“…Wha…what…?” Fluttershy sat still as her eyes grew wide, as if she had been slapped. The atmosphere grew heavy as she felt herself stepping backwards away from the rainbow-maned pegasus. “…Dashie, I’m…I’m just fine. Nothing…nothing happened.” She swallowed a lump in her throat.

Rainbow Dash frowned as she stepped forward. She wasn’t giving up so easily. “…You really expect me to believe that, Shy? You’re clearly hurting from something! You can put on a sweet smile for the others maybe, but you can’t fool me! I know you, Fluttershy!” Why was she avoiding this so much? Why did Fluttershy always have to be so…so stubborn?!

“…You…” The timid pegasus lowered her head, her face mostly hidden by her shoulder-length pink mane. “…You can’t…understand…N-nopony can…”

The cyan pegasus grit her teeth. “...Well, how can I understand you if you won’t open up!? We’ve been over this a hundred times, Shy!” Why couldn’t she reach her? They were filly-hood friends!

“…Please, Shy…” Teal eyes blinked as Fluttershy’s lips slowly parted, a breath escaping her mouth as she looked back up to face her prismatic friend. “…Dashie…” She breathed out, before closing her eyes and letting out a sigh. There was nowhere to run. “…I…I don’t want…You may be hurt by what you hear.”

Rose eyes narrowed as Rainbow Dash gave a short nod. “…I don’t care. If it hurt you, Fluttershy…I gotta know.”

What was it? What hurt Fluttershy?

“…I don’t leave my friends hanging.”

The timid pegasus bit her lip as she lowered her head again, her eyes wavering as she thought deeply about her situation. What would Rainbow think of her…if she knew? “…About…two and a half weeks ago…there was a butterfly migration. As usual, you were busy or weren’t interested in going, and everypony else was busy, so…I…I went alone.”

Rainbow sat still as Fluttershy started to shake her head. “W-well, I…I didn’t go alone…A-Angel…” She swallowed a lump in her throat, her voice hesitant. “Angel Bunny…went with me. It required me having to leave the cottage for several days, so I…asked Discord to watch over the animals for me, and…Well…I left the house for several days, with…Angel Bunny by my side. We…we went to go see the butterfly migration. These butterflies were ones that appeared on a dark moonlit night usually, and the patterns on their wings would shimmer as the light would touch like some of the brightest stars in the sky…all different shades of blue.” Her eyes lit up in brief fascination, images of their glittering wings occupying her mind.

The cyan pegasus nodded slowly. “…So…you went to the butterfly migration with Angel Bunny. What happened there? Why have you been avoiding this?”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened as if she’d been stabbed in the heart, her eyes shaking for a moment, before she closed them. “…I…I wasn’t the only pony out that night…” Her posture grew tighter as she pulled her hooves closer to herself. “…It’s…it’s actually very dangerous to…be out at night by yourself with only a bunny for company. I…I didn’t realize somepony had been creeping ever so closer behind me while I was watching the…butterflies.”

Rose eyes widened. “What…what happened…?! Did that pony hurt you, Shy…?!” If anything happened to her filly-hood friend, how could she forgive herself?! Why couldn’t she have been there with her that night?!

A broken voice filled the air. “…Angel Bunny…noticed for me. As…as he jumped out, the pony…the stallion…he had a knife and he…” Her body shook as her teeth clenched, a sense of anger and frustration filling in her gut. “Angel Bunny tried to protect me and that monster killed him. Angel…he was able to bite the stallion and alert me to the situation, but just as I turned around, the monster stabbed him in the stomach. Whatever Angel tried to do to defend me was all in vain! He wasn’t strong enough! That monster showed him no mercy at all!” Her voice grew as she tore at her throat, her meek voice a raging inferno. “After Angel was gone the monster turned towards me next, and I…I didn’t know what to do! I couldn’t think straight! All I saw was Angel’s dead body, lain across the dirt with his blood spelt across the grass blades! And I…I screamed, Dashie. I screamed so much, and I felt so bitter and hurt, I didn’t even notice when I charged at the stallion, and wrestled with him.”

