Author's Note: Hey, all you fellow bronies and pegasisters out there. I decided to re-write this chapter and make it better. I admit, I kind of rushed that chapter, as I had a few other issues I had to deal with. I also thought of a few ideas in my head to bring in more characters to the story quickly, instead of wasting time and bringing them in later. So, here you go. Chapter 4 of Equestria Noire: The Royal Guard Case. Hope you enjoy it better than the original one I wrote.

Me and Twilight walked over to the address of Steel Spear and his boyfriend Cobalt. On the way over there, I felt the awkwardness in the air around me and Twilight. I looked at her, and she had a bit of a depressing look on her face. After I told her everything I said earlier, she just kind of had this vibe around her. I think I must've hurt her feelings pretty bad. I didn't mean to. I just told her what was on my mind.

"Twilight?" I said getting her attention. She looked at me with an unpleasant look on her face.

"Look, I'm sorry. Okay? I never meant to hurt your feelings. I know friendship is everything to you. And I didn't mean to demean it in any way. If you and I are going to continue to be partners on this case, I need to know if we're cool with each other. If we can still work together as professionals. So, are we okay?" I said to her.

She had this kind of look on her face that would describe somepony giving somepony the cold shoulder. Like, she didn't want to talk to me, but was being forced into doing so.

"*Sigh* Whatever. We're cool. Let's just go." Twilight said as she started walking toward our destination. I could tell she just said that to get out of our conversation. I would stop her and try to talk to her again, but I have a job to do. I just hope I can get something out of Cobalt.

********Steel and Cobalt's house********

Celestia, this had to be the most uncomfortable thing for Twilight right now. Her sitting with me, in front of a murder victim's boyfriend, and asking him some questions about it. When me and her first made it to the house, we were greeted by some green coated, tan maned mare named Green Tea. She's Cobalt's best friend she tells me. Right now, she's sitting next to him, trying to comfort him as I ask him some questions about his dead lover.

"Cobalt, when was the last time you saw Steel Spear?" I asked him.

It took him a little bit to answer, but he finally did. "It was last night. He told me he had to go out and do something. He didn't tell me what it was. He just said he needed to do something, kissed me, and left. Then I found out what happened earlier this morning." He told me in a bit of a soft spoken, kind of girlish voice. He had tears forming in his eyes, as he whiped them away with his hoof. Green Tea was next to him still comforting him as best as she could.

I looked over at Twilight, and I knew she felt empathy for this poor guy. I could also tell she wanted to say something to help out the situation. She looked at me, and I motioned for her to ask him something.

"Cobalt." Twilight said in a comforting voice. "Do you know anypony who would want to hurt him? Anypony at all?" She asked him.

Cobalt shook his head. "No. Steel was a good stallion and a great boyfriend. I don't know who would want to hurt him." He replied.

I wrote down everything he said. "Did you ever meet Steel's uncle Ace, Cobalt?" I asked him.

He nodded. "Yeah. He was the one who helped me and Steel get this house. Cause after we graduated high school, Steel told his dad Rocky that we were a gay couple, and he completely disowned him. And threw him out of the house."

"Why would he do that? Ponyville is like the LGBT capital of the world. And that's his own son?" Twilight asked him.

"Cause he formed this religious group. They call themselves F.A.G.S. The Fight Against Gays Society. He thinks gay ponies are ruining Equestria and need to be reformed or whiped out. The guy is crazy detective." Cobalt said now sounding a bit angry.

His own father huh? So, he forms this religious group that is against gay ponies. And one of them is his own son.

"Did Steel ever talk about his father? And did he ever try to talk to him after he came out?" I asked him.

Cobalt looked a bit uneasy. "Well, he rarely ever talked about him, but whenever he did, it was always "If he can't accept me for who I am, then he isn't my father." And there was one time he tried to talk to him, and when he came home, he went into a huge depression and got drunk." He told me.

“When was this?” I asked him.

“About three months ago.” He answered.

I paused for a minute before I asked him, "Cobalt, I'm sorry to ask you this, especially at this time, but did the name Midnight Whistle ever get brought up?"

Cobalt looked confused. "No. Why? What do you mean?" He asked.

Oh shit. This is gonna get real ugly. He doesn't know that Steel had been cheating on him. If I tell him, he might get all defensive. Trust me, it's happened before.

"Cobalt, I heard about an assault that happened outside of a gay bar months prior to Steel's death. The one who did it was by a stallion named Duke Bronco." I told him.

"So? What does that have to do with this Midnight Whistle guy?" He said as his voice started to raise. Green Tea was getting a little scared sitting right next to him. Twilight was getting concerned as well.

"From the reports, the two stallions that Duke attacked were Midnight and your boyfriend Steel. I also have gotten a report by Ace that he saw those two walking with each other around town together."

"What are you implying?" Cobalt asked sounding not to happy.

