Chapters Sapphire Night Noire: Book 1- The Mane Inspector
Valor Slums, home to some of the nastiest minds in the Noirvale District. Compared to the rest of the district, life here is not for the faint of heart.
It's a good thing I've never been so weak...
It was a dark and stormy night as I slowly walked through the streets, watching my step as there was always at least a few broken bottles around this time of night. I was used to it thought, seeing that I had been living there for years.
I reached the apartment building I lived in, going in to the door that was labeled "Sapphire Night: Private Investigator", my home. I reached for my keys with my long, lion-like tail, unlocking the door and stepping inside. The room was exactly as I left it. The room kept dim by the worn down curtains, the flitted moonlight just barely passing to caress the two piles of papers, one completed, the other still stacking with cases. I had never thought at I could become popular, the the endless paperwork begged to differ.
I sad down and looked through a few cases. A house burglary, an attack, a runaway, sadly cases I was all too familiar with. Not that I was surprised. Such problems were common chatter among the streets in the Valor Slums,as it was it's nature.
I sighed, putting the work aside and glancing at the letter of invitation that lazed on my desk. It was a formal invitation for a part at the Dwellgood Mansion. How cliche that the private investigator gets invited to a fancy party. There would probably be a problem and it would turn out that the butler did it. It was a classic detective story, and happened surprisingly often. In fact, I considered all parties cases in a sense.
I sighed and wondered if I should even bother going to this party, seeing I would get a call for this case whether I went or not. Despite what those new spy and cop movies want you to believe, there are actual advantages and disadvantages to being at the crime scene when it takes place. Such as having a personal memory for an alibi at the possible cost of the guilty party being extra careful due to there being an inspector being on site.
I was jolted out of my train of thought by a high pitched squeal of distress! I pulled aside the curtains and looked down, to the dark ally below, where a young alicorn filly was getting the living daylights beaten out of her! I quickly opened the window and flew down, "HEY!"
The three attackers stopped what they were doing and turned to me, "What do you want?" One of them hissed.
I narrowed my eyes and growled, "I want you three to go pick on someone your own damn size! A stallion who beats up a filly is nothing more than a coward!"
The lead stallion signaled for his two henchcolts to keep the terrified filly cornered while he took me by the collar of my black trench coat and pinned me to the wall, "You wanna make something of it you silver lion tailed freak?" He used his magic to take a dagger from his belt and held it up to my throat.
A smirk snuck itself onto my face, "Lion tailed freak?" I snuck my tail behind him, "You'd be surprised how often said tail comes in handy." I swiped my tail under his legs, knocking him down, and catching the dagger with my tail, pointing it at him, "Now, you are going to let the filly go, turn around, and and go back to the hole you crawled out of, do I make myself clear?"
The stallion backed away and growled," Watch it sister, I can get you arrested for armed robbery!"
That's when it hit me, "You're slave traders aren't you?" I thrashed my tail angrily.
The stallion took the dagger back, "Yeah and this one is getting sent to the Slashmark Gang in the Eastern Lands, special delivery, so stay out of it!"
I froze, my tail stiffening at the name. Slashmarks, of course... I was all too familiar with them, and I couldn't just let a little filly get sent to those wretched criminals...
I reached inside my trench coat and took out my wallet, "How much are they paying for her?"
The stallion perked his ear up in interest, "You looking to buy her?"
I grumbled, "I prefer to think of it as a bribe to set her free, but whatever floats your boat..." I never did like that slavery was legal in the Midnight Empire, it made me long for Equestria at times, but my place was here. I sighed and opened my wallet, "How much?"
"50 Grand."
"Don't lie."
"350 bits."
I took out that much and helped the filly to her hooves, "Now scram! And don't come back!"
The stallions nodded and galloped off. I then looked to the filly and wiped away her tears, "You alright kid?" She nodded, and I sighed in relief, "Good, now listen carefully alright? You can't stay out here on the streets alright? It's dangerous. Head down High-Street until you reach the Harmony Orphanage, tell them Sapphire Night sent you alright? You'll get in fine." She nodded and I flew back up to my window, going back inside and closing the window.
I hung up my coat and went into the kitchen, putting a mug under the brewer and watched as the dark liquid hit the bottom.
Until I heard something fly into the window.
