Friendship by Fire

"You're not peeking, are you?"

"If it's any consolation, Starlight," he replied smugly, "nearly nothing escapes my notice."

"I'm not talking about the place," she still teased. Hearing the tinkle of energy engulf the door, along with a creaking noise, he sensed her take a step back so he may go first. Bringing his staff forward, he gingerly made his entrance. He could pick up the reserved tension of anxiety throughout the Unicorn's movements and breathing.

"Well, what do you think?" Deciding to humor her, the stallion noted aloud what he could pick up, brushing his hoof against whatever he passed.

"Well, let's see. Office desk in front of the door, along with the essentials inside. What I can gather, a...Bridle transcription key, set for a typewriter. Haven't touched one of those in a while. Needed furniture, accessories and appliances for the adjacent bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. Starting to remind me of a P.I.'s establishment, I once visited. Moving to said kitchen...supplies in the cupboards and fridge, and for a good length of time too."

"And?" Her giddiness did not require any further notice.

"Uh...easy access to the main road, with a clear pathway back to the Crystal Palace, whenever needed there. As for the neighboring Crystal Ponies, definitely picking up a positive view of interest, based on whispered gossip I heard while passing."

"Um, try not to indulge on that too much. Not very neighborly to eavesdrop. And so soon, I might add."

"Like failed surprises, with my senses it happens."

"And...you never said anything?"

At that, he shrugged, "Wouldn't want to disturb anyone with an all-aware, unintentionally nosy neighbor."

"So...if you picked up anything from anywhere, like, while at the palace...?"

"Able to just shut it out."

"Just like that?" Starlight's tone of disbelief seemed well-grounded.

"Well, except for hypersonic vibrations. I was taught well to channel certain things in, and out. Like a sort of...natural, sense filter. If I absorb everything I can sense around me, all at once, it would hurt and drive me mad. Which actually happened, when starting out."

"Again, you never said?"

"Because, again, of others' natural response to paranoia."

"Right. So, what else you notice?" Somewhat stumped by that, he retraced his steps, and returned to his point of origin.

"Well, uh...seems everything's in order for somepony to move in, first chance they get. Including a fresh wardrobe of attire. For special occasions, I'm guessing. Will have to make a few adjustments, since the last time I tried putting on a tie." He could still recall his awkward situation involving such an accessory, that Rarity helped him with it before the trial. How one's hooves could function that way, without dexterity, was still something to be grasped.

"Giving up yet?" It seemed all that pressurized energy within Starlight was about to burst, at any second.

"Afraid so, yeah. What's the surprise?"

At that, he heard the skip in her hooves, along with a sudden whoosh of air beside him.

"Take another, thorough examination," her voice playfully leaned against his ear, in whisper. Complying, he brushed against the pieces of furniture up front again.

"What're you picking up?"

"Uh, the same desk and chairs. One, two chairs in front, for possible clients, I'm guessing. One directly behind it, for the occupant. And...another to the side."

"For somepony taking notes! Also, you might've been wondering why a desk lamp was there, to begin with. Since, you know, you don't, really need that." Sensing the flood of exuberance from the Unicorn at those statements, he connected the dots.

The Game's Ahoof

"Starlight..."

"I-I mean, sure, of course, it's there, just in case you're interested in having that sort of help around the office-your office! And your new apartment! Just for when-if you decide to have some kind of partner, associate, assistant, or something, to come by and work with you. But if you're interested, and since I'll be helping out with finding that Amulet here - in the Empire, that is - I-I just thought that offer could be made available to you. To consider. If you're interested."

Picking up her genuine sincerity, he failed to resist a genuine smile in turn. "I just might. In fact, I might even accept that offer."

"Really?! You're sure that wouldn't be any trouble to you?"

"Well, as you said, we're both on the trail for the Alicorn Amulet. This is the best way to pool our resources. Not to mention it helps to cut my paperwork in half, so to speak." Her hooves suddenly tap-tap-tap-tap-tapped against the wooden floor with giddy excitement, alongside a whinny. "Just two things."

Then they stopped. "Oh, sure. Of course. And they are?"

"Well first of all, given your lack of experience as an attorney, probably not appropriate to call you my partner. Not a secretary, or assistant either, given we'll be sharing the exact, same work load. So, best thing I can offer you is associate."

"Sure thing. So what's the second?"

"Just an honest answer. Why so keen to investigate this way? You surely have better means to do so, at the palace."

"Well..." Now it was Starlight's turn to be caught off guard. Her foreleg brushing against the floor expressed her anxiety differently. "How can I put it, in the nicest way possible? I-I do think you might be a nice, kind, considerate, um, great friend..." This prompted a smirk on his muzzle. "N-not that I don't have any doubts about that, or think that you could be evil, in any way, at all! It's just..."

"It's part of Cadence and Shining's supervision on me."

"Well, somewhat. I mean, Captain Sentry has somepony keeping track of your movements, already. But we all felt that somepony up close, a friend, could help you more, and all of us. Again, with your full consent. Don't want you to feel forced into this."

