Spike and Pinkie's Clueless adventure: #1 The Truth Can Killby Dark Matter 101ChaptersChapter 1: The IncidentChapter 2: Spike's PartnersChapter 3: The SuspectsChapter 1: The IncidentChapter 1 The incident You know Spike and his school years. How he over comes his fear on his first year. How he saved Equestria. How he captured criminals. And how he stopped a mad man from destroying the town. Those years were his life he'll never forget. But Spike will have a much bigger challenge coming to him. This year, Spike was done with high school. He graduated and started thinking about what to do next. He has no plans, no future ahead of him. Until the night after graduation, he'll soon discover his true past. It was a dark night. The school was completely empty. Quiet. A light shine through a crack in a door. There were shuffling noises inside the classroom. Discord burst the door open hesitating. He was huffing and puffing carrying his brief case. He walks down the hall hesitating. Sweat was running down his forehead. He kept looking back behind him. He stops and began hearing footsteps. He stops breathing, hearing where the footsteps were coming from. He turns quickly again to his other side. It came closer to him. The tapping made it louder and louder. Discord quickly turns around again. Then it went pitch black. "If you tell anyone… You'll die," a voice whispered to him. The next morning, Spike was snoring in bed. He was enjoying his sleep in till Shining Armor came in. Shining is his big brother. He sneaks up on Spike while grabbing the mattress. "Rise and shine, graduate!" he cried out, flipping Spike out of bed. He moaned of sleepiness. "Seriously?" Spike growled, still sleeping on the floor. "You do this every year." "It's the most exciting part of the day," Shining pulls the window blinds, shining the light on him. "You get to have fun for at least 15 hours. So, what do you want to do first this morning?" "Punch you in the face," Spike rubs his eyes, wide awake. "That's cute. Come on," Shining left the room. "Mom made breakfast." After a while, Spike and his family as down stairs. Velvet was cooking, Nightlight read the newspaper, and Twilight entered the kitchen. "Morning!" she said. She took a glass of milk Velvet prepared for her and rinks it all up. "Why are you up so early?" Spike asked. "Is there anything wrong getting up early?" she said. "You're right. You're Twilight. What am I saying," Spike chuckled. She went into the room watching TV. She flip through channels till the news caught her attention. As she zones out, Nightlight talk Spike about college. "Spike, where do you think you might go this year? College, I mean," he said. "I don't know yet, I don't seem to have a special talent," Spike answered. "How about soccer? You're good at that," Shining suggested. "Nah. I want something I can easily achieve." "You better think of something fast. Otherwise, you'll have to wait a year to go," Nightlight resumes on reading the paper. In the living room, Twilight jaws dropped. The news talked about Discord how he got into an accident. "Last night, a teacher name Discord was found on the floor in school last night," the reporter spoke. "He's still breathing but severely beating up. He fell down the stairwell of the school and broke his arm." "Spike!" Twilight cred out. Later that day, Spike, Twilight, and Shining Armor were all at the school surrounded by cops and ambulance. Spike spotted Celestia. Seeing her worried. He walks up to her to see what happened. "Principal Celestia! What happened?" he asked her. "Spike! Thank goodness you're here," she said with grief. "I see you brought Twilight and Shining Amor with you." "Actually, Twilight brought us here," Spike corrected her. "But that's not the point. What happened last night? Is Mr. Discord going to be alright?" Celestia looked really sad. She looks over at the ambulance driving off where Discord is in. He was alright for an old man. But she was still worried. "It's best if you come to my house," Celestia spoke. Spike was feeling something inside. Inside, something told him that this accident was no accident. At Celestia's house, Spike and Twilight was in the living room. Celestia locked the doors and closed the window blinds. She finally sat in her chair. Spike and Twilight sits on the couch. Ready to hear the story of Discord's injuries. "It began when I was walking to school…" I was walking down the streets in the morning. A medic car with the sirens going off dash through the streets heading to where I was going. As soon as I made it to school, I saw ambulance around the front entrance. That's where I saw Discord in the medical bed. I ran to him seeing if he was alright. Up close I saw him bruised up. A Black eye, nose bleed, and his arm broken. "Discord! What on happened to you?" I said, worried. The medics lead me into the ambulance with Discord. They left me and him alone. Discord started to stuttered. He turned to me and whispered. "C-Close th-the-the d-d-d-doors," he said in a weak and horrifying voice. I did what he said. After that, he looks up at the ceiling. Resuming his story. "It came to me… It told me not to tell." "It? Who was it, Discord? We'll find that person and put him to jail personally," I said. "I can't… I can't tell…" discord shook his head, crying. "It will kill me if I told you. It told me to call It that." I sat there breathless. Nothing made sense to me. I never seen Discord scared before in his life. "What happened to you?" I asked. He gulped, clearing his throat. He told his side of the story. "It was not too long ago…" (47 minutes ago) He stops breathing hearing where the footsteps were coming from. He turns quickly again to his other side. It came closer to him. The tapping made it louder and louder. Discord quickly turns around again. A mysterious shadow figure punches him in the face. Discord fell back. The mysterious figure kicks him in the stomach. Discord curled into a ball on the floor. Next, the attacker drags him across the floor sending him to the stairwell. The stranger kicks Discord down the stairs. He topple all the way down to the first floor and broke his arm. All the pain and suffering, Discord crawled for his life. The attacker slowly walks down the stairs following Discord. The attacker set foot on the first floor and walk towards him. Discord could almost reach the exit, but his leg was grabbed and was dragged back into the nightmare. The attacker kneels down near him and whispers into his ear. "If you tell anyone… You'll die," the culprit spoke. "You call me 'It' for now. If you tell anyone my identity, I will find you." The culprit took Discord's phone dialing 911. The attacker held it against Discord's ear. "Tell them what happen… carefully," the culprit said. "Hello? 