I looked out the window to find the alicorn filly flying very unsteadily, clinging to the window edge for balance. I sighed and opened the window, "What, you need help finding it? I told you it's just down High-Street alright? Big, obnoxiously pink building, you can't miss it." The filly nodded and flew off, so I closed my window and turned back to my coffee, which was now overflowing.
"Fuck..." I swore, turning off the brewer and cleaning up the mess.
Once I was finished cleaning up, I took my coffee and poured some vanilla creamer in, as well as adding three taps of powdered sugar, the perfect coffee in my opinion.
After that, I went to the bathroom and started running the water in the tub. I figured that I had some time before the tub was full, I decided to go down to check my mailbox. I opened my door and stepped out, only to trip over, you guessed it, the same little filly from before, who was sleeping on my doormat. She woke up and looked as me as I stood back up, "What? Could you not find it?" But the filly just laid back her ears and looked away, whimpering.
I sighed and rubbed my forehead in slight annoyance, "Alright fine, you can stay with me tonight.." The filly squealed happily and sprung to her hooves, "But in the morning, I'm taking you to the orphanage." She stopped squealing, but gave me a sad look and nodded.
Deciding that I would hold off on the mail, I took her inside and, seeing how filthy she was, decided to give her the bath instead of myself. Once the tub was full, I turned off the water and put her in the tub. She flinched as the warm water touched her wounds, but she relaxed eventually as I began to wash her.
Once she wasn't filthy, I could see her silver fur very similar to my own, and her dark turquoise mane and tail, we looked like we could be related if not for the fact that her wings were the dragon wings of a native to the Midnight Empire, and mine were the feathered wings of a Quelian.
Looking closer at the wings, you could tell that they were implants, meaning that she wasn't actually an alicorn, but a unicorn with the misfortune of having out of place wings forced on her, which probably explained her unsteady flight. To force such abilities on a filly so young, it was unspeakably crewel. She also appeared to be a blank flank, meaning that she had been put down on lockdown with no chance to discover who she was.
Once she was out and dries, I noticed something very strange. There was sine metallic contraption around her muzzle. It was a kind of muzzle brace that keeps the wearer from talking, a mechanism I was sadly far too familiar with...
I took it off and out it aside, "Better?"
The filly instantly hugged me, making me flinch, "Thank you so much!" She whimpered in a weak voice.
I lightly patted her hear, not exactly comfortable with the contact, "It's no problem kid... You have a name?"
"Ghost Gale." She said, letting me go, "Most just call me Gale."
"Alright then Gale..." I put the contraption up, "Would you like something to eat?" She nodded and I lead her to the kitchen, putting in a pizza. While it was cooking, I took out a soda and put it in front of her. Bad idea, since she had obviously never had a soda and didn't know not to shake it up! She opened it up and it spewed all over the place, making her squeak!
I just sighed and grabbed a rag, cleaning it up.
Ghost Gale whimpered and shrunk down in her chair, "I-I'm sorry... I didn't know that would happen..."
I tossed the rag in the sink, "It's fine, you didn't know any better..." I took what was left of the fizzy drink and poured it in a glass, "Just don't shake it alright?" She nodded and drank it in a few gulps. licking her lips and letting out a small burp.
When the pizza was finished, I took it out and proceeded to give her a slice, which she quickly devoured, obviously starving. I couldn't help but chuckle at the childishness. Such an innocent soul was a welcomed change to the normally gritty atmosphere of the Valor Slums.
After dinner, I took the filly to my office and out her on the couch, taking out some spare blankets and pillows, letting her sleep there.
I then went to my room, putting my black fedora and silver necklace on the side table. I then went to my bed and got in, pulling the covers closer to my body. But I couldn't help but think about the filly... She reminded me of someone in a way... Someone I had kept very dear to my heart...
I shook my head and closed my eyes, "No Sapphire, don't think about it..." I sighed, "Don't get attached..." I then fell asleep, not even bothering to turn off the lights...
Sapphire Night Noire: Book 1- The Mane Inspector
"Psst! " My ears twitched , making my eyes flutter open and glance at a certain filly who rudely awoke me...
I groaned, glancing at the clock, "It's 5 in the morning Gale, go back to sleep..." I grumbled and pulled the covers over my head.
"But I can't sleep... Can I watch a movie?"