She choked a sob. “He tried to slash at me several times, and while he gave me some minor cuts in a few spots, the biggest damage he did was slicing my mane short. It…it was uneven, but I didn’t even think about it at the time. Next thing I knew, he had pinned me down, but I had also grabbed his knife that was in the grass at the same time, and…”

Rainbow Dash sat still as she stared at her friend, shocked she went through such an ordeal. If…if she just was willing to suck it up for one day and go with her to the migration…

Fluttershy faced her friend, her eyes filled with pain. “…I’m…I’m a murderer, Dashie. I slashed his throat open. I stabbed him over and over, feeling nothing but bitterness. And when he was gone, I…All that was left was Angel Bunny’s dead body…and the knife I had, stained with a bunny’s and a pony’s blood…I…I was scared…I was hurt…I…I was lost. All my life…I’ve tried to see the good in everypony, and Discord can be wonderful as a friend…” She shook her head. “But…that level of cruelty…I can’t believe in that…but I did something horrible. You…you must be disillusioned with me right now.” She refused to look her in the eye. She knew now, and seeing how her friend would react…she couldn’t bear to face that. It would hurt too much.

The prismatic-maned pegasus sat still as she faced her friend. “…You did the right thing, Flutters.” Fluttershy faced her friend with a sharp gasp, her eyes wavering. “…Wha…what? Why…why would you say that? I…I murdered a pony…”

How could she accept it just like that?

Rainbow remained focused. “…You defended yourself against just what that pony was – a monster. If you didn’t fight back, who knows what that stallion might’ve done to you! This way Angel’s sacrifice wasn’t in vain. You lived through it, and you gave that monster what he deserved.” Why couldn’t I have been there? I could’ve protected her…maybe then she wouldn’t be feeling so down… “…I guess that whole incident is why…I’ve yet to see Angel Bunny around your cottage.” She gave a dry chuckle.

The timid pegasus nodded slowly. “…I…I buried Angel Bunny in the Everfree Forest, where we…first met. It seemed fitting…and he liked wandering into the Everfree at times when I wasn’t paying attention…” She sniffled, her body shaking. “…I miss him so much…I…I always thought he’d pass away from old age like most of my animals, but…for such a cruel thing to happen…I…I can’t stand seeing any more cruel actions. I get angry just from noticing it in ponies around me…” It was best to move on from this. Dwelling on it would cause saying unnecessary things. “…But…but…that’s what’s…bothering me. I’ve…I’ve told you all I can, Dashie, I just…” She choked another sob. “…Please let me be alone for right now…”

Rose eyes closed for a bit as Rainbow let out a soft drawn out sigh, filled with regret. It seemed like Fluttershy was spending a lot of time alone lately, but what could she do to help? Her friend was mourning…and she already missed her chance to save her from her suffering. Because of her stubbornness, her filly-hood friend had blood on her hooves…and that could never be undone. “…Okay.” She whispered softly. “…I’ll go. But you gotta promise me…you’ll at least try to pick yourself up from this…okay?” A small smile graced her lips before she turned away, her eyes wavering as she slipped through the recently repaired door, closing it behind her.

As Rainbow Dash faced the wide open skies just outside of Fluttershy’s cottage, she felt her legs grow weak for a moment as she gently leaned against the cottage door, a sigh filled with pain escaping her lips.

Fluttershy…She couldn’t stand cruelty…if only she knew just how cruel she could be, too. If she knew about what all she has done…to innocent fillies and colts…could she even see her as a friend anymore?

…No. Doubt was bad for the business. She knocked out all of her doubt years ago. Now was the time to investigate, not sitting around and getting all worked up! She needed to keep track of Twilight and Princess Celestia’s progress…and apparently Applejack was somehow involved, too? R-Right, she still needed to drop by the hospital to check up on her. Twilight said she got hurt by the other criminal…and that criminal had a weapon. But…what type of weapon? Maybe asking Applejack could give a few clues?

With a sigh as she closed her eyes for a moment, she slowly lifted herself from Fluttershy’s door onto her hooves, and gave a powerful flap of her wings to lift her gently off the ground, hovering above the dirt by a few inches.
Nothing was gonna get solved by hanging around here.

Teal eyes wavered as the yellow pegasus wrapped her hooves around herself, glancing just outside of her round wood-framed window, watching her long-time filly-hood friend take off in the skies. The fact that she lingered so long proved that she was burdened by what she had to say. Her dear friend…knew she murdered a pony.

