The Equestrian Event

The cry of the train's whistle pierced the late morning air, just as Twilight sprang from her seat. Stepping into the aisle, she looked over her shoulder and noticed that Jay was still engulfed in his reading.

"We're here," Twilight said, rather impatiently. "C'mon, let's go!"

"Just a sec," Jay replied, raising an index finger to Twilight. His eyes continued to race along the pages of his book as Twilight tapped her hoof in annoyance. A moment later, Jay snapped the book shut and rose from his seat.

"Now we can go," he said as he slung his bag over his shoulder.

Twilight rolled her eyes and made her way toward the train's exit as Jay followed behind. Stepping onto the wooden platform that ran parallel to the tracks, Jay could see that they were only on the outskirts of the city.

"I would've thought we'd be closer to city central, not one stop over from the boonies. Is it just common practice for you guys to build every transport hub as far from everything as you possibly can?" Jay asked as he observed the area surrounding the station.

"The railroad didn't exist when Canterlot was constructed," answered a voice that Jay didn't recognize. As he turned to address the owner of the voice, Jay was met by the sight of a grey unicorn adorned in a glimmering set of golden plate armor. On either side of him was a white pegasus, each wearing armor of a similar fashion.

"Captain Searchlight!" Twilight greeted the stallion. "It's good to see you again."

"You as well, Miss Sparkle," replied the captain. He turned to Jay. "And would I be correct in assuming that this is the... guest, we were told about?"

"You would," said Jay. "And I can only guess that you must be the welcoming party."

"So it would seem," said the captain.

"Right then!" Jay clapped his hands together, causing one of the pegasus guards to flinch. "Shall we?"

"If you'll follow us please," Searchlight said, turning around. "There is a carriage waiting."

The group followed a path to the back of the station. Sitting idly on the stone road was a plain wooden stagecoach. The two pegasi began harnessing themselves to the front of it as Searchlight ushered Jay and Twilight inside. Taking his seat from across the pair, he shut the coach door.

"Rather inconspicuous," Jay said once they were all inside. "Except for the fact that your twenty-four karat boys out there are the ones toting us around."

"Most ponies wouldn't bother giving a second look," said the captain. He knocked his hoof against the carriage wall and they began to move.

"Seems like her majesty doesn't want them giving me even a first look," Jay said as he reached into his bag. "Would you mind if I asked you a few questions?"

"Now?" the captain asked. "Rather eager isn't he, Miss Sparkle?"

"Well it's either that or we sit here in an awkward silence for the rest of the ride," said Jay.

"I suppose that as long as it's nothing pertaining to the investigation it'll be fine," said Captain Searchlight. "At least, until you have clearance that is."

"Of course," said Jay. He pulled out a pen along with a spiral notepad. "I was just curious about the role the guard plays is all."

"Curious in what way?" the captain asked, cocking his head.

"Well, is your purpose to guard just the princesses, or the citizens as well?" Jay asked.

"We protect all of Canterlot's residents, yes," the captain said.

"So you act as a police force in addition to your normal guard duties?" Jay jotted something down on his note pad. "Do you have guards posted throughout the city or just on the palace grounds?"

"We don't patrol the streets if that's what you're asking," Searchlight said. "There's not much need to."

"So I'm told," Jay said. "Is that also why you're unarmed?"

"Why would that matter?" the captain asked in a gruff voice. Meanwhile, Twilight shuffled in her seat uncomfortably, hoping the ride would be over soon.

"Just gathering facts where I can," answered Jay. "Captain, would you say that you don't need to patrol the streets because there is no conflict, or simply because the thought of conflict doesn't exist?"

"I... I don't believe I follow," said the captain, furrowing his brow.

"Let me ask another question," Jay said as he twirled the pen between his fingers. "When was the last time that you or your guards made an arrest?"

"Uh... It's hard to say," the captain said, tapping his hooves together. "It's been so long... I mean, in past months, we broke up a few rowdy protests, but..."

The pen Jay was twirling stopped dead between his fingers. A curious smile formed on his face as he looked up at the captain.

"What protests?" he asked.

"Well, some ponies weren't too welcoming when Princess Celestia announced her sister's return to the throne." Captain Searchlight removed his helmet and scratched at his mane. "I suppose in their eyes, Princess Luna was still Nightmare Moon. Not someone you would want as Equestria's co-ruler, I guess."