"What I'm saying, is I think Steel had been cheating on you Cobalt." I said. And when I did, he raised his hooves up and slammed them on the table in front of me. He looked pissed off. When he did that, it startled Tea and Twilight.

"HOW DARE YOU! Steel would never cheat on me. Ace must've mistaken him for somepony else." Cobalt exclaimed.

I just looked at him for a few seconds before he left the room and went somewhere else in the house. I had a feeling that was gonna happen.

Green Tea looked over at us with a sympathetic look on her face. "He knows it's true. He's just having a hard time accepting it." She told us.

"You know he was cheating on him?" Twilight asked.

Green nodded. "Yeah. I live 2 houses away from here, and I would see them walking together, and then run into an alley to make out, and sometimes have sex." She told us. "I wanted to tell him, but it would break his heart. Besides, Steel went out like every night after his shift at the Royal Palace. He found this card for this gay bar called the Cruizin Colt. I think he knew Steel could, quite possibly, be cheating on him. He just didn't want to admit it. I feel bad for him."

I wrote everything down. "So, did you ever hear the name Duke Bronco anywhere? Did Cobalt know?" I asked him.

She nodded. "Duke is a member of F.A.G.S. The guy is a total homophobe detective." She told us.

"One last question: can you verify Cobalt's whereabouts last night?" I asked.

“Your not accusing Cobalt of killing Steel are you?" She asked sounding surprised.

"No, I just want to make sure everypony's alibi checks out."

"Well, I didn’t see him leave, cause trust me, I would have known he would’ve left. So, he must’ve stayed home last night.” She told me.

I wrote everything down. Okay, so Steel had been seeing another stallion behind his boyfriends back. And Duke Bronco is a member of Steel’s fathers religious group F.A.G.S, whom has a bit of a history with Steel.

I thanked her and me and Twilight left.

“Do you think she’s telling the truth?” Twilight asked me as we were walking.

I shrugged. “She seems to have an honest face. But, you never know. I might get a search warrant on his home in case Cobalt’s name comes up again.” I told her.

“I feel bad for him. He obviously loves Steel very much. And he cheated on him.” Twilight said sounding sorry for him.

“Yeah. I know how that feels.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. I’ve been cheated on before by some of my ex-girlfriends.”

“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Meh. I’m over it. Anyway let’s go talk to the father. I’m sure he has something to say about his son.” I ended the conversation to get back on track of the investigation.

I could tell Twilight wanted to help me. But, I just don’t feel like talking about the past.

******F.A.G.S Location-421 N Trot Ave******

GOD HATES FAGS

YOUR GOING TO HELL

REPENT OR ELSE

Those were some of the signs I saw just on the front lawn of this place. This building kind of resembled a church in a lot of ways. Only, this wasn't an actual church where religious ponies go to on Sunday mornings. No. This as just a small, maybe medium-sized building, that was dressed up like a church.

Only, I wouldn't call this a church. I'd call it a site of a hate group. Which is exactly what this place, and the F.A.G.S organization is. There a group that hates a certain group of ponies based on what they are. It's a place where ponies spread their hatred for ponies of the LGBT community, and try to ruin they're nice time at gay pride rallies or comic conventions.

These ponies are horrible ponies if ya know what I mean.

I looked over at Twilight, who looked visibly pissed off. Can't say I blame her. I know she has a few gay and lesbian friends. This must really offend her by what these fuckwads are doing.

"You okay?" I asked her.

Twilight growled. "I'm fine. Let's just question this guy." She said not sounding very happy. Like I said, I can't blame her. Anypony who was a normal pony would see these and get pissed off.

I entered the church, and I swear to Celestia, there were ponies singing. I mean, it's a "church" and all, but these ponies were singing songs about how "Fags are evil, and turn straight or die, what have you." As if the signs outside weren't bad enough. There were about 6 ponies here. Though, I'm sure there was more of them that weren't here at the moment.

A big stallion, around his mid 50's, with a grey coat and blue mane came up to me and Twilight. He had a chasel for a cutie mark. He also was accompanied by a white coated, blue maned mare, who looked about 5 years younger than him. She had a jewel shaped like a flower for a cutie mark. Talk about age gap between the two.

"Hello, welcome to the Fight Against Gays Society. Or F.A.G.S for short. My name is Rocky and this is my wife Emerald Drops. So, are you here to let God into your life and try to cleanse the world of the fags?" He asked me, actually sounding like a business salesman. This guy, I swear.

I levitated my badge to him. "Sir, I'm Detective Shadow Haze. Princess Twilight here is my partner. May we speak in private?" I asked him.

"I don't see why not." He said as he then turned to the other members if the church. Or his followers as I would probably call them. "All of you take a break. I'll be right back." We walked into an office part of his building together.

"So, I take it your here because of Steel Spear, correct?" Rocky asked with Emerald right behind him.

I nodded. "Yes. I'm sorry about your son, sir." I told him in an attempt to sound genuine.