It was more than enough to take in and rattle her. Did she mean what she said just moments ago? That it was FINE she killed that monster? Or was it a way to try and cheer her up, but she was truly sickened by her inside? She wasn’t sure.

Still, she hoped Applejack was okay. That wound she suffered must’ve felt awful…and to think that it happened to one of her dear friends. Applejack never did anything wrong. She was innocent…

…Angel was innocent, too. And that monster killed him. Kindness…kindness couldn’t bring back cherished loved ones. Kindness couldn’t get rid of the monsters. With so much suffering under the façade of a happy bright day, there was no more ROOM for kindness. Words were NEVER enough.

Gritting her teeth, she narrowed her eyes and turned away from the window, her hooves carrying her towards the kitchen as her shoulder-length pink mane swayed, her eyes set on a 20 pound bag of bird feed sitting on the ground. Beneath this bag of bird feed, the faint indents of a cellar door could be seen as she moved the bag to the side, revealing a metal ring before pulling the door open.

No one was scheduled to visit today. Then again, Rainbow and Twilight didn’t say they were visiting today, either. But things should stay quiet now. There was plenty of time for what she needed to do. As the door lifted up and revealed a wood staircase, she reached for a lamp that was hanging on the wall nearby and took a few steps down before lighting it, illuminating the narrow space with a golden glimmer as she closed the door behind her. If she had any visitors, they’d consider it rude to check her kitchen.

Stepping down the stairs gently, she reached for a black cloak that hung on a hook and wrapped it around her body, covering her cutie-mark and yellow pegasus wings from view as she placed the lamp on a wooden table, the light showing several gardening tools and a dull green garden hose hanging on the walls. She treated this place as a little shed – an extra storage space beyond where her animals rested and played.

Lately though, it was serving another purpose, different from what it was designed for, but it worked for her. As she walked through the small yet functional space, her teal eyes focused on a figure, a pegasus stallion, who was sitting in a chair in the middle of the room. His head, covered by a red mane, was drooped down and his eyes were shut. Fluttershy narrowed her eyes at the figure as she took in the firm rope wrapped around his abdomen as his hooves were tied against his sides, as well as his wings.

Her moves were quiet and deliberate in order not to wake her guest. She had first spotted him during one of her midnight flights to survey any dangerous situations. The stallion had a carriage filled with what seemed like little fillies and colts, and he was actively transporting them somewhere. That alone warranted suspicious activity. What would he do with fillies and colts in the middle of the night? He took them somewhere unknown.

She needed answers.

“…Wake up.” Her voice filled the air with an icy tone, her fore-hoof reaching for the lamp and shoving it in the stallion’s face.
As the light was pressed against his muzzle, the stallion parted his lips in an exhausted moan. “…Guh…” As he tried to open his eyes slowly, “Agh…!” He winced, closing his eyes and squinting as his eyes were assaulted by the sudden over-exposure to the bright light. What happened? Where was he?! “…Who…who are you?! Where am I…?!” He felt his breath quicken as he panted, his muzzle trying to move away from the lamp while his eyes took in his surroundings. “…Why am I here?!”

He remembered something about flying after a long day of work…and then something hard slammed into him…? Was that how he got here?! Did somepony ponynap him?!

She lifted a hood gently to cover her mane as the stallion tried to recover, putting the lamp in between them on the wooden table nearby. “…Good day, Mr. Swift Breeze. I have brought you here in order for you to answer a few questions for me.” Her tone stayed calm as her cold gaze bore down on the stallion, unwavering as he squirmed in his binds. “…Please don’t try to escape, and this will be easier for the both of us.”

Swift Breeze grit his teeth, glancing down at the rope-work keeping him to the chair. “…Oh yeah? What the hay do you wanna know?” His eyes narrowed as a bead of sweat rolled down his forehead, a sense of anxiety kicking in. From the sounds of the voice, it was a mare…and probably a very pretty one at that…

Fluttershy frowned for a bit before turning away from her guest, instead focusing her attention on a saddlebag propped on a chair on the other side of the room. As she approached the saddlebag and pulled out a small card, she placed it on the wooden table for the stallion to see. “…Please. What is this?” She questioned, raising an eyebrow. The card itself was black, but it had engravings of multiple colors, along with the stallion’s name and another engraving, written in old pegasi, from the tribal days. She wasn’t all that versed in old pegasi, but she was sure it had something to do with…rainbows?