"I never heard about any of that," Twilight said, a frown forming on her face.

"It wasn't something that Princess Celestia wanted attention called to," the captain said, placing his helmet back on his head. He fumbled with it for a moment, making sure it was straight.

"Well, that's all the questions I have for now, Captain," Jay said as he stuffed the pen and notebook back into his bag. "I appreciate the information. I'm sure it'll be useful at some point." He leaned back and shut his eyes. Searchlight opened his mouth to say something, but Twilight shook her head in protest before he could make a sound. The two exchanged wary glances and sat in silence for the rest of the ride.

*****

It wasn't much longer before the coach arrived at it's destination. The trio stepped out onto the cleanly cut marble roads that led to the front gate of the castle, while the guards remained hitched to the coach. Jay let out a low whistle as he tilted his head back to get a better look at the palace.

"A bit ostentatious, don't you think?" he said.

"It's a royal castle," Twilight said as she brushed by him. "What do you expect?"

"A little uniformity. Maybe some more comprehensible architecture?" Jay said, looking at the precarious towers that hung above the city below.

"Or safety," he thought.

"Mister Jay," Captain Searchlight said, "if you could please follow us."

"Yeah, sure," Jay said as he turned to catch up. As he entered the halls of the palace, he could just as easily see the grandeur from the inside as he could from the outside. Rising marble walls arched as they met the ceiling, displaying an intricate array of mural work and other decor. Massive golden chandeliers hung in almost every hall that the group walked through. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the marble corridors. Reaching a large circular room, the group was met by a familiar blue alicorn.

"Captain Searchlight," greeted Princess Luna. "I see our guests have arrived as planned."

"Yes, Your Highness," the captain said.

"Very good," Luna said. "Notify the council. I will wait here with them."

Searchlight trotted off, leaving only the other three in the room.

"Princess," Jay said, giving a curt nod, his hands clasped behind his back. "It's nice to see you again."

"Likewise," said Luna. She looked at Twilight. "He didn't give you much trouble, did he?"

"I wouldn't say that," Twilight said glaring up at Jay.

"She's been a bit moody lately," Jay whispered to Luna.

"I'm right here," Twilight said in annoyance.

"I know," Jay said, a smile beginning to form. "That's why I whispered."

Luna gave a small chuckle, which she then quickly tried to hide.

"Has anypony told you what to expect from the council?" she asked in an attempt to change the subject.

"Eh, I thought I'd just try winging it," Jay said, shrugging his shoulders.

"You mean you didn't even prepare?" Twilight asked, a panicked expression forming on her face. "How could you not prepare for something like this?!"

"Well, I'm prepared to wing it," said Jay. He glanced down at his watch before continuing. "Besides, I'm pretty sure I can make a decent case with the evidence I've found."

"Evidence of what?" Luna asked, her eyes falling to the bag that Jay carried.

"Ah, but that would ruin the surprise," Jay said, a mischievous grin forming on his face. "Wait-" he pointed to the princess. "Are you on the council? Because if so, then it probably helps my chances by one-thousand percent."

"No, I will simply be observing," Luna said. "Though, I'm sure you'll do fine. I look forward to hearing your... statement."

The doors to the council room opened and the captain stepped back into the hall.

"They're ready," he said.

"Alright!" Jay said. "Let's do this thing."

"I'll just wait out here," Twilight said as the others walked in. "Tell me how it goes."

"You're actually a material witness," Jay said, another smile forming on his face. "Which means, you're on the stand with me."

Twilight didn't bother arguing. She contented herself with cursing the human under her breath and grudgingly trotted past the captain into the council room.

Stepping inside the council room, Jay could see a large white throne with three smaller ones on either side of it. On the largest throne sat a white alicorn with flowing a prismatic mane. A golden crown rested on her head, while a similarly fashioned golden collar hung around her neck. In each of the smaller thrones sat a pony, one mare and stallion from each race. They began to whisper to one another as Jay walked to the center of the room, Twilight in tow. Behind them, two guards stood by the door, each one holding a spear with their hoof. Luna stood in the corner of the room, eager for things to start.