I sighed, getting up groggily and going into the T.V. Room, setting up the projector and putting in my favorite movie, Shadow Spade and the Mystery of the Black Dove . It was a classic Noire Film, and my older sister's favorite. It was thanks to her love of old detective movies that led me to become a private investigator. If not for her, I would probably be working in some factory, or worse...
I went back to my room to get Ghost Gale, only finding that she was wearing my fedora, posing in front of the mirror, "Such a fabulous item!" She giggled, unaware of my presence, or the snarl that was growing on my face.
I snatched my fedora off her head and put it on, "Hooves off my fedora!" I snapped, putting my necklace on as well, "The necklace too!"
Ghost Gale whimpered and backed away, "I-I'm sorry... I just saw it on the table and wanted to try it on..."
I sighed and patted her head, calming down, "I'm sorry too, I shouldn't have snapped at you..." I positioned my fedora on my head correctly, "It's just that these mean a lot to me..."
She eventually calmed down as well, the fear in her eyes replaced by a child's curiosity, "Why do you care so much about a hat and a piece of jewelry?"
I perked an eyebrow, "You just met me last night and you want me to tell you my life story?"
"I was just curious..." She mumbled.
I looked away, wrapping my tail around me, "Why do you even wanna know? I'm taking you to the orphanage soon anyhow..."
Gale stiffened and furiously shook her head "What do you mean no?" I growled, "That was the deal, I let you stay overnight, then you go to the orphanage the next day."
Gale whimpered, "I don't wanna go to the orphanage!"
"Why not?"
She looked away, "Because I'll be all alone..."
I froze, hearing those words... I was a strict loner at the time, so I wasn't eager to take anyone in, but I couldn't just abandon this filly...
I sighed and took her to the movie room, "You can stay with me until we find you a proper family to take care of you..." I turned the movie on.
Gale gasped and smiled, "You mean it?!"
I nodded, "Now sit down, the movie's starting."
After the movie, we decided to go out for breakfast. We went to a place called Maple Mint’s Café and Bakery , which I was a regular to.
The bell rung on the the door, announcing our presence. The owner, Maple Mint, a reddish brown earth pony, greeted us with a warm smile, “G’morn’n Sapphire! Good to be see’n ya!”
I smiled back, “Good to see you too Maple Mint, how've you been?”
Maple cleaned a spot off the counter for us, “I’ve been busy as a honey hive, it is Goldberry Season of course.”
“Ah that’s right! I totally forgot!” Gale and I took a seat, “Word has it that the crop is especially ripe this year. You been able to try any yet?”
Maple shook her head, “Not yet, but I be plan’n to, but at the moment all the stock’ll be going to the customer's food.” She then got my coffee as usual and put it in front of me, “A teaspoon of Vanilla Cream’r and three dollops of powdered sugar.”
I took a sip, relishing the bitter sweet liquid on my tongue, “Perfect as always Maple, thanks.”
Maple nodded and looked to Ghost Gale, “And what about you little missy?”
“Hot chocolate please!” She squeaked happily.
Maple nodded and got it for her, giggling when she filly plunged her muzzle into the whipped cream, “So who’s the youngster?”
“Her name’s Ghost Gale,” I stated, taking another sip, “I bribed some slave traders to set her free, so now she’s staying with me until we find a good family for her.”
Maple narrowed her eyes, “Slave traders huh?” She shook her head, “I never did like that this empire legalized slavery…” She looked back to Ghost Gale and smiled a bit, “At least you saved this one. I would take her myself if I had the time to dedicate.” She sighed, “But I'm afraid this place takes most of my time, but I hope you find a good home for her.”
“I hope so too… Anyhow, I'll take a Goldberry Crepé.” I put the menu down.
“Oh yes! Right away!” Maple got the ingredient and started to cook, “I'll be honest with ya, when talk’n with ya, I often forget I'm at work.”
This made me chuckle, “Well then it’s good that it hasn't reached the morning rush.”
Once we started eating, it was quiet for a while, until Maple spoke up, “Oh yeah, I just remembered, Clock Work told me to tell you that he finished repairing your forensic kit and brass hooves.”
I nodded, “Great, l pick them up after this.”
“Also, are you going to the party?”
I shrugged, “Haven't decided yet.”
“Well you should.” Maple took our empty plates, “I'll be catering, and it would be nice to see somepony I know there.”