"Thanks. I appreciate that."

"That's what you asked of me, right? I mean, what kind of associate would I be?"

"True. And I don't feel forced, either. So, bud. Ready to get started?"

"Ready when you are." At that, she raised her hoof up for him. He sent his own to bop squarely against it.

"Daredevil and Glimmer, on the case! Uh, eh-heh. Probably not?"

"Maybe. Given time."

Everything he detected here, both before and after arriving, was more than impressive. But it was nothing what he expected. Yes, he knew about the regents' efforts to help find a place, but never this soon. The very next day, in fact. Even more so when he found everything arranged and furnished. It seemed magic in this world did more than reduce time and physical constraints.

"So, Rarity gave Cadence your measurements, for the seamstresses here," Starlight commented. "Found the furniture from the best crystal carver and interior designer. And appliances came from some pretty good deals by salesponies. So, basically they wanted to give you the best you deserved."

"You think they're sure about that last part?"

"Well, you know the old saying."

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth?"

"No, smarty-pants. Actions speak louder than words."

"Depends on the perspective, I suppose."

"Talk about 'glass half-empty,'" he heard her mutter under breath, "Thought I was a downer, at times."

But despite the welcoming embrace and grateful gesture expressed by the Royal Couple, these gifts' grandeur made him uncomfortable. All this, just given to him, for two acts he would consider regular occurrence. Just acting out his profession, and scaling tall structures, both to protect others in those fields. They had greater, and more desirable effects than he could ever dream of. As if this were all too good to be true, and for him to have.

Yes, Shining and Cadence were lenient towards his intervention with Midnight Rider, and also saw a need for wary observance. But even then, it seemed far, too lenient. Had they known his full, human nature of letting the Devil out, would they be so forgiving? Perhaps they had their concerns already, and still gave him the benefit of the doubt. And the fact they asked Starlight Glimmer to go alongside the Joint Guard surveillance indirectly. It might also show their understanding to use caution with him. And the mare was more than willing to volunteer.

But the fact remained that they regarded him as a friend and unofficial family member, much like Twilight's friends, including Starlight. To the point that they did not just want some soldier blindly following orders and watching him. That they wanted to let him have a say also. To also keep him connected to them personally, through the Unicorn mare's help. All this, and knowing there was so much he needed to answer for, they wanted to ensure he would be comfortable for when he did. Now he hoped he could find the fortitude needed to repay them. Somehow.

"Just trust me when I tell you. You. More. Than. Earned this."

Starlight seemed more insistent that these kind acts toward him were not baseless. If the consistent jabbing at his chest were not enough, the mare's unwavering pitch and delivery left no more room for questions. Not even a skip in her heartbeat to show she had any reservations, or inner doubts.

"I just hope to prove you all right."

"Well, with that attitude, you just did. But, if you insist on bringing yourself down somehow about it, then you're at least off to a good start."

"For which, proving you right, or bringing myself down?"

"Depends on the perspective, I suppose." That was the thing with females, regardless of species. They seemed to be ready for anything.

All things considered, she felt this day was off to a wonderful start. Sure, he seemed reluctant, and felt undeserving of all that he received, but she hoped to lift Daredevil's spirits the way Twilight did for her. Offer a friendly hoof in support. And she felt to have done that so far, given his snorting smug to her last remark before their leaving.

"Okay," Starlight began, "First order of business is to talk to Cinch, right?"

"Like Maresbury's apparent knowledge of quick service, it seems the Councilpony set up a meet for today, in about...what's the time?

"Uh, ten past nine," she answered, after checking the square's sundial.

"Twenty minutes."

"Looks like Cadence was right about her. Wanting to know about the truth as much as we do."

"Definitely sounds that way." They had made their entrance into the main hall of the palace, and took the path directed to them by the office signs. The Unicorn walked alongside the Earth Pony towards their intended destination, stopping directly before the door. Turning the knob with her blue aura, she allowed for Daredevil to enter.

"Excuse me," he asked, after he tapped his red staff to find the secretary's desk, "We're here for an appointment with Councilpony Cinch."

"Name?"

"Counselor Daredevil."

"Councilpony Cinch will see you, shortly." The mare's nasal, droning delivery left much to be desired. Never mind her apparent lack of courtesy to even look their way. "Please have a seat."

"Thank you, Miss...?"

"You're welcome."

"Nice meeting you, Miss Yurwelcum."

"Very funny. And in case you can't read the..." Starlight could not resist a snigger at the snide glare, now a flat stupor. "Oh. It's Stonecold Fact."

"Well, very nice meeting you, Miss Fact. Take care." As he made his turn, waving his staff again to find the chairs, the light violet mare seated herself nearby. Seeing the grey Crystal Pony with white mane and tail continue with her work, tap-tap-tap-ting against the typewriter, Starlight caught sight of the pure, white snowflake with a grey 'A' at the center for her Mark.