911, what's you emergency?" "…I'm hurt badly…I fell down the stairs and broke my arm," Discord said in pain. "Please send medics." The culprit hung up the phone and set it down the floor gently. "One more thing," the culprit said. "If a boy name Spike happens to ran into you. Tell him that I'll be waiting. I want him to find me. Give him clues of who I might be. When Spike figures out who I am, you're free to go. Remember, if you tell him who I am – or anyone else – you'll die. You lie… you live. You tell… you die." "And that's the story how Discord is like this," Celestia finished her story. Spike and Twilight both gulped in fear. "So… why does the culprit want from me?" Spike asked. "I'm afraid Discord didn't said much," Celestia said. "But he did gave me a piece of paper for you." She took a piece of paper out of her pocket and gave it to Spike. He saw what was writing on it. Xe:R3 Te:L3 Hg:L3 "What do they mean?" Twilight looked at the paper. "I don't know. Discord told me that Spike needs to figure out his clues," Celestia said. "He said that a couple of days ago, he scattered clues around the school." "So we find his clues, we find the culprit," Twilight said. "I'm sorry, Twilight, but I want Spike to go on his own," Celestia said. "What! Why?" Spike got upset. "Think about it; if Twilight helps you found out who the culprit is, she might be in danger," Celestia explained. "It's safe if you go in alone for now." "I understand," Spike and Twilight sighs. "Now, what's more important, is that a close friend of mine will be waiting for you at Sugarcube Corner. He's a cop," Celestia got off her chair and walks to a painting of roses. She swings open the painting revealing a safe. She enters the safe combinations. A small light turned green. She opens it showing cash and papers. "What's in there?" Twilight asked. "This is where I keep my wealth and the deed to my house," she explain. "Also the keys to the school building. But if you push in a wrong number three times, something bad will happen," She hands the keys to Spike. He took them and put it in his jacket pocket. "Now, Spike, I don't know what's been happening lately, but somehow this culprit knows who you are. Meaning it could be someone in town you know. Be careful and good luck." "This is crazy, but I'll do it," he said. "And before I forget, you need to log into my computer; my username is PRNS Celestia and my password is mlpfim – all lowercase. Remember that," Celestia said to him. "Got it. Don't worry, I'll find out who's responsible for Discord accident," Spike walks out of the door, heading to Sugarcube Corner. Celestia sighs heavily. Twilight watches Spike run off. "Why would anyone want Spike for?" Twilight asked. "I don't know," Celestia spoke, turning her back to her. "But I am certain it has something to do with his past. And I believe he'll soon find out the truth." Chapter 2: Spike's PartnersChapter 2 Spike's Partners Spike walks down the street. He headed to Sugarcube Corner to visit one of Celestia's closes friends. A cop who is undercover and a bodyguard. His name is Wild Ace. Celestia told Spike he would be wearing something casual. Spike made it to Sugarcube Corner. He saw a few people wearing casual clothing. "Spike, how are you," Mr. Cake greeted him behind the counter. "I'm doing fine, thank you," Spike smiled. "You heard what happen this morning? It's a shame what happened to Discord," Mr. Cake lowered his head. "That's okay. Because I…" Spike stops himself. He forgot he was also undercover. He had to make up a story. "…Because I brought him a 'get well' card." "I don't think a card can cure him, Spike," Mr. Cake said, believing his story. "Anyway, a guy walked in here talking about you. Said something about you being a good friend back in your hometown." A friend in Spike's old hometown? Spike don't remember having friends at his old home – besides Comet Strike. It must've been Wild Ace. So Spike played along. "Any chance where my friend is sitting?" Spike asked. "Over there talking to Pinkie," he points over to a man talking to Pinkie Pie. "Thank you," Spike walks over to them, hearing them laughing. Pinkie notice Spike with a gasp and gave him a big hug. "Spike! It's been a while!" Pinkie swings Spike around with glee. "I was at college and learn many things! Though it was boring without out and the girls." "It has been a while. Gad to see you back in town," Spike said. "So, your name is Spike," a man said. It was Wild Ace in his casual clothes. "Celestia told me about you." "Spike, you know this guy?" Pinkie asked, still hold him tightly in her arms. "Well, uh, I, uh…" Spike stuttered, hoping she didn't found out what goes on with him and Wild Ace. "It's alright Spike, I told her everything," Wild Ace said. "And I'm glad your Pinkie Pie ran into me." "Really? Why is that?" Spike asked. Pinkie set Spike down. "Because I want you and Pinkie to find out who beat up Discord," he said. Spike dropped his jaws and Pinkie shouted YAY!. "Why me and Pinkie? I thought you want ME to go out on my own," Spike said. "I do, but this would be quicker if there were two people working on the case. Pinkie told me about you solving the mystery how Ms. Cheerilee got her classroom trashed, and how you solved Celestia's game. Pinkie also told me she's been learning how to become a detective." "That's why I go to college," Pinkie spoke. "Okay, but is it really okay that Pinkie joins me? I mean, I could be in danger," Spike asked. Still not feeling comfortable about this. "All you're doing really is asking questions. You just leave the case to me," Wild Ace said. "But don't tell anyone about this." "No problem, Ace," Pinkie said. "Easy for you to say," Spike moaned. Thinking Pinkie can't keep secrets. "So what going on right now? Any leads?" "Oh, well, I'm just a bit…," Ace stuttered. "My undercover assignment are usually not so… suburban." "I understand," Spike said. "Can you at least give me- I mean… give US some details." "The victim is a teacher name Discord, which you already knew," Ace explained. "Nobody knows any enemies he may have. Nothing came up from searching his home, computer, or cell phone. His bank records tell a different story. He had fairly large savings account and a lot of cash deposits. We suspect he was involved in something shady – drugs, gambling, or blackmail." "The old secret routine," Pinkie strolled her chin. "Pinkie," Spike said to her, telling her to be quiet. "That's where you two fit in," Ace continued. "Since you two used to be students here, you can go talk to a few folks and see what you can find out. We think he might kept information about his activities in a notebook or journal, so keep a look-out anything like that." "Will do, sir," Spike said. "But before we do that, let's eat first," Pinkie took a menu and reads through it. Spike role his eyes. He looks at the menu with Pinkie and saw something particular. Someone wrote Xe:R3, Te:L3, and Hg:L3 on the menu. And underlining the words. A few were underlined with one line, two lines, three lines, and four