I nodded, “No harm in it I guess…”
After I paid for the meal, Ghost Gale and I left the café and went to Clock Work’s house, knocking on the door. It opened and the stallion poked his head out, “Oh! Sapphire Night! I assume you for my message from Maple?”
I nodded, “She said you finished the repairs.”
“Yes I have, come on in.” He lead us inside, going to his workshop and giving me my inspector’s bag, my gear inside.
I took out my brass hooves, putting them on, taking the bag with my tail, “Thanks Clock Work. They're good as new.”
Clock Work nodded, “Well I do owe ha. You haven't told anyone about my side work right?”
I shook my head, “Our deal stands strong.”
Clock Work looked to Ghost Gale and smirked, “So who’s the runt?”
“Her name is Ghost Gale, I saved her from Slave Traders and she’s staring with me until we find one to take care of her.”
Clock Work got down to the filly’s level and offered a smile, “I'd be willing to take her, she could be my apprentice, dipped and brass are true works of art you know.”
I growled and pushed him back, “As both know you would use her as a delivery mare for your side work, so keep your hooves off.”
“Ooh, protective aren't you?” Clock chuckled.
“Shut up…”
“Well it was worth a shot. Let me know if you need anything, alright?”
“Yeah, take care.”
We walked out of the place, staying silent for a bit, until Gale spoke up, “What did he mean by ‘side work’?”
I glanced at her, “Why do you wanna know?”
“Just curious. Is it something I should be worried about?”
“No.” I shook my head, “He’s a weapon’s dealer.”
“As in making and selling weapons?”
“Exactly.”
“What’s so bad about that?”
I looked back in front of me, “Not all the weapons he sells are legal, like sniper Ruffles and poisoned blade.”
Gale gave me a funny look, “And you don't arrest him?”
“I'm a private investigator, not a cop. I don't have the authority to arrest anyone. Besides, even if I could I wouldn't. This town runs on the criminal underworld, everyone has a side job of a sorts. If it were exposed, the Valor Slums would crumble more than it already has." I explained.
"I see..." The filly seemed to ponder it for a moment before looking back to me, "So what's your side job then?"
That made me trip.
"Are you ok?!" Ghost Gale helped me up.
"I don't have a side job." I brushed myself off, "Maple Mint and myself are the only ones around here that don't have a side job."
"You sure?"
"Plenty sure..."
"Alright..." She sighed, "So what's this about a party?"
"It's just a party at the Dwellgood Mansion." My tail twitched, "I probably won't go."
"But you should go!" Gale squeaked.
I perked an eyebrow, "Why?"
"You don't seem to get out often, a social event would do you good!"
"How did you know I don't get out much?"
"I didn't, you just told me."
I growled, "Oh you're good..."
Sapphire Night Noire: Book 1- The Mane Inspector
"Hey Sapphire!" Ghost Gale trotted down the path to where I was looking for a new pair of sunglasses, "You think I should go for the red and gold or the turquoise and silver?" She held up two dresses for me to look at.
I looked at them and pointed to the one with the silver, "The red will clash with your mane."
Ghost Gale smiled gleefully, "Thanks!" she put the winning dress in the basket, "Have you decided what you're gonna wear to the party?"
I shook my head, "I'm not dressing up."
Ghost Gale gave a dramatic gasp, "But you have to!"
"No I don't. I've only dressed up once when I was 5, and it was miserable..." I grumbled, "I'm not eager to try it again..."
"But you have to!" She whined, "It won't be any fun if you don't!"
I groaned, "I don't wanna wear a suit..."
"Then wear a dress!"
"No!"
"Why not?"
"Because that's how you attract perverts!"
"No it's not!"
"Yes it is!"
"Um... May I help you ladies?" We were cut off by one of the store staff, "Do you need help finding anything?"
I opened my mouth to speak, but Ghost Gale beat me to it, "We're looking for a dress." She glared at me, "But Sapphire is being too stubborn!"
The Staff Mare smiled and nodded, "Oh don't worry, we have a large selection, I'm sure you'll find something you like.¨
Gale looked to me and smirked, "See?"
I narrowed my eyes, "You little troll..."
Gale giggled, picking me up with her magic, "Come on! We need to get you a dress!"
Que the dress montage
"Too bright!"
"Too dark!"
"Too poofy!"
"Too tight!"
"Too suggestive!"