"Kind of reminds me of Pinkie and Maud's descriptions of Limestone."

"I'm sorry?"

"Limestone Pie. Pinkie has three sisters. Maud, Marble and Limestone. Marble's said to be soft-spoken, and Limestone somewhat sour."

"Ah. Thought you were mistaking Limelight also. And what about...Maud?"

"Not so much sour, cold, distant, or unfeeling. Just...more of a clean slate. On the level. Plain."

"Hm." After hearing him describe his best friend, Foggy, Starlight found it more than fair to talk about one of her own.

"Yeah. She's got a Roctorate degree, and is examining stones in the nearby caves of Ponyville. Really exciting, once you experience it. Even Sunburst had a good time, when he came down."

"That definitely sounds interesting," he smiled lightly.

"Ever been in a cavern? Unless you never left Manehatten, before coming here."

"Actually I...I've had some experience, in that regard."

"Involving your...other talents," she asked in soft, low whisper.

"You could say that," he answered in kind. "Best not go into details, right now."

Seeing him return to a less chipper demeanor as earlier, she tried to remedy that with another subject matter. "Okay. I also know about this place called Ponehenge-"

"Councilpony Cinch will see you now."

"Counselor Daredevil, good morning to you."

"And to you also, um, may I call you Miss Cinch?"

"If it pleases you."

"Thanks for meeting on such short notice."

"Of course. Thought it appropriate, given the circumstances."

"Allow me to introduce my new associate, Miss Starlight Glimmer."

"Good morning, Miss Cinch. Nice to meet you."

"Princess Sparkle's former pupil. Your reputation precedes you."

"Uh, thanks."

"Especially after the Changeling Hive."

"Oh, okay."

"Please, have a seat." By the motioning of the light blue Unicorn's hoof, Starlight decided to take the one to Daredevil's left, as he took the right of the three. Seeing Cinch sitting back into her own behind the elaborate, glittering desk, she began. "Let me first offer my congratulations, Counselor, for your resounding success."

"Thank you, Miss Cinch. If I may, how's Mister Limelight faring? And what of Midnight Rider?"

"Still in recovery. But more steady, now that the matter's starting to settle. Seemed Miss Dash offered dispensation for his hospital stay, per Miss Fluttershy's insistence."

"That's very good news."

"As for my former employee," she continued begrudgingly, "Mister Rider was less compliant to retract his claim of my involvement."

"Does he believe he has a case against you," Starlight asked.

"Doubtful. But considering his connection to my former client, he wants to make things as difficult as possible for me. His way of revenge for my terminating him, I suppose."

"Therefore, also doubtful we can get any useful information from him."

"For the moment, Counselor, that's what it seems. I also wish to express my gratitude towards your restraint of pressing on that, during the trial. Might've even had grounds to disqualify me."

"Found that motion to be too drastic. Excessive. You could say I learned from my boxing Father to hold my punches in the ring, so to speak."

"Indeed. Signs of good form and conduct desirable in all practitioners of the law."

"May I ask the nature of Rider's termination," Daredevil continued.

"Don't see why not. He spent the previous three weeks suddenly leaving his position without say, or due cause. Not only did he arrive late to work those days, but also remained absent altogether. I approached him about it, asking for the reasons behind it. He wouldn't answer directly. Gave him two warnings, and both times he failed to comply, still tardy. Then he confronted me at my office door, the next morning. Almost as though he were the victim of terrible mistreatment."

"What was his position?"

"He was quick and thorough in gathering notes and records needed for my cases. One of the best, I felt. He was diligent in his work, prior to his abrupt misbehavior. And no, it didn't escape my notice of the similarities to Mister Limelight's actions. But I'm afraid these are all suppositions and theories based on circumstantial evidence. Even Miss Fluttershy's assault would be considered incidental, despite its connections. Two, separate incidents, without solid facts to fully bridge the two."

"Aside from their shared views about my friends," asked Starlight.

"At best, Miss Glimmer, that's minimal. I'm sure you would have once made similar expressions like theirs, at one point. So I'm afraid more is required."

"And threatening Fluttershy from testifying," she persisted.

"As I said, possibly to get back at me. Again, in need of further proof."

"Which brings us here, Miss Cinch," the Earth Pony stated, "To address this matter."

"Yeah. Did Limelight ever tell you who his Canterlot friend was?"

"Yes, Miss Glimmer, but I must ask you to seek his full consent to divulge that."

"It no longer needs to be confidential, since his case with Rainbow Dash has been closed."

"Be that as it may, Counselor, my own, personal client discretion still applies until, as said earlier, more substantial evidence is shown to disclose that. Even if it's for a separate matter. So, again, I advise you to seek his approval."

"Not unless we join your office to gather said evidence. Or, find a lack thereof."

"I'm listening."