lines. Pinkie didn't seemed to care, but Spike quickly scanned the menu. The one line words spelled out J OU R N A L. The second spelled out H I S. The third spelled IS MY. And finally the forth spelled CASH COW. Spike took the menu from Pinkie and put it back down on the table. "Pinkie, we don't have time to eat, we have to go find answers," Spike said. "Spike is right. You two should get going," Ace said. Pinkie sadly sighs and did what he told them to do. The two walked out of the restaurant walking down the sidewalk. Spike looked around making sure no one was following them. "Okay, Pinkie, if you're going to help me, I need you to do me a favor," Spike said. Pinkie nodded her head. "I think Discord is leaving us messages." "Really? I haven't got a text from him lately," Pinkie checked her phone. "That's not what I meant, Pinkie, I'm talking about Secret messages," Spike continued. "I notice that the menu you picked up was drawn on it. Someone wrote out these weird clues and underline the letters. I figured it might've been Discord. He probably wrote it before the incident." "What makes you so sure he wrote on the menu?" "Because he wrote this to me," Spike showed her the paper Discord wrote. "He gave it to Celestia to have her to send it to me." "Why didn't you told Ace any of this?" Pinkie asked. "I was, but then I notice he left a clue on the menu for a purpose. It spelled out 'HIS JOURNAL IS MY CASH COW'. Pinkie, I think he's telling us who the culprit is. And he wanted us to find out." "Still though, why didn't you show this to Ace? He can help out to, you know." "Ace would've known it by now. I think Discord is telling me not to trust anyone until we find the culprit." "Do you trust me?" "Pinkie no offense, but you aren't exactly the kind of person who would do such a thing." "You're right. So what now?" "Now we go back to school. Ace told us there were still people in it," Spike said. "And I think one of them is the culprit." Chapter 3: The SuspectsChapter 3 The Suspects Spike and Pinkie arrives at the school. Where Discord was beaten up recently. This is where the mystery begins. "Alright, we'll just ask a couple of questions and give Ace some news," Spike said. "And maybe search for more clues," Pinkie added. "Right. Maybe somewhere in this building, Discord must of plant messages that no one would care for." They saw Harshwhinny coming out of the classroom. She saw the two, surprised to see them here. "Spike? Pinkie? What are you two doing here?" she asked. "We working undercover for Di-" "Undercover for school news about Discord's accident!" Spike quickly said, covering their story. Harshwhinny looked at them weirdly and shook her head. "Anyway, if you're here about Discord, he's not here," Harshwhinny said. "As hall monitor, I have to guard the building till summer vacation is over. But I can see you two are already out of high school for good." "You seem very calm about the situation of what happen to Discord," Pinkie said squinting. "Because no one actually cares for a science teacher," Harshwhinny answered. "Especially Mr. Discord." "Why is that?" Spike asked. "Because he's rude, dishonest, self-centered, and manipulative," Harshwhinny said. "Manipulative?" Pinkie whispered to Spike. "Something about a reinforce lesson," Spike whispered back. "Anyway, I gotta go. I'll be in the lounge," Harshwhinny walked off walking down the hallway. Spike was thinking. Out of all the people, he didn't knew Harshwhinny hated Discord as well. "It's strange how Harshwhinny didn't cared for Discord's 'accident'," Spike said, quoting. "Discord is a meanie," Pinkie said, proving a point. "SPIKE!" a girl shouted. Spike turn around and was attacked by a hug. It was Trixie giving Spike the biggest hug. Spike started to suffocate from her tight arms around him neck. "Spike! It's been so long you little cutie pie!" Trixie squealed. She let go of Spike giving back his air. "Trixie? What are you doing here?" Spike asked, catching his breath. "I'm here to study," she answered. "For what?" Pinkie asked. "I'm going to become a doctor," she answered. "I thought you want to be a magician. "I did, but I want something more important in the future," Trixie said. "Anyway, what are you doing here back?" "We're here about the news of Discord's accident," Spike said, lying to her. The more lies he threw, the more guilty he felt. "I heard about that," she said sadly. "I heard Mr. Discord got pushed down a stairwell. But enough talk, I – The Great Trixie – will be studying about medical surgery." "Wait a second, what is Harshwhinny doing here?" Spike asked her. "She's a hall monitor now. Meaning she thinks she's running the school during summer vacation," Trixie answered. "Flash is also here on the football field. I heard rumors though that Harshwhinny had a crush on Discord." "Ah ha! She is dating Discord after all," Pinkie said. "I wouldn't say dating, that was back then," Trixie said. "Why is Flash here?" Spike asked. "Well, I guess because he had some free time from work," Trixie continued. "I forgot to mention, but did you heard about Mr. Cake's father? "His father?" "Said that he was a great politician, but not a very good businessman. I think his company went bankrupt a few years ago. Look I really need to be studying, I'll see you guys later." She took off running. Spike and Pinkie was left alone again. "This is strange," Pinkie spoke, now thinking. "But why would not two, but three people we know be here at the school?" "For once, I agree with you. I'm also curious about Mr. Cake," Spike said. "We'll talk to Flash later. For now, let's go over to Harshwhinny." "She's said she'd be at the lounge." They headed to the lounge. There stood Harshwhinny flipping through papers. She notice them again. This time irritated. "What do you two want?" she asked, very harshly. "I heard you were dating Discord," Pinkie spat out. Spike slaps his face. Harshwhinny's eyes widen. She gulp and stuttered. "Look, it was a long time ago before you two were born," he said. Again, harshly. "Why is Trixie here? I thought you were guarding the place," Spike asked. "I know, but she told me she's trying to get more scholarships for college," Harshwhinny explains. "Lately she's been looking really burnt out. I think the pressure is getting to her." "Pressure?" "I guess it's a big deal for her family that she get into a good school on a free ride. Look, if you're going to bug me, go do so with someone else." Spike and Pinkie left her alone. The two sighed. They walk down the hall thinking what they're missing. "This is hopeless," Spike said. Without noticing, Pinkie left Spike to see the bulletin board. "So far, we only found out is the suspects. There has to be more to it." "Spike. Come here," Pinkie said. Spike looks over to Pinkie seeing her looking at the board. Spike walks over to see what's up. "Are these the clues you were talking about?" Spike looks