The stallion’s red eyes widened for just a moment before he suddenly closed his eyes, and looked back at her with a calm but wavering gaze. “…It’s a security key for the Cloudsdale Weather Factory. I help to mix the rainbows there, and you need that in order to get into the lab. Why are you looking through my belongings? How long do you plan to keep me here?”

She wasn’t convinced. “…Where were you taking those young pegasi fillies and colts? The ones in the carriage you were transporting, at such a late hour?” Teal eyes focused on Swift Breeze as his calm demeanor crumbled a bit more, a bead of sweat slipping down his cheek as his breath increased in pace. “…Wha…What, were you spying on me?! I was…I…I was…giving the cute kids a…joy ride! Yeah, that!”

...That one was obvious. The pink-maned pegasus remained silent as she continued to look at the stallion, a straightforward expression on her face. “…Please, Swift Breeze. Don’t try to avoid the subject, because you’ll just make it harder for the both of us.” Her eyes narrowed as she stared deep into the other’s eyes. “…I can tell you’ve been lying to me. Speak the truth or suffer the consequences. Where did you take those fillies and colts?”

The fierce intensity of her stare caused the stallion to tremble as he couldn’t look away. Those eyes…they were staring right into his blood-stained soul…! They were sucking him in…! “…I…I…I won’t…I…” He stuttered, his calm and composed state long gone from him. “…I…I took them to where I work…” He tried to glance away, but his eyes shook in their place, the teal eyes piercing deep into him.

“…And where do you work exactly?” The teal eyes narrowed, a growl rising in the air from the bottom of the yellow pegasus’ throat. It was close. He was almost ready. She needed to push just a little bit more… “…Where does this card key lead to? What’s your secret?” She leaned into his red eyes more as her muzzle drew closer and closer, the teal eyes becoming bigger and intimidating.

“Keheh…AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!” The stallion threw his head up as he laughed, his eyes bloodshot. Fluttershy winced as she stepped back, moving her muzzle as she blinked, the effects of The Stare fading. The stallion…why was he laughing so hard?! It had no happiness of any kind…it sounded twisted and awful…like a monster. She frowned as she glared at him. “…Answer the question, monster. Where did you take those fillies and colts?! …Where do you work!?” Her voice rose as she growled in frustration, focusing on the insanity deep within those bloodshot eyes as she focused her Stare once more. “Don’t avoid the question!”

“Hehehehehe…” His voice rose to a high-pitched whine as he hiccupped. “…Where no filly and colt ever return…” He gave a giggle, his head dropping forward, his eyes covered by his red mane. “…The stuff of nightmares…The horror story told to every young pegasus…Hehehe…” He looked back at the yellow pegasus, his eyes shaky as he growled at her. “…You better watch out, little missy…because the Rainbow Factory is NOT to be reckoned with. The Superior Supervisor will send you to your GRAVE. Consider that your ONLY warning.”

“The…The Rainbow Factory…!?” Fluttershy felt her lip start to tremble. The Rainbow Factory, from all the scary stories fillies and colts were taught long ago…it was REAL?! “The Superior Supervisor…if I use that card, I can get in to the factory, right?” Of all the monsters out there…the Rainbow Factory was real. It was true that fillies and colts were drained and turned into rainbows…And she had a key to get inside. If she knew where to find it…she could end it all.

Swift Breeze gave a cackle. “Sure, sure, if you wanna risk becoming rainbows…The Rainbow Factory will turn you into mincemeat just like…that.” He giggled. “I wouldn’t go if I were you…but then again, you seem to be an idiot anyway.”

There was no other option. She had the opportunity to stop it. She wouldn’t get another one so easily.

“Tell me…Where can I FIND the Rainbow Factory?”

The doorbell jingled as Twilight pushed the door to Sugar Cube Corner open before she slowly walked into the building, taking in the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries and the whirring sounds of the blender brewing up confectioneries of many flavors, letting out a soft but pleasant sigh from the safe and friendly environment.

Maybe Spike was right…she needed a break. Still, if she was sitting around on the job, nothing would get done. It was only her and Applejack investigating the case after all…unless any other Apples were keeping an eye out and she wasn’t aware of it. As she glanced forward towards the counter, her lips curled into a smile as she saw her bright pink bubbly friend, balancing a plate of freshly baked cupcakes before setting them on the counter along with a sign saying ‘free samples – each day a new flavor!’ on the front of it.