"Is that Celestia?" Jay whispered to Twilight, as he pointed to the white alicorn.

"Shh!" Twilight hissed, pulling Jay's hand down.

"I'll take that as a yes," Jay thought.

Celestia suddenly rapped her hoof on her throne, calling for attention in the room.

"You, Jay, have come before this council to ask for permission to assist with a high priority investigation into the robbery of the Canterlot Vault. The council and I, Princess Celestia, will now hear what you have to say." Celestia gestured to Jay with her hoof.

"Well firstly, Princess, I just want to say that I greatly appreciate you and the council taking time out your busy schedules to see me," Jay said. "Secondly, I would like to apologize for my initial intrusion of your privacy."

"Yes," Celestia said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Luna told me of your... insights."

"Yeah," Jay said as he checked to see if his shirt collar was still straight. "And as long as we're being honest, I would like to apologize to your sister and Twilight for my actions last night. Namely, causing a cave-in that almost crushed them." He turned to Twilight, who's eyes had now flared with something Jay hoped was merely anger. "Sorry about that."

"That was y-" Twilight began to say before Jay cut her off.

"Regardless, I want to make it clear that my intention is to provide assistance in any way I can." Jay looked at the council members, awaiting an answer.

"What is it that you have to offer, if I may ask?" the female unicorn councilor asked.

"I've got experience with this sort of thing," Jay said. "Well, not necessarily with robbery, but rather experience with what the robber stole."

"Yes, Princess Luna told us about the events in the caves," said the male earth pony. "Frankly, I find it rather hard to believe. I mean, how does a whole group of miners just snap? Do you have any proof of your claims?"

"Oh, don't worry," Jay said as he reached into his bag. "Sparklebutt here will back me up, but you can see for yourself." Pulling out a folder he held it up to the council. "I brought pictures." Celestia levitated it up to her throne and inspected the contents inside. A grimace spread across her face as she passed the document around to the other councilors.

"This is horrible!" the female pegasus exclaimed. "Who could do such a thing?"

"That's the funniest thing, ya know," Jay said. "They did it to each other. I guess you guys didn't have very good HR departments back then."

"Is this a joke to you?" the male pegasus asked.

"My mistake," Jay said. "I guess you call it a PR department around here. To be honest though, if you think that's bad, you should see what a fully formed Marker can do."

"I'm sorry," said the male unicorn, adjusting the small pair of spectacles he wore. "But why does any of this matter? If it happened so long ago and there is no... what did you call it?"

"A Marker," said Jay, who was now studying the features of the questioner. This councilor's coat was a dark grey, his mane beginning to go white. On his flank was an image of a scroll wrapped in red ribbon.

"If there is no Marker today," the unicorn continued, "then why would it matter if somepony had the Codex? We were told that it was just a translator. What good would it do them now?"

"That was my initial thought when I heard the Codex was stolen," Jay said as he pulled out another folder from his bag. "But then I remembered something." He passed the second folder up to the council to view. "This is a transcript of one of the miner's journals that I found in the caverns. In it, he described hundreds of red shard littering the ground. But when I got there, I only found two."

"Only two?" the unicorn asked. "How is that possible?"

"Quite simple really," Jay said, "Councilor..."

"Scroll," said the unicorn, "Iris Scroll."

"Councilor Scroll!" Jay snapped his fingers. "I thought that was you! Wow, twenty-one consecutive years of service. Impressive. Does that make you the oldest member on the council?"

"I've actually served twenty-three years," Scroll said. "Though I am not the oldest. That would be Councilor Cloud Quill." He gestured to the blue pegasus on the throne next to him. "Now, as you were saying?"

"Right," Jay said. "The simplest explanation is also the most likely. Someone knew that those shards were there and took them. Out of fifty something miners, only thirteen got out of that hell hole, but only after everyone else was dead."

"You mean to say that the miners took the shards with them?" Celestia asked. "But why?"

"Because it told them to," Jay said. He looked over to Luna for a brief moment before continuing. "The Marker was responsible for everything. Even when smashed to pieces, a Marker can still transmit its signal. It's the same signal that told the miners to kill each other and it was the same signal that told them to put it back together."

