Chapter 3: The Incident

The day of the incident was just like any other ordinary day. Phoenix was accompanying Pinkie on a delivery for 50 pounds of confectioner's sugar when a rush of ponies toward town square attracted both of their attentions. Phoenix and Pinkie looked at each other and started to walk in the direction of all the commotion. As the two came closer to the center of the town the more crowded in became while panicked cries began to flare up like embers of a spreading fire.

"Call The Watch! We have a situation!", a group of colts shouted while running in the opposite direction.

The crowd's curious gate towards the center of the town quickly turned into a hurried gallop away in any direction but the center. School bells, church bells, anything that could be banged on to signified danger were roaring over the thunderous cacophony of panic. Ponies poured out onto the street to be immediately redirected towards the outskirts of town. As everyone one else headed for the hills, Phoenix bravely (or foolishly) ran towards the center just to get a glimpse of what was going on.

"What is going on here? Pinkie can you see anything?", Phoenix shouted.

"I can't see anything but I have a strong sense we shouldn't be here. My whole body is shaking!", Pinkie retorted.

Phoenix knew better than to question Pinkie's special sense about things. He was just about turn back when he heard a "whoosh" from overhead.

"Rainbow Dash! Over here Rainbow! look over here!", Pinkie shouted to the point where she began to screech.

The "whoosh" returned this time matching up with the flight of a certain blue pegasus.

"Hey guys! What is going on here? The commotion woke- I mean alerted me to investigate," Rainbow Dash said.

Pinkie gathered all the breath she could to overpower the noise of the crowd and shouted, "We don't know but we are sure it is coming from the center of the town! We will meet you there!"

Phoenix was about to ask about her change of heart but them remembered that with her friends she is part of the Elements of Harmony. Even though they don't have the Elements anymore the group can tap into Rainbow Power when the situation demands. It was funny to see Pinkie and her friends like this, Phoenix never saw them preform their duties of elite soldiers of friendship before. At least up close, everyone can usually see the explosions from afar.

Phoenix and Pinkie arrived at the center of the town while Rainbow Dash circled above. In the distance Phoenix could make out the figure of Princess Twilight talking to the town's local strongmen who called themselves "The Watch". Pinkie walked to meet up with her friend and Phoenix trailed close behind. There didn't seem to be any immediate danger that would warrant such hysteria but Phoenix remained on guard anyway. It became apparent that something was very wrong the closer they got. The Watch was circled around two mares, two mares who looked exactly alike!

"That is right your highness, the real Berry Punch caught up with the fake Berry Punch while she was out on some errands. The spectacle attracted the attention of many bystanders until the imposter revealed its true changeling form! Unfortunately in the chaos the changeling reverted back to its original illusion and we have lost track of which one is the real Berry Punch!", a member of The Watch said to Princess Twilight.

"This should be a simple fix, gentlecolts. All I have to do is the Revealing Spell that worked so well in the Canterlot Invasion,", Twilight said in a collected manner.

Twilight started to focus magic from her horn as it's purple glow grew intensity. She clenched her teeth and started look worried when nothing happened. She tired once more and yielded the same result. The two Berry Punches looked on with concern as it was made apparent that the situation would not have resolved itself as quickly as thought of. One of them was a really good actor and the other was genuinely terrified that a changeling was in Ponyvile.

"I don't know why this isn't working! The spell originated from the great Star-Swirl The Bearded himself! There is no way it can be flawed... unless the changelings have adapted somehow. They are not well studied creatures after all.", Twilight reasoned to herself.

Phoenix had heard of the changelings before. The stories of their race almost taking over the capital and other cities. Pinkie was adamant to share her experiences with the changelings before. The very thought that a creature could masquerade as a person made Phoenix uncomfortable to say the least. It would make a real mess of sorting out who did what if it ever came to court.

"Your highness if we cannot determine which Berry Punch is a changeling by simply casting a spell then I suggest we pursue alternate methods...", a Watchman suggested.

"At this point I am open to suggestions but all pathways of investigation must be approved by me. I do not want any so called advanced interrogation techniques enacted on either party. One of these mares is the real Berry Punch so I want a fair and respectful questioning,", Twilight commanded in an official tone.

Phoenix liked the way this was going. Law and order was something he had a knack for anywhere. In fact he was about to offer his services to the group when Twilight looked to her friends and called for all of them to meet at her castle. The Watchmen picked up the two Berry Punches and followed closely behind. Phoenix hated when he never got invited to these kind of things. There was so much he could do yet he was treated as a bystander. Despite not receiving an invitation, Phoenix tagged along with them.