“Good morning, Pinkie Pie.” Twilight gave a small grin as she greeted her friend. “…A new flavor of cupcakes every day? How do you manage it?” A pink aura surrounded one of the cupcakes as she levitated it to her muzzle, taking a bite as the combination of fluffy frosting, cake, and something maddeningly delicious filled her mouth with a guilty pleasure. “It’s really good.”

Pinkie giggled as she lifted her head and watched her friend’s smile. “…Hey, Twilight! I’m so glad you like them! I’d eat them myself, but then there wouldn’t be enough for everypony else to try it.” She gave a light chuckle. “Anyways, this morning’s been,” her mouth was forced open as she gave a small yawn. “…pretty busy actually, with the Cakes so busy with the Twins, and I had to wake up early in order to take over the breakfast rush.” She reached a hoof over to turn off the blender, pouring the pitcher’s chocolatey contents into a clear cup with an indented flower design decorating the rim of the cup, finishing it up with a straw before leaving the counter and heading towards a table by the picture window.

“Heeeere’s your milkshake!” The pink pony sang as Twilight watched her give the cup to a white pristine unicorn with a curled purple mane, her eyes lighting up as she let out a gasp. “…Good morning, Rarity! It’s not every day you come for a milkshake at Sugar Cube Corner so early in the morning.” The lavender-coated unicorn slowly approached the table.

“Thank you, Pinkie darling.” Rarity addressed Pinkie for a moment before the pink earth pony sped back to the counter in order to take care of other customers, until her sapphire eyes met her friend’s purple orbs. “…Twilight darling! It’s a pleasure to see you this morning.” She gave a sweet smile. “…Yes, it’s quite unusual, but after walking Sweetie Belle to school, I figured a little morning indulgence would satisfy my exhaustion. Last night was simply…stressful, darling. I had far too many orders!” She gave a melodic chuckle, her velvet voice filling the air.

Twilight chuckled as she slipped into a seat beside the unicorn, a nod of the head from her granting permission. “It sounds like everypony is stressed. I actually had a pretty stressful night too, with the missing ponies increasing and setting everypony on edge.” She glanced to the side, recalling memories of the slaughtered pony just in front of the Everfree.

…Come to think of it, where did that pony even go?! It wasn’t there after she took Applejack to the Ponyville Hospital…Shoot, the criminal must’ve gone back for it and left no trace. Either way, their target hung around the Everfree Forest…it really wasn’t safe for Fluttershy to stay around there…but she insisted for her animals.

Rarity gave a tired sigh. “…Quite. I’ve been keeping an eye on Sweetie Belle for that reason. Nopony wants their loved ones to disappear, after all.” She frowned, her eyes distant. “…So much has been going on lately…it’s hard to keep track of it all, to be honest.” She glanced back at her friend. “…So have you seen Applejack today? I didn’t see her at the market selling apples this morning.”

Twilight frowned. “Actually…Applejack is currently in the hospital for an injured hind-hoof.” The gasps from both Rarity and Pinkie from back at the counter with her keen hearing caused the lavender pony to swallow a lump. The cheerful atmosphere was replaced by a sense of anxiety, having to be the bearers of bad news. “…I’ll tell you girls in more detail when we’re not surrounded by other ponies wanting their food, but I’ll let you know that she’s alright, she’s gonna be fine.”

Rarity parted her lips. “W-Well, whatever caused such a thing?” And when? When did it happen? How did one of her dear friends end up getting hurt? It could’ve been a farming accident, but Applejack wasn’t the type to end up in the hospital so easily. “…I heard a growing rumor something happened in front of the Everfree…but I’ve yet to get details, darling!”

The lavender unicorn shook her head. “Like I said, I’ll give more details when we’re not surrounded by other ponies.” She lowered her voice to just above a whisper before letting out a sigh. “Still, it seems like everypony’s been having a stressful time lately. I went to talk to Fluttershy this morning, and apparently she’s been all occupied with her animals lately, so that’s why we’ve rarely seen her.” She gave a small smile. “…She came for your Tuesday Spa trip, though, or so I heard.”