"That's ridiculous!" the female unicorn said. "We don't even know anything about you, yet we're expected to believe that an evil red rock is going to make us all kill each other, just because some- some strange creature tells us so?"

"Said the magical talking horse, Jay thought.

"Hey, believe what you will, I'm just telling you what I know," he said.

"But why didn't they take the other two shards?" Celestia asked. "Wouldn't they need those to complete the Marker?"

"They didn't take them," Jay said, "because they couldn't find them. That's why they needed the Codex; to figure out how to assemble the rest of the Marker, without the remaining shards. Why it took them a few thousand years to get around to it, I'm not really sure."

"Where did you find these hidden shards?" Scroll asked, leaning forward.

"Oh, they were in the skull of one of the miners," Jay said, pointing to his temples. "Yeah, it must have taken quite a lot of force to shove two rocks into a unicorn's head. Then again whatever did it also removed said head from the body, so..."

"I think I'm gonna be sick," said the female earth pony.

"Very well," Celestia said. "Where are those shards now?"

"Oh, probably buried under a few thousand tons of rock right now," said Jay, winking at Twilight. "Best that no one has them, don't you agree?"

"You mean that you destroyed critical evidence?!" Scroll exclaimed.

"Yes," said Jay. "I thought we were clear on that."

"Enough," Celestia said, raising her voice. "Is there anything else you have to tell us?"

"I actually had a few questions, if you don't mind," said Jay as he pulled out the notebook he had been using in the carriage. "Just to clear up a few details. What was the most horrific, terrible, and violent event that you can remember happening in Equestria? Preferably in your lifetime."

All the councilors sat silent, looking to one another and shrugging their shoulders. Finally one spoke up.

"I suppose that the most terrifying thing in recent memory was the return of Nightmare Moon," said Cloud Quill.

Jay looked over to Luna, whose gaze had dropped to the floor.

"Seriously?" Jay asked, looking at the councilor.

"Oh yes, it was most terrifying," Cloud Quill said. Many other councilors nodded in agreement. Luna's head sunk further.

"That's what you're going with?" Jay asked. "Okay, fine. Tell me what happened."

"Er- excuse me?" Cloud Quill said, surprised.

"Tell me. What. Happened." Jay tapped the notebook with his pen after each word. "If it was so terrifying, surely you remember the event."

"W-well," Cloud Quill fumbled with his words. "It was a year ago... The day of the Summer Sun Celebration. Princess Celestia was supposed to make an appearance, but she never showed up." He looked at Celestia, who said nothing. "Suddenly, everything was dark, the moon covering the sun. Then... she appeared."

"Nightmare Moon," Jay said. "Then what happened? Did she attack the capital, dispose of the guard, take the throne?"

"Well no," Cloud Quill continued, " She went back to the old Everfree Castle... I guess a few hours later, Celestia was back and Nightmare Moon was reformed as Princess Luna by the Elements of Harmony."

"Wait," Jay said looking up, "a few hours? Really? You sure you didn't skip anything?"

"Yes?" Cloud Quill said nervously, more of a question than an answer.

"So let me get this straight," Jay said, looking at the notebook. "The most horrible event you can remember is the return of Nightmare Moon, who caused an eclipse for a few hours, and was then reformed into your now co-ruler of Equestria by the, what were they called?" He read what he had written down.

"The Elements of Harmony?"

"Yes?" Cloud Quill shrunk back into his seat a little more.

"Wow. That's just... what's the word?" Jay scratched his head. "I want to say sad? Sad and pathetic. Yeah, let's go with that."

The councilors began to whisper each other once more, bewildered at the statement. Luna stared at Jay with the same look of bewilderment, which was met by a small smile.

"Princess," Jay began as he handed his notebook to Twilight, who seemed to be a bit more rigid than usual. "I would like to refer to the last recorded war that this country experienced."

"For what purpose?" Celestia asked, resting her head on one of her hooves.

"To address the fact that this nation is not ready for what is already here." Jay pulled out the book he had been reading on the train.

"I've always liked the study of war. Seeing the different tactics, the technology implemented, and how it all varies between nations. I gotta commend you and your sister's contribution to the history books. The liberation of the Crystal Empire is one of my favorites. Solo run-n'-gun. Classy. Though, I must say, as time went on, Equestria's strategy took a different turn." He flipped through the book and stopped on a marked page.