Caught by surprise, Starlight turned towards Daredevil, who leaned onto the desk, and elaborated. "As you said, mostly theories and speculation. But we can act as your contact freelancers, with some digging of our own. We report anything and everything we uncover, between intervals of meetings, and you can decide whether such is enough to follow through with a suitable case. All while you remain, overall, bound by your privacy with clients from those outside your office, as would we. Unless, of course, the Guard has a good reason to reveal that information by default. But if no more evidence can be gathered at a certain deadline, all such information will be dropped, along with the investigation. Either scenario, it'll be your call."

At that, Cinch rested her muzzle against her hooves, leaning also. Contemplating with a low "Hmm," she eyed him deeply. After adjusting her glasses with magenta magic, she spoke. "The notion of a joint operation sounds feasible. Though unsteady, considering the overall independence implied. I'll give my considered answer in twenty-four hours. Same time."

"Thank you, Councilpony Cinch. Until then, take care." At that, the gold-yellow stallion rose, prompting the light purple Unicorn to do the same.

"Yeah, thanks Miss Cinch. Have a good day."

"Likewise, to you both."

They kept a steady pace out into the square, and made their way to the marketplace nearby. While strolling through the customers and barterers that made their rounds, the Unicorn and Earth Pony approached a certain vendor to make a purchase.

"Got to admit. Wasn't expecting you to come up with that kind of offer."

"It wasn't a gracious follow-up to a big competitor. Just a prudent act of finding common ground."

"By offering to work under her?"

"Only temporary. As I said, and she pointed out, independent freelancers. Until she deems it unnecessary to pursue the matter further with her. Assuming, of course, she accepts."

"Meaning you still keep your own firm, outside of her influence. Even if she said yes?"

"Yes, exactly. Thank you." After receiving his order from Starlight's levitation, he took a bite out of the salad wrap.

"But if she says no," she continued, as both paid the vendor. She then pulled out a notepad and pencil to write.

"We still continue our own investigation, just need to do more to find the same answers."

"Like asking Limelight about his friend, by ourselves." Finding a bench, they sat to eat, as Starlight jotted things down.

"For starters, yes. We also need to check with those he worked with, under Nephrita."

"Do you believe her, though? About saying Midnight Rider was just out to get her?"

"Judging by Cinch's unhitched breath, and steady heart rate, I'd say she was sincere in making that notion. Even I agree that might've been all there was between them. Only by learning more, though, will we be sure."

"So," she asked, as she wrote with her magic, "Even though we know a third party was involved in Rainbow Dash's case, we still need more solid evidence to make a case for that?"

After finishing a bite, he answered, "For the Guard, or any local law enforcement, they need to find a very solid reason to officially investigate. Can't pursue everything suspicious, all at once. Even then, it's not always fruitful. End up mostly worried over nothing, to begin with. That's why we're here. Despite it being a hindrance to them, at times."

"And the stolen Amulet?"

"That's being handled, but not the conspiracy angle."

She swallowed her own bite, then stopped jotting down notes. "Wait. You're saying you can tell if somepony's lying."

Seeing him stop from taking another himself, he stiffly replied, "Yeah. That's what I said basically. Before all else."

"Wow. Okay, now I fully get your notion. About being paranoid."

"Especially if it means listening to another's heartbeat, yes. Hopefully, that doesn't bother you too much."

"So long as I don't keep secrets from you, bud."

"Or, simply tell me so."

"But if we ask Limelight about his friend, wouldn't that break that so-called confidence he's got with Cinch?"

"Not unless he's willing to answer us, himself. Like Cinch said, she's bound to withhold that, even after the trial. So she doesn't help others take advantage of an old client with that info."

"But we're free to ask him, ourselves, then?"

"Yeah."

"But was he even honest then, at the trial? That he didn't know what he was really doing?"

"Sensing a release of tension from his brief, simple answer helped to know he was telling the truth."

"Okay. And that's how you knew Rider wasn't working for Cinch? Because he lied to you, that night?"

"Yes." After whispering that last question to Daredevil, did she fully drink it all in.

"Wow. I'm working with a living, walking lie detector. What would Applejack think about that, I wonder? Not to mention Twilight."

Earning a hearty chuckle from him, Starlight Glimmer allowed Daredevil to finish his snack in peace. All she could do, at this moment, was soak in everything that has been shared. She knew she might enjoy this new experience, learning from the blind attorney as Twilight did. Just not anticipating this. Consuming her own food, now Starlight anticipated this day to continue with that feeling.

It did not take too long to reach Madame Nephrita's establishment, which consisted of a mansion, a mine, and a harvesting plantation on a grand scale. For Starlight, after hearing about Pinkie's rock farm family, this took that idea to a completely new level. Although, this being the Crystal Empire, probably because it was one of their major, economic pillars.

"Please wait, while I go fetch for Mare Nephrita." Once the green, Crystal stallion departed, the pair perused the main foyer of its contents.

"What about pictures, paintings, or hanging objects? How are you, on those?"

"Visually, I'm still impaired. No way to distinguish a projected image. It's just some canvas or paper. But given time, depending on the amount of ink or substance used, touch of my hoof can give me a general idea of what's conveyed or imprinted. Hurts my head a bit, though."