Rarity nodded. “Yes, and she had quite a new style! Whatever gave her the idea to cut her mane?” She said before…something about when things happen…oh, dear, she simply couldn’t remember it for the life of her! Still, she behaved so strangely then…but she wasn’t any better. For one thing…she saw the scar on her left eye. “Assertive or no, she must’ve gotten the idea from something, darling.”

The pink earth pony leaned over the two from behind their chairs, joining into the conversation. “Fluttershy cut her mane? Wowie, that’s a huge change! I gotta see it sometime!” She shook her head. “A-Anyways, the breakfast rush is just about over, so why don’t you two come with me into the kitchen and we can talk for a little bit? I wanna know what happened to Applejack!”

Twilight cringed for a bit before letting out a sigh. “…Alright, girls….I’m sure you’re all concerned with what’s happened lately…and it’s high time I stopped keeping things to myself.” She stood up on her hooves as she slipped out of her chair, her fashionista friend following just shortly after.

The three ponies passed through the kitchen doorway as ponies helped themselves to their food with light laughs, letting the pink party pony enjoy her brief time with her friends before getting back to work. However for the three friends, the atmosphere was anything BUT cheery. Pinkie Pie’s lips curled into a small frown as she turned to face the unicorns, her baby-blue eyes filled with concern. “…Alright, Twilight…tell us everything. What happened to Applejack?”

Twilight gulped as she felt another sense of pressure surrounding her as she had to recall the events of just last night. “…W-Well…you understand that ponies have been going missing in Ponyville…right? Rarity, you walk Sweetie Belle to school every morning now.” Her purple eyes met her friend’s sapphire orbs before they both broke contact, a sense of unease in both their hearts.

Rarity faced the group as she parted her lips. “But what does that have to do with Applejack? Whatever happened near the Everfree, darling? There are rumors going everywhere, and nopony has a straight answer!”

The lavender pony closed her eyes, images of Applejack’s injuries filling her mind and causing a cold chill to go down her spine. “…The truth is…Applejack had a run in with the one who’s been causing all the ponies to go missing.” Purple eyes opened into a narrowed expression as she heard the gasps of her two friends. “…It was actually in a struggle with the culprit…she was cut in the hind-hoof by a flat blade from the criminal. I don’t know the full details of everything that was said or done that night…but I had to rush Applejack to the Ponyville Hospital last night, and I even spent the night there.”

Pinkie Pie’s eyes grew wide. “She was attacked by a flat blade?! We should totally go visit her as soon as the Cakes come back and take over!” A flat blade…? But…isn’t that a butcher knife? For like…cutting up meat? I’ve got a few of those in my stock…Rarity may have some too…but who else would have one? “Oh, I should go get a “Get Well” card, and you all need to sign it!”

The fashionista nodded gravely. “…Yes, we really should, darling. Even if we’re sure she’s alright, if we could get some more details…we could get closer to finding the dastardly villain threatening Ponyville! As soon as you can get off, we’re heading right for Applejack’s room!”

“…Right! But I’ve gotta get back to the front counter now, so wait up for me! And we can’t forget the “Get Well” card, too!” The party pony zipped out the kitchen back to the front counter, her chipper voice already resuming pleasing the hearts and stomachs of other ponies. The sight of her ability to twist her smiles in an instant was a skill Rarity really didn’t envy. She was suddenly more aware of the darker nature of her friend, and it resulted in her refusal to try one of the many sample cupcakes on display. She knew exactly what went in those confectioneries…and Twilight didn’t even have a clue.

“…A-Anyways…” Sapphire eyes blinked as the lavender unicorn spoke up. “…I should actually check on Spike. I told him I was taking care of Applejack, and he’s probably still worried over the whole thing…but I’ll tell him I ran into you girls in Sugarcube Corner today. Take care, Rarity.” Twilight closed her eyes as she gave a pleasant smile, heading out of the kitchen and leaving the pristine white unicorn with a single warning. “….The both of you, stay on your guard. You never know what might be lurking in the shadows…”

“Yes, do…do take care, darling.” The fashionista gave an empty smile before it dissipated as the silence grew, the only noise being the blender whirring as ice cream was mixed with milk, the two meshing together into one blend, neither the same form it was before. It very much reminded her of the Rainbow Factory, actually. The sacrifice of foals who failed into an unforgiving machine…and it all came out as a beautiful rainbow, with vibrant colors.