"Too flashy!"
"Not flashy enough!"
I flopped down on the dressing room floor, "No more! I think it's been established that I look horrid in dresses!"
"Just one more!" Gale whined, "If you don't like this one you don't have to dress up!"
I groaned, picking one up off the pile, "Fine, one more, then I'm done!"
I put the dress on and looked in the mirror. The dress was a midnight blue, fading to a ducky black at the end with silver stars dotting the fabric, making it look like the night sky.
I stepped out and Ghost Gale gasped, "It's perfect!"
"You think so?" I looked myself over.
"It looks amazing!"
"So we're done then?" I sighed.
"Yep! Go take it off so we can buy it!"
I went back in and got undressed, coming back out and giving the filly the dress, "So how exactly do you expect to pay for it? Or did you expect me to pay for it even though you're forcing me into this?"
Gale chuckled and shook her head, "Why do you think those slave traders were beating me up?" She took out a wallet, "I was planning to bolt as soon as I could and use their money to buy my own freedom."
My jaw dropped, "You mean you-"
"Yep!"
"Gimme that!" I snapped, snatching the wallet from her magic, "You owe me, 50 grand!"
"Hey! Didn't you specifically say not to lie to those stallions?!"
"I would have had to pay that much if I hadn't known better! Plus let's not forget who's taking care of you at the moment!" I snapped, looking inside, "Just as I thought, they were trying to get back the amount you stole..." I put my trench-coat back on and put the wallet in my pocket, "Thank Celestia there's not an ID in here, or I would probably get arrested..."
"Celestia? Who's that?"
"Oh that's right, you probably haven't had that much education have you?" She shook her head no, "Well Celestia is the Alicorn who raises the sun."
"So she's some kind of mythological goddess or something?"
"No. she's real."
"Really?!"
"Yep." I stopped to think for a moment, "In fact, if I remember correctly, she'll be at the party tonight. Something about getting antiquated with the locals before heading to the Capital City tomorrow for a Treaty Conference with the Queen."
Gale's dragon eye pupils widened in awe and a huge grin hit her face, "So I might get to meet royalty?!"
"Don't get your hopes up kid." Her grin dropped when I said that, "This is foreign royalty we're talking about here, and from what the text books say she banished her sister to the moon a thousand years ago because her sister wanted a little attention and gratitude."
"Oh..." Her ears drooped a bit, "It was worth a shot I guess..."
I sighed and finished paying for the dresses, "Now come on, we need to go home and get ready."
The little filly perked up at that quickly, "Ok!"
Later that night, I landed in front of the Dwellgood Mansion. I looked behind me to Ghost Gale, who was having a bit of trouble landing. I sighed and helped her down, "Steady there kid. You don't want to faceplant in a place like this, leaves a bad impression."
Gale nodded, "Thanks Sapphire..." She straitened out her dress, then looked to the mansion, "Wow, that's a pretty big mansion. You said it belongs to the Dwellgoods?"
I nodded, "Yeah, they're known for their charity work, but also hold the monopoly on alcohol sales, along with a few... Other substances..." I cleared my throat, "So shall we go in?"
"Yep!" Ghost Gale practically bolted for the door, only for me to fly in front of her, "Mind your manners Gale. Especially around the rich folk." I said as I trotted through the double doors.
The inside of the mansion was open and grand, the cherrywood walls and bloodstone floors perfectly setting the mood of the forest surrounding the mansion. Golden Dwellgood, the head of Dwellgood Company, was at the top of the stares in a Tiger Print suit, which I was guessing was a rich pony thing, and was greeting the guests, the Equestrian Princess next to him and making small talk while he was greeting guests.
I went up the stairs to greet him, and he greeted me with a cheery smile, "Inspector! So glad you could join us tonight, especially in such fine tastes." He took my hoof and kissed it lightly in a gentlecoltly fashion.
I nodded and took of my Fedora, which I refused to leave at home, "Thank you for having me Mr. Dwellgood. This is a lovely party you've got here."
"Well I have only the best for my guests." He puffed out his chest proudly, "Have you met our Guest of Honor here?" He looked to the Princess, "This is the lovely Princess Celestia, the ruler of the Equestrian Lands. We are truly honored to have such a wonderful guest with us tonight!"
"Oh Dwellgood, you flatter me." Celestia chuckled.