"So, you'd still prefer Bridle. And if in a trial, a piece of evidence is a photo, or an x-ray, or security reel?"

"Well, I...hm."

"Oh, you're not familiar with film reels?"

"I am. Just hadn't heard about them, in a while. Anyway, yeah, I would need somepony to describe it to me."

"Madame," announced the returning butler, "May I present Counselor Daredevil, and Associate Glimmer."

"A good morning to you both," warmly greeted the Crystal Mistress. Her light green sheen caught the refracted sunlight of her gem mansion.

"Thank you, Madame. Same to you."

"Morning, Mare Nephrita."

"My congratulations to your success, Counselor. It seems everypony was most pleased with your efforts."

"Thank you, Madame. I hope this isn't a bad time."

"Not at all. In fact, I was wondering when I might be expecting your call."

"Really?"

"Yes, indeed. After your questioning if anypony else were aware of Mister Limelight's whereabouts or plans, I decided to do some digging of my own, as it were."

"You thought I might come by to ask what else you knew."

"Partially. But I'm more aware of your need to speak with those whom Mister Limelight has bonded with, over the moons. Considering the missing artifact involved, I believed either you, or Councilpony Cinch would come along. Perhaps, even both."

"So," joined Starlight, retrieving her notepad, "What'd you find out, exactly?"

"Sadly, no way of finding the artifact. However, I did happen to discover a small blemish, in a few of my most recent records. At first, I didn't think much of them. Thought them to be miscalculated errors that occur, once in a while. But after the hearing, I decided to review those minor anomalies further. The timing of them was uncanny, to say the least."

"What did you find," said Daredevil.

"The shipments, crew and working hours coincide with Mister Limelight's time off. Such as the end of his shifts, weekends, or sick days."

"And what was wrong with them," Starlight asked.

"Simply this. The loads hauled in those wagons, they were not for those days, but the next."

"Meaning somepony sent shipments a day early."

"During the three days prior to Mister Limelight's incident, yes Counselor."

"May we examine those records?"

"Of course. Jadis." Upon her summons, the butler brought forth a wide ledger from his back. "Thank you, Jadis."

Opening the massive pages, near the middle, Mare Nephrita brushed through the entries.

"Let's see. They should be...here." Upon receiving it, Starlight levitated the ledger towards herself and the Earth Pony.

"Okay," she spoke, "Says nothing extra was loaded. Or anything taken out. Still shipped a day earlier than planned, like you said. Anypony would've made that honest mistake, at some point."

"Explaining your first impression of them, Madame."

"Indeed."

"What else, Starlight?"

"Odd. It seems these were all delivered through Canterlot, to Ponyville. Not just where the Elements live. That's the closest town to the Everfree, where Zecora lives also."

"That Zebra who was mentioned to have hidden the artifact, am I correct Counselor?"

"Yes, Madame. That's right."

"It says the cargo," continued the Unicorn, "contained precious rubies, diamonds and gems to be delivered both to the Canterlot Carousel, and Carousel Boutique. Rarity's shops."

"That mare's becoming a favorite customer of mine."

"What did you learn from the working ponies, at those shifts?"

"Nothing in particular. Nothing odd could be recalled by them. Except, they all said that's normally the time Limelight would stop by to visit them. Before sorting through what wagons to send, and when. My workers normally associate with each other, even outside of their own shifts. Something I strongly encouraged, for such a mentally healthy, working environment."

"But all three nights, those workers said Limelight was there."

"Yes, Counselor. But, as I said, that was already a common occurrence, that nopony else would find it odd. Until now, that is."

"Why would Limelight have wagonloads sent to Ponyville a day early," Starlight pondered.

"Especially since the Amulet was stolen that first day? And he was nowhere near it, until the confrontation, which was three days later. Thank you, Madame, though I'd like to ask if we may question these ponies, ourselves."

"Of course. Perhaps you two might uncover something I overlooked. Extra set of eyes, and all that."

"Yeah, of course," chuckled Daredevil, "Thanks again."

"No trouble, at all."

"I've already said to you both, I don't want to speak of it anymore. Especially if it's about...that pony."

"We know we're bringing back terrible memories about that day, Mister Limelight," Daredevil said, while seated near the bedside. "But please understand that it's urgent we find the missing Amulet, as soon as possible."

"And settle for framing me with the theft, is that is?"

"On the contrary," he replied evenly, "We have fellow workers who can attest you were here, in the Empire, during the robbery."

"And that you've done nothing really wrong," added Starlight. "Well, I mean, you know, before what happened-"

"Yes, so," Limelight cut her off, "You want to see if I just planned it?"

"Actually, we just want to ask you two things. First is why you switched the shipping days the three nights before your friend gave you the Amulet?"

"I-I...I don't know what you mea-"

"They were precious stones, whether you checked them or not may be irrelevant, but they all went to Miss Rarity's store in Ponyville, close by the Everfree Forest. Where the Amulet was kept."