“…A flat blade…” She breathed out. There was nothing more gratifying then when she swung her own finely sharpened knife into flesh, with a sickening squish, yet it was done so cleanly, so frightening. As guilty as she felt, she…loved that sensation. Ever since she was younger she had a fascination for horror stories…and the passion only grew stronger as the years went by.

Pinkie Pie trotted into the kitchen, her eyes focused on getting more flour. “…Better watch out, Rarity…your Mistress is showing.” She giggled, relishing in the surprised expression she got out of her friend and comrade in crime.

“Oh, Pinkie Pie, darling! You startled me!” She frowned, sending a glare towards the pink earth pony. “…Really, couldn’t you have a little more tact?”

The pink pony shrugged. “…Maybe. But while we’re alone, I’ve got a question for you…who do you think would own a butcher knife in Ponyville? Except well, maybe…” She let out another giggle. “You know. But that’s all hidden. But who’d be the most likely one to have one publicly?”

Rarity blinked. “…Publicly, as in…ponies know they have it? That they understand what they use it for?” She put a hoof to her chin. “…Perhaps a griffon? Do they not eat meat?”

“True…but there are no griffons in Ponyville.” Baby blue eyes narrowed. “…I made personally sure of that fact. Even that meany pants Gilda couldn’t be the culprit. I had a party with her in the basement the night she took off.” The bag of flour made a huge thump as she plopped it down on the counter. “….So who’s the one most likely to handle meat?”

The fashionista let out a tired sigh. All the mystery was starting to give her a headache. “…Perhaps it’s best we save this discussion for later, darling. Do you think Rainbow Dash might have a few ideas? She doesn’t know about Applejack yet, does she?”

Pinkie Pie gave another shrug. “…Beats me. Still, it might help to talk with her later. Anyways, I’ve gotta get back to the counter, and you can’t be in the kitchen for long, so…I’ll see you later, Rarity!” She gave a nod to her friend before getting back to work, her smiles once again bright and full of happiness.

How much of that was forced in a day? Rarity let out another long sigh as she complied, walking out of the kitchen as she refused to meet the eyes of the oblivious masses of Ponyville. Someday she’d find the answer. Eventually Ponyville would be at peace again, not knowing the horrors of what happens in the skies in the dead of night. It was laughable how everypony continued on with their daily lives, each one flashing her bright smiles as she walked by.

She could flash a bright smile, too, and they’d just go on like nothing was wrong.

…Ponyville was truly blind.

The artificial light surrounding the Ponyville Hospital did nothing to lift Rainbow Dash’s mood as she walked in the main entrance, her eyes focused on the pony at the front desk. What time did that event even happen last night? Was it when they were checking on Rarity? When they went to the Rainbow Factory? When? How could she let Fluttershy get hurt like that? What the hay was she doing?!

“…Excuse me, may I help you?” The sound of the pony at the front desk caused the prismatic-maned pegasus to look up. “O-Oh, y-yeah, um…” She took in a deep breath and let it out softly. “…I’m here to visit my friend Applejack. According to my friend Twilight, she was hospitalized here just last night? I was wondering what her room number was.”

The mare nodded as her hooves were busy looking through a stack of papers. “…Oh, yes, let’s see…Applejack from the Apple Family, correct?”

Rainbow gave a quick nod. “…Yeah.”

“Alright, let’s have a look here…Ah, yes! It says here she’s currently resting in room B205, on the second floor, hallway B. Do you need me to write it down for you?” She offered, giving a professional smile. Most likely she was currently waiting to go on break or something.

The pegasus gave another nod. “…Yeah, that’d be really awesome, thanks.” She never really got hospital navigation systems, despite how often she ended up here due to some flight accident or another. Still, she supposed it worked for them, at least. Nopony complained about it yet. As the mare reached for a small slip of paper and started to scribble the information on it, the rainbow-maned pegasus reached a hoof over to receive it. “…Looks good. Thanks.” She gave another nod to the pony before starting a brisk trot towards the stairs.

The stairs were located just around the corner, so finding them wasn’t hard at all. In fact, the trip to Applejack’s room was pretty mundane, passing by ponies being assisted by nurses, ponies carrying gifts for loved ones…something like that.