on the board. She points at a school newspaper about art exhibits. Then he notice that one paragraph was spelled backwards. And another clue left from Discord. C:R1. "Nice job, Pinkie," Spike said, making her blushing. "But what about this sentence here?" "That's easy," Pinkie said, telling him what it was. "It says… THE HIDDEN VIDEO TAPE, WILL SEAL MY CUPRIT FATE." "Tape?" Spike repeated. Then he struck a thought in his head. "That's it, Pinkie! Mr. Discord is leaving us clues all over the school! And the tape he's talking about must be evidence of who the culprit might be!" "Why don't Mr. Discord just tell us who it was?" Pinkie asked. "Because the culprit would kill him if he told everyone," Spike answered. "Making a game for him and us to solve." "Mr. Discord must left a bunch of clues on the bulletin board." "Actually, Pinkie," Spike said taking a step back. "All of these are the clues we're looking for." Different papers with the same clues were typed and writing on there. And different puzzles on every single paper. Spike quickly got the paper out from Discord and wrote the clues down. He also notice the puzzles he left behind. "Okay, see that sentence with spaces between," Spike points out. "That says FIND THE MORNING EDITION AND DISCOVER ANOTHER CRIME, THE ANSWER IS IN BLACK AND WHITE TO WHO WILL DO THE TIME." "And here's another one," Pinkie took a small paper down with letters spelled backwards. "'Up, down, left, right. The first letter will help my plight', it read." "And here's another one," Spike took three papers that were stick together. He immediately solved the puzzle like that. "This one says, 'Nowhere to run and nowhere to hide, Let the books in the library be your answer guide'." "I know this one," Pinkie took one paper from him with letters spelt backwards. "It says, 'A symbol of Kanji worn with great pride, Reflects big secrets that someone must hide'." "And this one says, 'She did what it took to make the grade, Even if it meant cheating to keep up her charades'." "I think Discord is making his own game to play the culprit's game," Pinkie said. "We're back on track, Pinkie," Spike said happily. "You two?" a voice spoke, scaring Spike and Pinkie while dropping the papers around them. It was Flash. "Flash?" Spike and Pinkie both shouted at him angrily. "Sorry, I didn't expect the two of you to be here," he said, helping them pick up papers. "What are you doing here?" Spike asked. "Working out for work," Flash said. "Gotta get pumped up if I'm gonna fight criminals." "Well, since you're here and all, mind if we ask you a couple if questions?" Pinkie asked. Flash shrugs, nodding his head. "Since you're here, why is Harshwhinny here?" "She's the school monitor, hangs out in the gem a lot," Flash answered. "I heard rumors she's been having a real tough time. Having some money problems." "What about Mr. Cake? I heard something about his father going bankrupt," Spike said. "Never heard about that. But I did heard him finding Discord first," Flash said. Spike was getting more and more curious of Mr. Cake. He never heard anything about him in the scene. "What about Trixie?" Pinkie asked. "Always studying," Flash went on. "She's a huge fan of mine. Real smart. But I never understood why Trixie would hang out with Discord." "She was friends with Discord?" Spike was shocked. "And still is. I saw them talking a lot." "But they weren't really friends, is that what you're saying?" Pinkie asked. "Discord didn't had have friends. He may seem a bit cool, but I've seen him crack a couple of times. Always a hothead," the two tilted their heads. "I know. He's got a temper. A bad one. He lets the pressure build until he's wound so tight the slightest thing sets him off. Trixie seemed pretty upset when we all heard about Discord's little accident." Spike was listening to flash's story when spotted a poster on the wall. He was amazed by it. "Hey, Flash, we got to go," Spike said to him. "Talk to you later?" "Sure. Say hi to Twilight for me," flash walks off. Spike walks the other direction and looks at the poster. It was an eye examine poster with a huge letter and small letters from top to bottom. Pinkie looks at it with him. "What is it, Spike," she asked. "Look at the bottom letters," Spike points out. "Discord left another clue for us. It says 'If anything happens to me look in my chemistry book page three zero five'." "So, where's his book?" Pinkie asked. "We're all books are kept. The library," Spike said. "But I'm curious though. If Mr. Discord left these clues, then he must've left a couple more in the Teacher's Lounge." In the lounge, Harshwhinny was in the room where Spike and Pinkie needed to be. "This isn't good," Spike said. "Harshwhinny won't let us in that easy." "I got an idea," Pinkie said. Harshwhinny was typing the schedules for next years. All of a sudden, the fire alarm went off. She jumps as she logs out. She exits the room locking it and finding out who did it. As she left, Spike and Pinkie quickly sneaks in the room with Celestia's keys. They enter the Teacher's Lounge with no worries. Spike notice another bulletin board with four papers with C, L, D, 2 on them. "Just as I expected," Spike said. Pinkie walks up to the map noticing the same clue Discord left. "Spike, look at this," she said. "There's two letter on this side and a letter and a number on this side. Ag and a D2. And he left us another message. 'A trophy was not the only prize, but also money of a greater size." "I understand Mr. Discord would send us clues, but why these messages?" Spike asked. Going on the computer. He remember what Celestia told him what her login is. He typed it in and he was on her home page. "Okay, let's see. Let's print out the security report. Maybe that's how we'll see who the culprit is." Spike printed the paper. The printing machine spits out the security paper. Nothing about a culprit. Except for the people who was in the school the night Discord was beaten. Harshwhinny, Trixie, Flash, and Mr. Cake as well. That surprised Spike. What would Mr. Cake be doing in the school that late at night? Pinkie looks through the filing cabinet. She saw Trixie's name. She opens the file seeing an essay she took last year. Pinkie took the paper with her as she folds it and put it in her pocket. "Okay, I got what we need," Spike said. "Let's get out of here." Spike and Pinkie walks out of the room and down the hall. "Now that we got what we needed, we should show Ace this paper," Spike continued. "What about the clues Discord left behind?" Pinkie asked. "I told you, Discord hid hi messages for a reason, we just-" Spike's phone started to vibrate in his pants. He saw an unfamiliar phone number. He answers it. "Hello?" Spike spoke. "Your one step closer finding out the truth," a deep dark voice spoke to him. Spike head jerks up. "I suggest you stop playing detective before someone could get hurt." "Who is this?" Spike asked. "The culprit who'll kill you and your friend if you find out the truth."