I dipped my head in respect, "It's an honor to meet you your highness."
Celestia smiled at me gently, "It's a pleasure to meet you too Ms. Night. Dwellgood here was just telling me how much he owes you for helping him get back his crowned jewels at his last party?"
I shrugged, "It wasn't really anything special, classic case of 'the butler did it'."
Celestia chuckled at this and then looked to a certain little filly who was hiding under my wing, "And is this little one your sister?"
Ghost Gale squeaked and hid her face, "M-My name is Gale..."
"Gale? What a pretty name." Celestia complimented her in a gentle tone.
"R-Really?" Gale began to come out from under my wing.
"Yes, and I must say you look lovely in that dress."
"Th-Thank you your highness..." She gave the princess a shy smile.
Celestia nodded, "I must say, it's so nice to see sisters like you two get along so well."
"She's not my sister actually." I stated, drawing Celestia's attention, "I saved her from some ruffians yesterday, so she's staying with me until we can find her a proper family."
"That's very generous of you Ms. Night." Celestia then looked to Ghost Gale, "You know, if you're interested, perhaps you could come back to Equestria with me little one, if you're interested."
Ghost Gale gasped, "Really?!"
Celestia nodded, "Why don't you give it some thought, alright?"
Gale nodded eagerly, "Alright!"
"Now, go enjoy the party alright?"
"Alright!"
Ghost Gale and I went into the ballroom, where the orchestra was playing a tune called Starfell Serenade , an old favorite of mine by Blank Dream, though no one could quite match her vocals so perfectly.
I looked to Ghost Gale, who was looking over to a group of other fillies, "Don't be shy, go say hi." I encouraged her and nudged her forward. She smiled and went off to play with the other fillies. I had someone I wanted to meet up with.
I wandered through the crowds of ponies until I came to the courtyard patio, where a certain earthpony was serving her famous Whipped Goldberry Pie.
I walked up to her and poured myself a glass of Drycherry wine, "Nice party isn't it?"
Maple Mint nodded, "You bet your birch trees it is. And I still can't believe they hired me to cater this place. It's so rich and fancy, and I'm just a little girl who grew up on a pear farm. Though maybe I could do better if I didn't forget my powdered sugar shaker at home..."
"Oh don't be modest Maple, your probably the best baker in the entire Midnight Empire! I wouldn't be surprised if the Queen herself asked you to cook for her one day." I chuckled.
Maple Mint blushed and looked away, "Aww you're just saying that..."
"No I'm not, I really-" I was cut off my a screech! I rushed to the source and gasped as I found one of the security guards on the floor, bleeding from the mouth, and an empty display case!
"Someone killed the guard and stole the Golden Pearls!" A maid screamed, nearly fainting.
I stepped forward and examined the body, finding no injuries, "He must have been poisoned..."
"How could he be poisoned?" Gale asked?
"Simple." Mr. Dwellgood pushed his way through the crowd, "He must have eaten something poisoned..."
I cocked my head to the side, "But the only one serving food here is-" I froze, and looked to my terrified friend who was about to face an angry mob of some of the most powerful Ponies in the empire!
Author's Note
Whelp, Maple Mint is screwed. Who here actually thinks she's guilty?
Sapphire Night Noire: Book 1- The Mane Inspector
I sat in the darkness, cleaning my wings of the blood of the last victim in this lair of mine. The air was damp with horror, the pain glistening on the walls. I really needed to get this place cleaned, but it wasn't top priority...
My ears perked up as I looked to the opening door, the silver Pegasus mare walking in slowly, her crow perched on her tail and giving me a menacing glare. She came before me and knelt down, "Sir, you called?"
I nodded, folding my wings and standing up, "Yes, you've confirmed the delivery of my new servant?"
The mare nodded, "Yes Sir, she should arrive in a few days. This one's a little unicorn filly, modified to have wings of course. You said you wanted her delivered to the Slashmark HeadQuarters right?"
I nodded, "Yes, it would be too suspicious for her to be received directly, I still have a reputation to uphold, and I don't need it to be soiled by ponies seeing me receive a slave." I approached the mare, "And understand that if there's any slip up on this, it'll be on your head! Do you understand Crows Mark?"
Crows Mark nodded, "Yes Milord..." And she walked out.
I sighed, sitting back down, "She had better not mess this up....