We Stopped Checking for Monsters in the Everfree...

“Greetings, my loyal subjects,” Celestia smiled nervously into the camera. It was certainly different from public speaking, this was. While the concept was the same, there was something strangely unsettling about talking to an inanimate object. She realized that she had spent a bit to long saying nothing, and so continued on. “My name is Princess Celestia.”

Twilight watched the grainy picture on the television from the comfy couch of the guest suite that her mentor given her as a headquarters. In truth, Twilight didn't exactly need to watch this show; Celestia had already given the Mane Six all the information they needed when she was gave them the job of identifying the criminal responsible for the heinous acts. Regrettably, Twilight had gotten nowhere in her investigation.

“I have started this program with the intentions of giving you all, the People, the unaltered truth as we understand it today, as well as stopping all possible misinformation. This program will put an end to the rumor circulation, and, hopefully, give relief in this troubled time. I promise to give you no lies.” She cleared her throat.

“First, I would like to thank the Flimflam brothers, as well as the mysterious 'Jack White', for such a lovely invention as television. Even six months ago, nopony could have imagined such an innovation. Now, every third household has one. Due to this, a new forum for information and discussion has been created, allowing for unprecedented communication far more efficient than ever before. You all deserve your fortunes. Good luck.

Second, I would like to personally thank Queen Chrysalis and her forces.” she smiled a genuine smile. She could practically hear the ponies at home gasping. I must remind them that Changeling are ponies too.

The Mane Six gasped in unison. The ponies (except for Fluttershy, who was busy staring at a very haunting photograph) looked to Twilight, the closest pony to the Princess. Twilight racked her brain for an explanation. “Don't worry, girls. The Princess's probably making a little fun of Chrysalis.” Twilight didn't know about the morality of such a game, but the Princess always had the answers.

After a small silence, the Princess continued. “Peace between Equestria and the Changeling Colonies still seems unlikely still, but I have to thank Chrysalis and her ponies for the fact that there have only been 31 injuries in the past three years and no deaths, and for the fact the fighting has been reserved for the soldiers with no intentional civilian injuries and minimal kidnappings. To summarize, I thank the Changlings for their civility.”

She gave the ponies at home some time to take in the admittedly stunning message. But newscasters would not be talking about the appreciation shown to the Changling for months to come. No, there was a far more pressing matter that need mentioning. Celestia dreaded this part And now, here it was. “I timed this broadcast as late as possible to spare you parents the headache, but now it's time to go to more serious matters. If you have younger children, you may want to send them to bed.”

After several moments, Celestia drew a breath. “Today, there resulted 55 deaths because of factory explosions. As you no doubt know by now, one explosion occurred when the Blast Mining factories' explosives went off. The other was the result of a fireworks factory's fireworks going off, causing significant fire damages.”

Celestia wiped her eye with a hoof. “As for the rumors that these were set of by some criminal,” when she spoke again, her voice wavered a small bit. “Those rumors... are true.” She took a moment to compose herself.

“It cannot be a coincidence that two explosions went off on the same day, despite all the fail-safe measures. Beyond this, a Dough Brand's Buns's bun was left at each of the scenes. Dough Brand's Buns was robbed yesterday. It is safe to say that the bun thief and the... arsonist... is the same pony.

We are following all leads, so rest assured that we will find the murderer. If the culprit is listening: turn yourself in. I don't believe you meant anypony harm. Surrender, and I promise you will face much lighter penalties. I will also make sure you are protected from mob justice. Please.”

She calmed her voice a bit, and cleared her throat once more. “I'm Princess Celestia. Have a good night”

The program ended then. Fluttershy was sobbing quietly, the thought of the deaths heavy on her back. In her hooves was a photograph. The worst photograph she could have imagined. And she couldn't stop staring at it. You see, Twilight had to go through each of the victims to make sure there was no possible clue to the criminal's identity, but, with 55 victims, the culprit had covered his tracks well. Twilight had still went through the pictures, though, just because she had to see if it was true. Just to prove to herself that the deaths did occur.

Fluttershy had happened to see one of the photos. It was of a filly (a colt, maybe?) burnt to a crisp, presumably caught in one of the fires. Such a terrible thing. Such a terrible death! Surely this was an accident. Nopony could actually do that on purpose. Nopony was that heartless. Not even Gilda.

Applejack new in her gut that this was an intentional attack. It had to be. And she hoped to Faust that Fluttershy knew it was intentional. She silently cursed this job. She had nothing against Fluttershy, but Applejack privately thought that Fluttershy was too delicate for this kind of work. But Fluttershy insisted...

Fluttershy broke the silence, her sobs still in her voice. “I'm sure this'll all be over in the morning. The criminal will turn himself in. And he'll apologize, and then I'll help him. And we'll be friends. And he'll be my friend and we'll be happy and he'll tell me how it was an accident...” her voice got more and more slurred as she went. “He'll tell us how it was an accident. It was an accident. It has to have been an accident! Nopony would ever do anything like that! It must have been some kind of accident!” Fluttershy broke down crying now. She started wailing in grief, tears falling like her morale. It was strange hearing the pony crying so loudly.

The group moved in for a group hug. “Don't worry, Sugarcube.” sniffed Twilight. “It'll be over in the morning'.”

The next morning, Canterlot Mends 'n Hay General Hospital exploded. There were 67 deaths.