadows, bumping into the mare and knocking her down.

“Ahh!” the mare gasped, frantically holding her cloak against her. “Watch where you’re-” The mare stopped short, blinking in surprise as she saw what had hit her.

Another mare loomed over her. She was dressed up like a large, blue butterfly. The butterfly gazed down at the pony she hit. Her eyes were obscured by a mask that looked like insect eyes, and were barely visible behind them. Was she looked apologetic? Fearful? She guessed it was fear, given the building the knocked down mare noticed this ‘butterfly’ had just left.

The bars that would normally be lowered at this time of night were nowhere to be seen. The merchandise that normally shines in the glass cases against the window were gone. And this butterfly had a large bag slung over her shoulder. Even if you hadn’t been following the Butterfly Bandit’s heists in the papers, you could easily piece together what just happened. Unless you were an idiot.

“You… Canterlot Jeweler…” the mare mumbled. She stood up, and shouted, hoping to draw attention from the Royal Guard. They were in Canterlot, after all. “Thief!”

The thief panicked, frantically flapping her wings to take to the air. The cloaked mare spread her wings to fly after, but was suddenly hit by a gust from the Butterfly Bandit’s wings. A gust containing some strange, sparkly powder.

“Ack!” the cloaked mare coughed, as the Bandit soared off into the cloudy sky, the approaching Royal Guard just missing her as their attention turned to the cloaked pony.

“Miss, are you okay?” a guard asked.

Her vision was swimming, and she felt a sudden wave of tiredness coming over her. Before passing out, the pony took out a camera, pointing it up at the Bandit before she faded from view in the sky.

With no time to focus, the mare quickly snapped a photo. Thankfully, the Butterfly Bandit’s act of puncturing the cloud cover in her escape left her silhouetted against the sky by the faint light of the moon. The cloaked mare collapsed, as the Royal Guard scanned the skies for what the photo was of.

She didn’t wake until late the next morning, finding herself inside the mostly empty jewelry store. She could hear the store owner angrily arguing in the next room with the Royal Guard, but his shouts were unintelligible from where she was.

The cloaked mare looked down at her camera with a sigh as her stomach growled.

“Hungry, are you?” a voice asked.

The pegasus mare looked up, seeing a bag from the doughnut shop down the street was levitating in front of her, held up by a faint, green aura.

“Yes,” she said, taking the bag. She turned to the green unicorn that gave it to her, who was sitting against the wall across the room. Her eyes widened. “You’re…”

“Detective Emerald Loupe, Private Investigator,” the mare bowed. “And you are my new best friend.”

“I am?” the cloaked mare asked in surprise.

Emerald nodded, levitating a photo in front of her. “Do forgive me, but I took the liberty of developing the photo the guards said you took last night. I don’t know how she made such a mistake, but I’m thankful you were there to take full advantage of it.”

The mare looked at the photo Emerald was levitating in front of her. It was grainy and hard to see, but in the clouds was unmistakably-

“The Butterfly Bandit,” the mare mumbled.

“Nice instincts last night,” said Emerald. “Calling for help, taking that photo for evidence, it’s like it’s your talent or something.” Emerald smiled. “I’ve always wanted an apprentice. Welcome aboard, Miss Voltage Scholar.”

“That was you that took the photo?” Twilight asked in surprise.

“You sound surprised,” said Voltage, her voice flat.

“Sorry,” said Twilight.

“Hm,” said Emerald. “I seem to remember the day we met a little differently than that. But the gist of the crime was gotten across, so that’s all that matters. Well done, Voltage Scholar.”

“Thank you,” Voltage said, with a small smile on her face.

The door was suddenly knocked open, an angry pegasus guard glaring in. “What they hay are you two doing!?”

“Ah, welcome, Inspector Storm Chaser,” Emerald smiled. “I must say, I expected you here earlier. You’ll forgive us, I trust, if we don’t regale you with the flashback again?”

“Why would I care about your life story?” Storm asked.

“That’s the spirit,” said Emerald.

“Inspector, you’re being rather rude, don’t you think?” Twilight asked.

“Considering you just went behind my back in my investigation,” Storm spat, “I’d say you’re the one being rude, Princess! Don’t think you’re above the law just because Celestia has your back!”

“I don’t think anypony is above the law,” said Twilight.

“Yeah, right,” laughed Storm.

“It appears he doesn’t believe you,” said Voltage.

“There’s a way you can convince him, though,” said Emerald. “I have a plan I think anypony interested in justice would like.”

“What, we have a tea party at your apprentice’s house next?” Storm asked.

“No, Inspector Storm Chaser,” said Emerald. “She doesn’t own a house to begin with, but that’s beside the point. My plan is to catch the Butterfly Bandit. And we’ll need Princess Twilight Sparkle’s help to ensure she gets caught.”

“My help?” Twilight asked. She nervously glanced down at the file labeled Rainbow Dash that was lying on the floor.

“Princess, tell me you aren’t putting a friend above the law,” said Voltage.

“Of course not,” said Twilight. I feel ill… “W-What’s your plan, Detective?”

“See, Inspector Storm Chaser?” Emerald asked with a smile. “She’s interested in justice after all.”

“Hmph,” Storm snorted. “We’ll see...”

Rainbow paced back and forth in her living room, glancing uneasily at the Daring Do merchandise that was delivered that morning. She briefly stopped to look over at Tank, who was eating the rest of Rainbow’s salad in the corner, before pacing again.

“Tank, tell me I’m not just overreacting, here,” said Rainbow. “Robbery happens, police show up, Fluttershy gets nervous- more so than usual. Meanwhile, she’s spending bits on me left and right. At first I thought she was dying and trying to use all her money to make me happy before she goes, but she wouldn’t do that to her animals. She’d probably use her money to make a sanctuary or something for them, right?”

Tank looked up, and blinked slowly at Rainbow, who was pacing faster and faster.

“Then that leaves the other option,” said Rainbow, looking over at the newspaper on the couch. “Fluttershy is getting all this money because she’s the Butterfly Bandit. But that makes no sense either. This is Fluttershy we’re talking about! She wouldn’t steal from innocent ponies! And besides, the Bandit stopped years ago. Why would she start up again all of a sudden?”

Tank squeezed his eyes shut as, like yesterday, Rainbow angrily slapped herself across the face.

“AGH!” Rainbow screamed. “Why am I so worried!? She can take care of herself, right!? Why is this bothering me so much, and why can’t I just get a straight answer from her!?”

Tank turned to watch, as Rainbow flew out the window and off towards Carousel Boutique. He blinked slowly as his owner faded from view.

Rainbow looped around to pierce through a cloud, letting the water vapor splash across her face, before continuing on to Rarity’s. “Rarity knows emotions. She’ll be able to help, right? She’s got to.” Rainbow squeezed her eyes shut. “Fluttershy… Why can’t I stop thinking about you?”