She hated hospitals. They usually felt too closed in for her taste, and the smell of antibacterial sanitizer was everywhere. She felt her body shudder. A little TOO much like her work. Eventually she found hallway B, marked by the sign on the wall as she passed through it. The number was B205, on the second floor…so the room Applejack was in had to be the fifth room in the hall. At least, that’s what she figured it meant. As she went on, her eyes focused on the room numbers. “…B201…B202…B203…and…just past this one is…B205!” She grinned. “…Here it is.”

Emerald eyes blinked open lazily as a knock resonated from the door. “…Applejack, you awake?” She let out a soft chuckle as she sat up in the hospital bed, recognizing the raspy voice of her best friend. “…Come on in, sugarcube.”

Rainbow took that as her invitation to open the door, entering the patient’s room as she took in the sight of her usually active and competitive rival in a hospital bed, everything under her torso covered by a green-colored blanket. With a light laugh, she shook her head. “…You look…pretty miserable. Now you know how I felt!”

The orange farm pony stifled another chuckle. “…Ah, shut up already, RD. Twilight figured Pinkie would be the first to visit outta all you girls. What, you come to laugh at mah situation? Already you’re grinning.”

The rainbow-maned pegasus gave a light-hearted laugh before averting her eyes, glancing at where Applejack’s hind-hooves were hidden under the blanket, her voice dying down. “…How’s your leg? I heard from Twilight you got attacked yesterday by a pony with a weapon?”

Applejack frowned a bit before letting out a deep sigh, pulling the blanket high enough to expose her hind-hoof, covered in bandages. “…Doc says give it several weeks before Ah can buck the apple trees…but Ah should be able to walk on it given three days or so. Personally, Ah think Ah could recover sooner…but mah family dropped by just before you came and told me to take it easy.” She dropped her head. “…That ain’t easy to do. Ah’m usually more active than this…but Ah gotta do what Ah can to get better, you know?”

“Oh, don’t I know it.” Rainbow tilted her head up, letting out a soft sigh before facing the other again. “What the hay happened anyway? What kinda weapon did THAT to your hind-hoof?” Hopefully she’d be able to get answers...as long as Applejack would be willing to speak up…

The farm pony dropped her body slowly into the pillows, her lips parting with another sigh. “…The culprit…Ah’m pretty sure it was the same one that’s been causing all the rest of those ponies to go missin’…Ah caught ‘em in the act when Ah decided to investigate the Everfree. You be careful…the culprit wasn’t a griffon or something like that…Ah only saw a silhouette…but the weapon was…a flat blade. Ah ain’t too familiar with flat blades myself…but it could be a clue to finding out the culprit.” Her eyes narrowed.

Rose eyes blinked. “…A flat blade?” Think! Think! What would a flat blade be used for?! Gah, she wasn’t as knowledgeable with hoof-held blades as the other two with their crazy antics! “…What else, just…the blade was flat? Or was there something else to it?”

“…It was flat, and…Ah remember the blade portion of the weapon was really big and wide, but only on one side. It wasn’t like your usual kitchen knife…” She closed her eyes. Maybe she could ask Twilight to research about flat blades more? They certainly weren’t common in Equestria, she was sure of that. “You got an idea what it was?”

Rainbow shook her head, her lips curled into a frown. “…Not off the top of my head…” She turned to face the door, looking back at her friend. “I’m gonna go check things out! See who all knows about something like that!” She rushed out of the room, her eyes narrowing as she left the orange farm pony in the room.

Applejack reached out a hoof. “R-RD, wait!” As the door shut closed, she let out a frustrated sigh. “…What’s gotten into ‘er? She came in, asked questions, and just left! Ah hope she stays discreet about searchin’ around…”

…The last thing they all needed was a town in full panic.

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

She let out another deep sigh. “…It sure gets borin’ in ‘ere.”

Author's Note

For all you who guessed Fluttershy as one of the culprits, congratulations. (Pretty much everyone)

So, finally finished it, and Fluttershy's issue with Angel's disappearence is revealed. I have nothing against bunnies, but I thought that an act of cruelty like this would warrant her actions now, character-wise.
This one ended up a bit longer than the others, and hopefully the pace is okay enough between scenes. I wasn't sure how to add the shed at first, so I turned it into a cellar. Much easier to hide that way.

Please, tell me what you think! ^^