"The last recorded battle took place at..." Jay read over the name listed on the page and gagged. "Could you read that for me, Twilight?"

"Cupcake Cove," Twilight said, avoiding eye contact.

"Listed as having the sweetest shores in Equestria," Jay said, grimacing.

"Anyway... you had some dragons that were moving in and threatening to burn down the surrounding settlements if they didn't leave. They even tried to, though failing miserably. Still, how was this problem resolved?"

Jay began to read an excerpt from the book.

"In the end, the two day long conflict was brought to a close when the townsponies offered the dragons a bountiful feast and kindly welcomed them to live in a nearby cave." Jay snapped the book shut. "That was three-hundred years ago. And it was a conflict, if you could call it that, that lasted two days."

"What is your point?" the female pegasus asked.

"My point is that your chances of survival are not looking too good if you take this on in the usual manner," Jay said. "I'm all for that peace and love power stuff, don't get me wrong. It'll just fail miserably this time around."

"I've heard quite enough!" the female unicorn exclaimed. "This level of contempt alone should be enough to excuse you from being part of this investigation."

"Agreed," the female pegasus said. "Equestria can handle this problem, without your help."

"They're right," said Cloud Quill, still flustered. "Princess Celestia, I believe that this... thing should hand over all of its evidence at once and be banned from the investigation.."

"I have to agree," said Iris Scroll. "Though you have given us proof of this Marker's existence, I don't think we should allow someone with your level of eccentric behavior to be involved with such a sensitive matter."

"That's quite enough," said Celestia. "Jay, is there anything else you wish to say?"

"That I really, really want to bitch-slap this Quill prick right about now," Jay thought.

"Yes, Your Majesty but I will refrain from it," Jay said, smiling.

"Very well," Celestia said. "All those in favor of Cloud Quill's proposal, raise your hoof."

All the councilors raised their hoof in the air. Luna let out an audible huff and left the room. Twilight let out a sigh that, for a moment, Jay thought was one of relief.

"It's decided then," Celestia sighed. "I'm sorry, Jay, but we can't have you helping us in this investigation. I must ask that you turn over any information in your possession."

"Actually, you're holding all the hard evidence I have of anything relating to the Codex or the robbery," Jay said. "Hell, this journal is just a compilation of things I find interesting around here." He stuffed the notebook into his bag and clasped it shut.

"Like how inept everyone is," he thought.

"I suppose you are free to leave then," Celestia said. "I can arrange a carriage to take you home if you'd like. Just tell me where."

"You know, I want to get back to the whole, 'being honest,' thing," said Jay as he looked at his watch. "I'm sure you can guess that I'm am not from around here. I was even talking to Twilight about this earlier. Ya see, I'm not even from this country. Or planet. Or solar system. Maybe not even the same universe, I'm not really sure at the moment." Jay waved his hands in the air dismissively.

"When you get into the whole concept of Alcubierre drive travel, things get a bit fuzzy. The point is, I don't think I can take a taxi."

The whole room sat in a dead silence, no one quite sure of what to say.

"Anyway..." Jay said, rocking back and forth on his heels. "I was actually hoping to stick around. See some of the capital. Taste the local flavor."

"Oh," Celestia said, still trying to wrap her head around the whole idea. "I... suppose that's alright."

"Great!" Jay said as he turned to leave. "Nice meeting all of you. Good luck with the whole not dying thing. I'm sure you'll do just as fine as the other twelve worlds. C'mon, Twilight. Let's see what passes for food around here."

The guards by the door recoiled slightly as Jay walked past them and out into the hall. Twilight quickly followed behind, hissing his name.

The ponies that remained in the room looked at each other anxiously, unsure of what to do next.

"Councilor Scroll," Celestia said, breaking the silence.

"Yes, Your Highness?" Scroll answered.

"Take these documents to the royal archivist and have them examined," Celestia said, passing on the two folders Jay had given her earlier. "See what you can find out."

"Of course, Princess," Scroll said, before trotting out of the room.

"Princess, what did he mean when he said, 'the other twelve worlds?'" Cloud Quill asked.

Celestia closed her eyes and bowed her head.

"I haven't the faintest clue."