"No, not all! Some went to her shop in Canterlot, too..."

"Wow," remarked Starlight Glimmer, "That seemed...too easy."

"Well, yes! I've seen the books before! Several times, even! What of it?"

"Why the change of date," Daredevil persisted.

"What're you talking about?"

"Three nights in a row," elaborated Starlight, "while you were visiting with pals on your time off, starting with the night of the robbery, those wagons were sent to those places, Rarity's places, Element of Generosity, a day early."

"That's all a coincidence! I've had nothing to do with them!"

"Yet you were fully aware of the switches, and never mentioned it to your fellow workers, on any of those nights. Even if it were an honest mistake."

"Well that's because...that's because I *did** tell them.* The first two nights, I thought it odd at first. But by the third night, I asked about it. They said it was a mix-up, nothing more. That they'd get it fixed the next day. I never made the switch! But the fact you brought it up made me realize I...I might've been even more framed!"

"It's alright, Mister Limelight. We believe you," the Earth Pony calmly stated, "Then that means your friend had somepony else at that plantation doing that. Possibly to give him a means of a quick escape back to the Empire."

"You know anypony who could've been involved also," the mare asked, "Maybe another Unicorn?"

"I...I'm not so sure anymore. Not sure whom to trust. Unicorn, or not."

"Our last question for you is this," Daredevil leaned forward, "Tell us who your friend was, and we promise to leave you alone about the matter. Whether you answer, or not."

"We know you were being used," Starlight insisted, after he stayed quiet, "and even though we don't have anything to back up a theory about any conspiracy, you can help us with finding who's really responsible."

"Let me ask you something, Counselor," he then said, ignoring the fellow Unicorn, "You said I was about to use a powerful object at the expense of my free will, and newfound life. You also said you could relate to me, in some way. Tell me, what's changed now?"

"You want the long answer, or the short?"

"I just want to hear the full, honest to Celestia truth from you."

Taking a deep pause for breath, and removing his spectacles, the gold-yellow stallion stared blankly in the bedridden pony's direction, "Once you've recovered, you'll try to get back to work, talk to your friends, and try to pretend everything's returned to normal. But they won't. You might have some who believe you still, while others will not. Some may even wonder if you could ever be trusted again. What I've experienced down this road, not sure if it'll apply to you or not, was how difficult...and even how horrendous it all was. Not just felt. But by fighting through it, not giving up, going through each and every day, believing things get worse before they get better, having hope, and never giving in to the darkness, I..." He then chuckled, "I might've had a better shot, had I done so."

"What pulled you back up, then?"

"More whom, than what. Oddly enough, it was...it was the same guardians of the orphanage...where I was raised. So know that, despite all the pain and doubt, you will find someone that...that will lend a helping hoof. Probably Madame Nephrita, for starters."

As the hospital room grew silent, still and spellbinding, Starlight finally noticed the singular droplet, from the corner of her eye. Smiling with pride at him, she saw Daredevil slowly rise from his seat, wearing his red shades again. "We'll leave you some time to ponder, Mister Limelight. You don't have to answer us right away."

As she slowly strolled alongside the blind Pony, they made their way to the door, and into the hall.

"Rider. His name's Horizon Rider."

"What'd you find out?"

"Alright," he heard Starlight speak, her hooves clopping against the office floor, "I found out, from the Crystal Station logs, that a Unicorn named Horizon Rider arrived just two days before Limelight got the Amulet."

"Where did the train arrive from?"

"Ponyville, through Canterlot."

"Do they load wagon shipments onto the express?"

"Oh-ho, yeah. Wagon and all, sometimes."

Ignoring that comment, he spoke further, "Implying that after he stole the Amulet, he took that first load delivered as a means of getting the case through clearance, along with the emptied crates."

"And if a Guard spotted the case, he could've just said it was a dissatisfied customer," added the Unicorn mare. "But why three, though?"

"Maybe to help cover his tracks. Do we know where the wagons are placed, after delivery?"

"I've checked the roadmaps. There's a stock yard, just on the edge of Nephrita's plantation. Adjacent to other fields that might use them."

"You've been catching on quickly, for your first day doing this."

"Helps to be a former student of Princess Twilight," her tone playfully came back, "Most organized pony in Equestria, anywhere. Though she might've taken after Celestia. So, what now?"

"This is when we start planning things more carefully," he answered, tapping his staff in thought. "We know now who the thief was, how he evaded notice from Ponyville and Canterlot, and witnesses to confirm his identity."

"Adding the pawn shop keeper with Limelight."

"Exactly. Twilight's description she got from the pawnbroker matched that of Limelight's. We also have his motive. As for the opportunity, it was through Nephrita's deliveries. Just one problem."

"Which is?"

"We know how he got back here, to meet with Limelight. But not his means of finding the Amulet, much less steal it."

"Zecora mentioned her hiding place was undetectable by magic. What about Midnight? You think they're related? At least connected, somehow?"