Chapter 1: The IncidentChapter 1 The incident You know Spike and his school years. How he over comes his fear on his first year. How he saved Equestria. How he captured criminals. And how he stopped a mad man from destroying the town. Those years were his life he'll never forget. But Spike will have a much bigger challenge coming to him. This year, Spike was done with high school. He graduated and started thinking about what to do next. He has no plans, no future ahead of him. Until the night after graduation, he'll soon discover his true past. It was a dark night. The school was completely empty. Quiet. A light shine through a crack in a door. There were shuffling noises inside the classroom. Discord burst the door open hesitating. He was huffing and puffing carrying his brief case. He walks down the hall hesitating. Sweat was running down his forehead. He kept looking back behind him. He stops and began hearing footsteps. He stops breathing, hearing where the footsteps were coming from. He turns quickly again to his other side. It came closer to him. The tapping made it louder and louder. Discord quickly turns around again. Then it went pitch black. "If you tell anyone… You'll die," a voice whispered to him. The next morning, Spike was snoring in bed. He was enjoying his sleep in till Shining Armor came in. Shining is his big brother. He sneaks up on Spike while grabbing the mattress. "Rise and shine, graduate!" he cried out, flipping Spike out of bed. He moaned of sleepiness. "Seriously?" Spike growled, still sleeping on the floor. "You do this every year." "It's the most exciting part of the day," Shining pulls the window blinds, shining the light on him. "You get to have fun for at least 15 hours. So, what do you want to do first this morning?" "Punch you in the face," Spike rubs his eyes, wide awake. "That's cute. Come on," Shining left the room. "Mom made breakfast." After a while, Spike and his family as down stairs. Velvet was cooking, Nightlight read the newspaper, and Twilight entered the kitchen. "Morning!" she said. She took a glass of milk Velvet prepared for her and rinks it all up. "Why are you up so early?" Spike asked. "Is there anything wrong getting up early?" she said. "You're right. You're Twilight. What am I saying," Spike chuckled. She went into the room watching TV. She flip through channels till the news caught her attention. As she zones out, Nightlight talk Spike about college. "Spike, where do you think you might go this year? College, I mean," he said. "I don't know yet, I don't seem to have a special talent," Spike answered. "How about soccer? You're good at that," Shining suggested. "Nah. I want something I can easily achieve." "You better think of something fast. Otherwise, you'll have to wait a year to go," Nightlight resumes on reading the paper. In the living room, Twilight jaws dropped. The news talked about Discord how he got into an accident. "Last night, a teacher name Discord was found on the floor in school last night," the reporter spoke. "He's still breathing but severely beating up. He fell down the stairwell of the school and broke his arm." "Spike!" Twilight cred out. Later that day, Spike, Twilight, and Shining Armor were all at the school surrounded by cops and ambulance. Spike spotted Celestia. Seeing her worried. He walks up to her to see what happened. "Principal Celestia! What happened?" he asked her. "Spike! Thank goodness you're here," she said with grief. "I see you brought Twilight and Shining Amor with you." "Actually, Twilight brought us here," Spike corrected her. "But that's not the point. What happened last night? Is Mr. Discord going to be alright?" Celestia looked really sad. She looks over at the ambulance driving off where Discord is in. He was alright for an old man. But she was still worried. "It's best if you come to my house," Celestia spoke. Spike was feeling something inside. Inside, something told him that this accident was no accident. At Celestia's house, Spike and Twilight was in the living room. Celestia locked the doors and closed the window blinds. She finally sat in her chair. Spike and Twilight sits on the couch. Ready to hear the story of Discord's injuries. "It began when I was walking to school…" I was walking down the streets in the morning. A medic car with the sirens going off dash through the streets heading to where I was going. As soon as I made it to school, I saw ambulance around the front entrance. That's where I saw Discord in the medical bed. I ran to him seeing if he was alright. Up close I saw him bruised up. A Black eye, nose bleed, and his arm broken. "Discord! What on happened to you?" I said, worried. The medics lead me into the ambulance with Discord. They left me and him alone. Discord started to stuttered. He turned to me and whispered. "C-Close th-the-the d-d-d-doors," he said in a weak and horrifying voice. I did what he said. After that, he looks up at the ceiling. Resuming his story. "It came to me… It told me not to tell." "It? Who was it, Discord? We'll find that person and put him to jail personally," I said. "I can't… I can't tell…" discord shook his head, crying. "It will kill me if I told you. It told me to call It that." I sat there breathless. Nothing made sense to me. I never seen Discord scared before in his life. "What happened to you?" I asked. He gulped, clearing his throat. He told his side of the story. "It was not too long ago…" (47 minutes ago) He stops breathing hearing where the footsteps were coming from. He turns quickly again to his other side. It came closer to him. The tapping made it louder and louder. Discord quickly turns around again. A mysterious shadow figure punches him in the face. Discord fell back. The mysterious figure kicks him in the stomach. Discord curled into a ball on the floor. Next, the attacker drags him across the floor sending him to the stairwell. The stranger kicks Discord down the stairs. He topple all the way down to the first floor and broke his arm. All the pain and suffering, Discord crawled for his life. The attacker slowly walks down the stairs following Discord. The attacker set foot on the first floor and walk towards him. Discord could almost reach the exit, but his leg was grabbed and was dragged back into the nightmare. The attacker kneels down near him and whispers into his ear. "If you tell anyone… You'll die," the culprit spoke. "You call me 'It' for now. If you tell anyone my identity, I will find you." The culprit took Discord's phone dialing 911. The attacker held it against Discord's ear. "Tell them what happen… carefully," the culprit said. "Hello? 