"We find that out, we might have our conspiracy angle. And if that be the case, he might help us to determine Horizon's means also."

"How do we even know where to start?"

"Well, it's a long shot. But this is where my...my other talents fit in, most perfectly. We have to go to that stockade, and try to find anything out of the ordinary."

"You're right. It's a long shot."

Following her retort, he asked, "Do you know of someway to trace his...his...?" Tap! "His arcane signature?"

He was grateful he heard Twilight use that term, at least once, during their research last week.

"Not unless I got a sample of his mane, tail or horn," Starlight responded, "Although..." Hearing her search through the shuffling and crinkling charts, maps and records they dug up from their day's sojourn, she found it.

"Here." Placing it on the desk with a thump, she said, "While you asked for Horizon's descriptions from Limelight, I quickly teleported to the station, and back. The stationmaster said he collects these specially minted, limited edition, first-class tickets. No one's exactly alike. Oh, because it's shaped like a snowflake. Can you imagine? Anyway, he kept the one Horizon used. He even remembered what the Unicorn looked like too."

"Making it three witnesses, now. Continue, please."

"If I'm correct, Horizon's like any one of us Unicorns, who naturally hold objects leisurely through levitation spells, out of habit. His signature should be on the ticket, after doing so."

"Now, not so long a shot."

"Enough to be worth the effort, let's hope. But first..."

He seemed to be handling this abruptly mentioned affair well enough. She was so caught up in this entire day's venture that she failed to inform him of this. Until the last, available second. Seeing him come out of his room, his top button and tie undone, she was impressed by how well he managed to get all else put on so thoroughly.

"Think I can do without the tie? Might seem overdressed with it."

"Actually, that might be good idea. It's more of a casual thing, than all-out formal."

"May I ask the reason for this evening's more casual occasion?"

"Just their way to finish fully expressing their gratitude, is all."

"And it had to be through a casual banquet, strictly with them?"

"I know. I know you think they overdid it, since way back helping to pay for your help with Rainbow Dash, but just let them do this for you. Because this is way more than that."

"I'm well aware of that, Starlight." He had tossed the tie back into the room, and put his lenses back on. "But I just...I just think all this appraisal is keeping me-us from getting my-our investigation up, off the ground."

"You're so keen on this case, yourself. Why is that? I mean, you knew fully well Cadence, Shining, Twilight, Celestia, Luna, and the rest have ways to get this done too. Yet, you decided to pitch in, as much as possible, as soon as possible."

"Call it...call it an obligation."

"Well," she decided to counter, knowing he was uncomfortable about prying, as she was. "Obligation or not, we've made it this far in the case, already. So lighten up a little, why don't you. Otherwise, you'll end up like I was, trying to learn several friendship lessons at once. Overwhelmed."

"That sounded like an understatement, to me."

"Oh-ho! Trust me, bud. It was."

"Overwhelming, or an understatement?"

"Both. Now let's go," she spurred him on from behind, "I still need to, ugh...get ready too, you know!"

"Oh, I can almost hear Foggy's retort to that."

"Then he should get along, ngh-just nicely...with Trixie."

"Who?"

"Not. Now..." Seeing him moving his hooves finally, instead of sliding against the floor, they made their way back to the palace.

"Alright, I'm going," he huffed in chuckle, "Just why didn't you get ready, before?"

After that supper get-together, which went...somewhat well in her opinion, they immediately returned to their respective residencies to change out. Knowing Daredevil meant to be snooping the yards in the dark of night, she got out of her blouse that matched the light blue strands in her mane, and dove through her luggage to find something more appropriate. Not to mention removing her eye-liner and snout powder. Even before meeting Rarity, Starlight knew to be most presentable, especially when seeing royalty. She even made an effort to do so, back when she first met Twilight.

Upon her arrival to his new office and apartment, wearing her dark violet overcoat, Starlight Glimmer saw him donning his own rain cloak. Seeing his hood covering his eyes, the Unicorn mare got a slightly intimidating vibe from him.

"Wow. Okay, Fluttershy saw you like that?"

"Just be sure you're unrecognizable, at least." His low whisper even made the spectacle spine-tingling. Heeding his advice, however, she brought out a matching snowcap to put on, covering her mane.

"Okay, so...?"

"Stay off the main road, and out of the street lights. You know the best route to the stock yards, so lead the way. I'll follow your energy's path."

"Sounds good to me." Pling. Poff!

Teleporting to the best places that Daredevil suggested, Starlight gradually made her way to their destination, ensuring she left enough of a magical trail for him to pick up.

Pew-tingaling. After reaching a dark enough shadow within the fenced borders, she sat and waited for the Earth Pony's arrival. Whoosh.

"WHOA!" She barely remembered to whisper. "A little forewarning, next time!"

"Never been asked that, before. You have his signature?"

"Hold on." She ignited her horn to dimly levitate the train ticket, and used the tracing spell needed to pick up the magic that carried it last. Seeing an amber glow emanate afterward, she followed the trail it left, while Daredevil followed.