911, what's you emergency?" "…I'm hurt badly…I fell down the stairs and broke my arm," Discord said in pain. "Please send medics." The culprit hung up the phone and set it down the floor gently. "One more thing," the culprit said. "If a boy name Spike happens to ran into you. Tell him that I'll be waiting. I want him to find me. Give him clues of who I might be. When Spike figures out who I am, you're free to go. Remember, if you tell him who I am – or anyone else – you'll die. You lie… you live. You tell… you die." "And that's the story how Discord is like this," Celestia finished her story. Spike and Twilight both gulped in fear. "So… why does the culprit want from me?" Spike asked. "I'm afraid Discord didn't said much," Celestia said. "But he did gave me a piece of paper for you." She took a piece of paper out of her pocket and gave it to Spike. He saw what was writing on it. Xe:R3 Te:L3 Hg:L3 "What do they mean?" Twilight looked at the paper. "I don't know. Discord told me that Spike needs to figure out his clues," Celestia said. "He said that a couple of days ago, he scattered clues around the school." "So we find his clues, we find the culprit," Twilight said. "I'm sorry, Twilight, but I want Spike to go on his own," Celestia said. "What! Why?" Spike got upset. "Think about it; if Twilight helps you found out who the culprit is, she might be in danger," Celestia explained. "It's safe if you go in alone for now." "I understand," Spike and Twilight sighs. "Now, what's more important, is that a close friend of mine will be waiting for you at Sugarcube Corner. He's a cop," Celestia got off her chair and walks to a painting of roses. She swings open the painting revealing a safe. She enters the safe combinations. A small light turned green. She opens it showing cash and papers. "What's in there?" Twilight asked. "This is where I keep my wealth and the deed to my house," she explain. "Also the keys to the school building. But if you push in a wrong number three times, something bad will happen," She hands the keys to Spike. He took them and put it in his jacket pocket. "Now, Spike, I don't know what's been happening lately, but somehow this culprit knows who you are. Meaning it could be someone in town you know. Be careful and good luck." "This is crazy, but I'll do it," he said. "And before I forget, you need to log into my computer; my username is PRNS Celestia and my password is mlpfim – all lowercase. Remember that," Celestia said to him. "Got it. Don't worry, I'll find out who's responsible for Discord accident," Spike walks out of the door, heading to Sugarcube Corner. Celestia sighs heavily. Twilight watches Spike run off. "Why would anyone want Spike for?" Twilight asked. "I don't know," Celestia spoke, turning her back to her. "But I am certain it has something to do with his past. And I believe he'll soon find out the truth."
Chapter 2: Spike's PartnersChapter 2 Spike's Partners Spike walks down the street. He headed to Sugarcube Corner to visit one of Celestia's closes friends. A cop who is undercover and a bodyguard. His name is Wild Ace. Celestia told Spike he would be wearing something casual. Spike made it to Sugarcube Corner. He saw a few people wearing casual clothing. "Spike, how are you," Mr. Cake greeted him behind the counter. "I'm doing fine, thank you," Spike smiled. "You heard what happen this morning? It's a shame what happened to Discord," Mr. Cake lowered his head. "That's okay. Because I…" Spike stops himself. He forgot he was also undercover. He had to make up a story. "…Because I brought him a 'get well' card." "I don't think a card can cure him, Spike," Mr. Cake said, believing his story. "Anyway, a guy walked in here talking about you. Said something about you being a good friend back in your hometown." A friend in Spike's old hometown? Spike don't remember having friends at his old home – besides Comet Strike. It must've been Wild Ace. So Spike played along. "Any chance where my friend is sitting?" Spike asked. "Over there talking to Pinkie," he points over to a man talking to Pinkie Pie. "Thank you," Spike walks over to them, hearing them laughing. Pinkie notice Spike with a gasp and gave him a big hug. "Spike! It's been a while!" Pinkie swings Spike around with glee. "I was at college and learn many things! Though it was boring without out and the girls." "It has been a while. Gad to see you back in town," Spike said. "So, your name is Spike," a man said. It was Wild Ace in his casual clothes. "Celestia told me about you." "Spike, you know this guy?" Pinkie asked, still hold him tightly in her arms. "Well, uh, I, uh…" Spike stuttered, hoping she didn't found out what goes on with him and Wild Ace. "It's alright Spike, I told her everything," Wild Ace said. "And I'm glad your Pinkie Pie ran into me." "Really? Why is that?" Spike asked. Pinkie set Spike down. "Because I want you and Pinkie to find out who beat up Discord," he said. Spike dropped his jaws and Pinkie shouted YAY!. "Why me and Pinkie? I thought you want ME to go out on my own," Spike said. "I do, but this would be quicker if there were two people working on the case. Pinkie told me about you solving the mystery how Ms. Cheerilee got her classroom trashed, and how you solved Celestia's game. Pinkie also told me she's been learning how to become a detective." "That's why I go to college," Pinkie spoke. "Okay, but is it really okay that Pinkie joins me? I mean, I could be in danger," Spike asked. Still not feeling comfortable about this. "All you're doing really is asking questions. You just leave the case to me," Wild Ace said. "But don't tell anyone about this." "No problem, Ace," Pinkie said. "Easy for you to say," Spike moaned. Thinking Pinkie can't keep secrets. "So what going on right now? Any leads?" "Oh, well, I'm just a bit…," Ace stuttered. "My undercover assignment are usually not so… suburban." "I understand," Spike said. "Can you at least give me- I mean… give US some details." "The victim is a teacher name Discord, which you already knew," Ace explained. "Nobody knows any enemies he may have. Nothing came up from searching his home, computer, or cell phone. His bank records tell a different story. He had fairly large savings account and a lot of cash deposits. We suspect he was involved in something shady – drugs, gambling, or blackmail." "The old secret routine," Pinkie strolled her chin. "Pinkie," Spike said to her, telling her to be quiet. "That's where you two fit in," Ace continued. "Since you two used to be students here, you can go talk to a few folks and see what you can find out. We think he might kept information about his activities in a notebook or journal, so keep a look-out anything like that." "Will do, sir," Spike said. "But before we do that, let's eat first," Pinkie took a menu and reads through it. Spike role his eyes. He looks at the menu with Pinkie and saw something particular. Someone wrote Xe:R3, Te:L3, and Hg:L3 on the menu. And underlining the words. A few were underlined with one line, two lines, three lines, and four lines. Pinkie didn't seemed to care, but Spike quickly scanned the menu. The