As she strove to maintain its light as low as possible, Starlight took extra care to stay unseen by any unwanted eyes. It seemed that every step closer to the source's main use of magic here made it even more vibrant. Something she tried to compensate for, with little success.

"Okay, it seems to be getting us closer. Even though it's faint, it's definitely picking up a trace. Maybe we can find a larger object, like the wagon he used, to trace his magic right back to-"

"Wait." Feeling his extended hoof press her against the wall, she was startled at first. "Turn it off."

"What? Why?"

"Someone's coming." It was shortly after that Starlight heard hoofsteps in multitudes getting louder. Immediately, she complied.

"What do we do?"

"Take the high ground, close by. I'll listen, from here." Craning her neck to face him warily, she heard him add, "Don't worry, I won't engage, 'less I have to. Besides, the guard watching me is even closer now."

Nodding, she teleported to the nearest rooftop, and watched from above. She then spotted the troupe of four ponies arriving near the entrance. Leading the other three was the silver Unicorn that was described to her and Daredevil. His gold and amber mane matched his irises, bearing a golden-orange horseshoe for his Mark. If Horizon was not related to Midnight, they could have fooled her.

Poof. Her cloud of energy dispersed in front of him, allowing him to move closer to the commotion that seemed to begin.

"You three stay and watch. I'll go fetch it." Picking up the resonance of that pony's hoarse whisper, and the stomp-clop of hooves, he could make out a burly, powerfully built Unicorn, who made his way into the stockade before him.

"Psst. Daredevil." Starlight's whisper came from the rooftop across from him. "Pretty sure you can hear me. So, just hear me out. I've got something I want to try. But if it starts getting too noisy, make a diversion for me, will you." Bee-yur.

He could make out her slight grunts, in an effort to contain the noise of her spell, as much as possible. Just then, it sharply ceased its tinkling burst, as something with a small ring landed pink-tink onto the middle of the road. Smaller than a pebble, he could barely make out the energy's resonance from here.

"Alright," he heard Horizon whisper to himself inside, "Which one are you hiding at?"

He mentally projected the stallion's robust form casually passing the wagons in there, craning his neck down to view underneath. He was humming a groveling tune to himself, as he did so. Just then, he stopped his tracks, and reached his right foreleg underneath the axle of his apparent wagon. The cloaked Earth Pony then tuned in on what exactly he grasped.

"Got'cha, little fly. Not so powerful in that jar of yours, huh?" The glass cylinder seemed to be holding a tiny creature. One that constantly batted against the barrier of its prison, as though a fly were actually buzzing into it. But that was not what truly caught his attention. The creature seemed to have a voice of its own. He could barely make it out.

"...jus-...-ait, unt-...riend-...-et me."

"Why would they even miss you," asked the Unicorn, "You just come and go, at random. Without saying when you'd be back, or where you'd go. Not even to that Pegasus friend that you hold oh, so dear."

He realized, then, Horizon Rider had abducted someone. He was unsure of who it was, but he knew he had to-

"Come on, boys." Exiting, Horizon ordered his goons, "Let's go out the side gate. Away from any prying eyes. We've got him."

"Sure he won't try anything, boss?"

"Heh. Trust me. He's *totally** powerless.*"

They stepped out onto to the left road, away from the binging speck that Starlight left for them. There was only one chance to intervene, and that was when they came to pass his shady corner. Rearing back, and taking out his batons from the belt underneath, he took a step forward. But then, he stopped. Just before he could make his move, he was wondering if it were the best one.

As they passed him unwittingly, he grimaced at his hesitance. They kidnapped someone, trapped them in a jar like an insect, completely helpless. He wanted to act, right then and there. But then he wondered how the guard viewing this up close would respond. The fact he would cause the militant pony a dilemma in whom to stop, it might even put others, including Starlight and the hostage, in unnecessary danger.

He really should have taken Shining up on their offer to help with anything, at dinner. All he did was summarize what they gained so far, today. He had just been so hell-bent in getting here, he would not focus on anything else, other than- Poof! Bling.

"Rats," Starlight's voice came up next to him, as the departing hooves faded from earshot, far beyond the gate. "Should've sent another on each path. But, probably shouldn't have risked getting caught, right?"

Returning from his conflicted stupor, he announced shakily, "We have to get back, now."

"Why? What's up?"

"He grabbed something. A jar. Un-Underneath the axle of his wagon. He used three wagons to throw off anyone who-who might've been on to him. Throw them off, i-if-if he'd been caught."

"Calm down, bud. Deep breaths. What's so important to hide under an axle, but keep in a jar-?"

"He's got someone. I don't know who it was, b-but he seemed completely helpless. Get that guard down here. We need to get back to Shining and Cadence. Right. Now."

"Uh, okay. Sure," she answered warily, "Just where is this-"

"Thirty paces behind us. Up on the roof. Sorry."