one line words spelled out J OU R N A L. The second spelled out H I S. The third spelled IS MY. And finally the forth spelled CASH COW. Spike took the menu from Pinkie and put it back down on the table. "Pinkie, we don't have time to eat, we have to go find answers," Spike said. "Spike is right. You two should get going," Ace said. Pinkie sadly sighs and did what he told them to do. The two walked out of the restaurant walking down the sidewalk. Spike looked around making sure no one was following them. "Okay, Pinkie, if you're going to help me, I need you to do me a favor," Spike said. Pinkie nodded her head. "I think Discord is leaving us messages." "Really? I haven't got a text from him lately," Pinkie checked her phone. "That's not what I meant, Pinkie, I'm talking about Secret messages," Spike continued. "I notice that the menu you picked up was drawn on it. Someone wrote out these weird clues and underline the letters. I figured it might've been Discord. He probably wrote it before the incident." "What makes you so sure he wrote on the menu?" "Because he wrote this to me," Spike showed her the paper Discord wrote. "He gave it to Celestia to have her to send it to me." "Why didn't you told Ace any of this?" Pinkie asked. "I was, but then I notice he left a clue on the menu for a purpose. It spelled out 'HIS JOURNAL IS MY CASH COW'. Pinkie, I think he's telling us who the culprit is. And he wanted us to find out." "Still though, why didn't you show this to Ace? He can help out to, you know." "Ace would've known it by now. I think Discord is telling me not to trust anyone until we find the culprit." "Do you trust me?" "Pinkie no offense, but you aren't exactly the kind of person who would do such a thing." "You're right. So what now?" "Now we go back to school. Ace told us there were still people in it," Spike said. "And I think one of them is the culprit."
Chapter 3: The SuspectsChapter 3 The Suspects Spike and Pinkie arrives at the school. Where Discord was beaten up recently. This is where the mystery begins. "Alright, we'll just ask a couple of questions and give Ace some news," Spike said. "And maybe search for more clues," Pinkie added. "Right. Maybe somewhere in this building, Discord must of plant messages that no one would care for." They saw Harshwhinny coming out of the classroom. She saw the two, surprised to see them here. "Spike? Pinkie? What are you two doing here?" she asked. "We working undercover for Di-" "Undercover for school news about Discord's accident!" Spike quickly said, covering their story. Harshwhinny looked at them weirdly and shook her head. "Anyway, if you're here about Discord, he's not here," Harshwhinny said. "As hall monitor, I have to guard the building till summer vacation is over. But I can see you two are already out of high school for good." "You seem very calm about the situation of what happen to Discord," Pinkie said squinting. "Because no one actually cares for a science teacher," Harshwhinny answered. "Especially Mr. Discord." "Why is that?" Spike asked. "Because he's rude, dishonest, self-centered, and manipulative," Harshwhinny said. "Manipulative?" Pinkie whispered to Spike. "Something about a reinforce lesson," Spike whispered back. "Anyway, I gotta go. I'll be in the lounge," Harshwhinny walked off walking down the hallway. Spike was thinking. Out of all the people, he didn't knew Harshwhinny hated Discord as well. "It's strange how Harshwhinny didn't cared for Discord's 'accident'," Spike said, quoting. "Discord is a meanie," Pinkie said, proving a point. "SPIKE!" a girl shouted. Spike turn around and was attacked by a hug. It was Trixie giving Spike the biggest hug. Spike started to suffocate from her tight arms around him neck. "Spike! It's been so long you little cutie pie!" Trixie squealed. She let go of Spike giving back his air. "Trixie? What are you doing here?" Spike asked, catching his breath. "I'm here to study," she answered. "For what?" Pinkie asked. "I'm going to become a doctor," she answered. "I thought you want to be a magician. "I did, but I want something more important in the future," Trixie said. "Anyway, what are you doing here back?" "We're here about the news of Discord's accident," Spike said, lying to her. The more lies he threw, the more guilty he felt. "I heard about that," she said sadly. "I heard Mr. Discord got pushed down a stairwell. But enough talk, I – The Great Trixie – will be studying about medical surgery." "Wait a second, what is Harshwhinny doing here?" Spike asked her. "She's a hall monitor now. Meaning she thinks she's running the school during summer vacation," Trixie answered. "Flash is also here on the football field. I heard rumors though that Harshwhinny had a crush on Discord." "Ah ha! She is dating Discord after all," Pinkie said. "I wouldn't say dating, that was back then," Trixie said. "Why is Flash here?" Spike asked. "Well, I guess because he had some free time from work," Trixie continued. "I forgot to mention, but did you heard about Mr. Cake's father? "His father?" "Said that he was a great politician, but not a very good businessman. I think his company went bankrupt a few years ago. Look I really need to be studying, I'll see you guys later." She took off running. Spike and Pinkie was left alone again. "This is strange," Pinkie spoke, now thinking. "But why would not two, but three people we know be here at the school?" "For once, I agree with you. I'm also curious about Mr. Cake," Spike said. "We'll talk to Flash later. For now, let's go over to Harshwhinny." "She's said she'd be at the lounge." They headed to the lounge. There stood Harshwhinny flipping through papers. She notice them again. This time irritated. "What do you two want?" she asked, very harshly. "I heard you were dating Discord," Pinkie spat out. Spike slaps his face. Harshwhinny's eyes widen. She gulp and stuttered. "Look, it was a long time ago before you two were born," he said. Again, harshly. "Why is Trixie here? I thought you were guarding the place," Spike asked. "I know, but she told me she's trying to get more scholarships for college," Harshwhinny explains. "Lately she's been looking really burnt out. I think the pressure is getting to her." "Pressure?" "I guess it's a big deal for her family that she get into a good school on a free ride. Look, if you're going to bug me, go do so with someone else." Spike and Pinkie left her alone. The two sighed. They walk down the hall thinking what they're missing. "This is hopeless," Spike said. Without noticing, Pinkie left Spike to see the bulletin board. "So far, we only found out is the suspects. There has to be more to it." "Spike. Come here," Pinkie said. Spike looks over to Pinkie seeing her looking at the board. Spike walks over to see what's up. "Are these the clues you were talking about?" Spike looks on the board. She points at a school newspaper about art exhibits. Then he notice that one paragraph was spelled backwards. And another clue left from Discord. C:R1. "Nice job, Pinkie," Spike said, making her blushing. "But what about this sentence here?" "That's easy," Pinkie said, telling him what it was. "It says… THE HIDDEN VIDEO TAPE, WILL SEAL MY CUPRIT FATE." "Tape?" Spike repeated. Then he struck a thought in his head. "That's it, Pinkie! Mr. Discord is leaving us clues all over the school! And the tape he's talking about must be evidence of who the culprit might be!" "Why don't Mr. Discord just tell us who it was?" Pinkie asked. "Because the culprit would kill him if he told everyone," Spike answered. "Making a game for him and us to solve." "Mr. Discord must left a bunch of clues on the bulletin board." "Actually, Pinkie," Spike said taking a step back. "All of these are the clues we're looking for." Different papers with the same clues were typed and writing on there. And different puzzles on every single paper. Spike quickly got the paper out from Discord and wrote the clues down. He also notice the puzzles he left behind. "Okay, see that sentence with spaces between," Spike points out. "That says FIND THE MORNING EDITION AND DISCOVER ANOTHER CRIME, THE ANSWER IS IN BLACK AND WHITE TO WHO WILL DO THE TIME." "And here's another one," Pinkie took a small paper down with letters spelled backwards. "'Up, down, left, right. The first letter will help my plight', it read." "And here's another one," Spike took three papers that were stick together. He immediately solved the puzzle like that. "This one says, 'Nowhere to run and nowhere to hide, Let the books in the library be your answer guide'." "I know this one," Pinkie took one paper from him with letters spelt backwards. "It says, 'A symbol of Kanji worn with great pride, Reflects big secrets that someone must hide'." "And this one says, 'She did what it took to make the grade, Even if it meant cheating to keep up her charades'." "I think Discord is making his own game to play the culprit's game," Pinkie said. "We're back on track, Pinkie," Spike said happily. "You two?" a voice spoke, scaring Spike and Pinkie while dropping the papers around them. It was Flash. "Flash?" Spike and Pinkie both shouted at him angrily. "Sorry, I didn't expect the two of you to be here," he said, helping them pick up papers. "What are you doing here?" Spike asked. "Working out for work," Flash said. "Gotta get pumped up if I'm gonna fight criminals." "Well, since you're here and all, mind if we ask you a couple if questions?" Pinkie asked. Flash shrugs, nodding his head. "Since you're here, why is Harshwhinny here?" "She's the school monitor, hangs out in the gem a lot," Flash answered. "I heard rumors she's been having a real tough time. Having some money problems." "What about Mr. Cake? I heard something about his father going bankrupt," Spike said. "Never heard about that. But I did heard him finding Discord first," Flash said. Spike was getting more and more curious of Mr. Cake. He never heard anything about him in the scene. "What about Trixie?" Pinkie asked. "Always studying," Flash went on. "She's a huge fan of mine. Real smart. But I never understood why Trixie would hang out with Discord." "She was friends with Discord?" Spike was shocked. "And still is. I saw them talking a lot." "But they weren't really friends, is that what you're saying?" Pinkie asked. "Discord didn't had have friends. He may seem a bit cool, but I've seen him crack a couple of times. Always a hothead," the two tilted their heads. "I know. He's got a temper. A bad one. He lets the pressure build until he's wound so tight the slightest thing sets him off. Trixie seemed pretty upset when we all heard about Discord's little accident." Spike was listening to flash's story when spotted a poster on the wall. He was amazed by it. "Hey, Flash, we got to go," Spike said to him. "Talk to you later?" "Sure. Say hi to Twilight for me," flash walks off. Spike walks the other direction and looks at the poster. It was an eye examine poster with a huge letter and small letters from top to bottom. Pinkie looks at it with him. "What is it, Spike," she asked. "Look at the bottom letters," Spike points out. "Discord left another clue for us. It says 'If anything happens to me look in my chemistry book page three zero five'." "So, where's his book?" Pinkie asked. "We're all books are kept. The library," Spike said. "But I'm curious though. If Mr. Discord left these clues, then he must've left a couple more in the Teacher's Lounge." In the lounge, Harshwhinny was in the room where Spike and Pinkie needed to be. "This isn't good," Spike said. "Harshwhinny won't let us in that easy." "I got an idea," Pinkie said. Harshwhinny was typing the schedules for next years. All of a sudden, the fire alarm went off. She jumps as she logs out. She exits the room locking it and finding out who did it. As she left, Spike and Pinkie quickly sneaks in the room with Celestia's keys. They enter the Teacher's Lounge with no worries. Spike notice another bulletin board with four papers with C, L, D, 2 on them. "Just as I expected," Spike said. Pinkie walks up to the map noticing the same clue Discord left. "Spike, look at this," she said. "There's two letter on this side and a letter and a number on this side. Ag and a D2. And he left us another message. 'A trophy was not the only prize, but also money of a greater size." "I understand Mr. Discord would send us clues, but why these messages?" Spike asked. Going on the computer. He remember what Celestia told him what her login is. He typed it in and he was on her home page. "Okay, let's see. Let's print out the security report. Maybe that's how we'll see who the culprit is." Spike printed the paper. The printing machine spits out the security paper. Nothing about a culprit. Except for the people who was in the school the night Discord was beaten. Harshwhinny, Trixie, Flash, and Mr. Cake as well. That surprised Spike. What would Mr. Cake be doing in the school that late at night? Pinkie looks through the filing cabinet. She saw Trixie's name. She opens the file seeing an essay she took last year. Pinkie took the paper with her as she folds it and put it in her pocket. "Okay, I got what we need," Spike said. "Let's get out of here." Spike and Pinkie walks out of the room and down the hall. "Now that we got what we needed, we should show Ace this paper," Spike continued. "What about the clues Discord left behind?" Pinkie asked. "I told you, Discord hid hi messages for a reason, we just-" Spike's phone started to vibrate in his pants. He saw an unfamiliar phone number. He answers it. "Hello?" Spike spoke. "Your one step closer finding out the truth," a deep dark voice spoke to him. Spike head jerks up. "I suggest you stop playing detective before someone could get hurt." "Who is this?" Spike asked. "The culprit who'll kill you and your friend if you find out the truth."