Then, in a moment where I wanted to ask the ultimate question "How Can You Say That?", he just shrugged, while displaying a smug look on his face. The kind of face that shows he doesn't give a shit.

"Don't be. I'm quite alright." He said in the most non-chalant tone of voice possible. I just can't believe what I'm hearing. I was about to say something, but Twilight beat me to it.

"Excuse me sir, but you don't at all seem sad about the fact that your son was murdered in cold blood last night." She asked sounding cross.

"Because we're not. Steel chose to betray God's nature. He is not my son anymore." Rocky said in a completely cold tone of voice. To say this guy was heartless would be an understatement.

"You hate your own son, just because of his lifestyle choice? Shouldn't a parent support his child's way of life?" I asked him.

Rocky shook his head. "Homosexuality is a crime against God. It means more to me then anything.” He exclaimed. His wife was right behind him, dusting his off a few of the shelves in his office. She heard everything. He KNEW she was right behind him, and didn’t care.

Twilight looked like she was getting worked up. I decided to just get right to the questions.

“When was the last time you spoke with your son?” I asked him.

“I haven’t spoken to him in years. It’s been that long detective.” He answered.

*BEEP* Wrong.

“Your lying Rocky. I know you’ve spoken to him recently.” I told him.

Then, Emerald turned to me and asked, with a smartass tone of voice, “You’ve got any proof of that, LITTLE MAN?”

“Yeah, where’s your proof?” Rocky asked me, also displaying a smartass tone of voice.

These ponies don’t know who they’re fucking with.

“We’ve got a statement from Steel’s boyfriend Cobalt. He says that Steel came to you about three months, and then came home and went into a drunken depressive state.” I told him.

“Your, honestly, gonna believe that gay homo faggot. He’s just as bad as my son. How do you know he’s not lying?” He asked.

“Well, I could look into a search warrant of this place, and ask around town Rocky. Plus, your big brother Ace could tell me lots of things as well. That could make me spill some info on this place to the public that you DON’T want. So you better tell me something. NOW!” I threatened him.

“FINE!” He said now looking pissed. “He did come here a few months ago. He said he wanted to work things out with me. I told him what I told him years ago: “Either you turn straight, or don’t come back at all.” He left. And I hadn't heard from him ever since then." He told me.

"So, how many members do you have total here Rocky?" I asked him.

"About 7 or 8." He answered. Really? I would've expected a lot more.

"That's it? I expected this place to be bigger and with more ponies. Why is that?" I asked him.

Emerald spoke for him on this one. "Business hasn't been doing well these past few months. Some former members had to leave for various reasons. Why, we don't know."

"You mean, your church used to have a lot more members than you do now?" Twilight asked.

Rocky nodded. "Yes. Some ponies come and go for understandable reasons. And some don't." He said. Okay, he never gave us an official reason as to WHY these former ponies of the church left. Why? Is he hiding something? I'll have to figure that out later.

"So, is one of your members named Duke Bronco?" I asked him.

"Yes."

"And where does he work, or live?"

"He lives in some apartment building somewhere in Ponyville. And he works at some letter factory, I believe it's called "Freedom Arts."

"Do you know Duke very well?"

"Yes. He's a good guy. He's a lot more of a son to me than Steel ever was." He said with the most shit eating grin I've ever seen. "Why do you ask? You think HE did it?"

"Why are you implying that we think he did it?" Twilight asked.

"Cause I know about the attack on those two faggots he did a while back. Plus, with his personal history with Steel, it would surprise me greatly if he DIDN'T do it." He told us. He has a feeling Duke killed his only son, and doesn't care? Celestia above, this guy is a fucking asshole. And I thought Shinebadge was bad.

"What history are you talking about?" I asked him.

"Steel witnessed Duke attack and try to rape some mare back when they were in high school. He stopped him, told the cops, and Duke was arrested. I remember, before Steel betrayed God's way, he would get letters in the mail, threatening to kill him if he ever saw him again." He explained to me.

"And you let a convicted rapist become a member of your church group?" Twilight asked, looking really pissed off.

"He became a member a month ago. Said he wanted to change his ways. He told me the words I want everypony to say when they are down on their luck: "Bring Jesus into my life." How could I say no?" He said.

"Oh, I don't know, maybe the fact that he tried to rape an innocent mare, AND that he was threatening your only son, ROCKY!" Twilight exclaimed as she got up and out of her seat.

Rocky stood up as well. Oh no, this looked bad. Emerald stood up too. Like she was ready to attack Twilight.
"Well, at least Duke is a straight man. Not some faggot like my real "son" Steel." He said using air quotes on the son part.

She got up in his face now. Shit. Twilight stop. "HOW CAN YOU BE SO CRUEL TOWARD YOUR SON?" She screamed in his face.

"Why are getting all worked up? Are you a fag too "Princess Twilight"?" He asked.

Oh shit. Is this guy fucking crazy?

I saw that look in Twilight's eyes. She was about ready to pounce on this guy. Not like he doesn't deserve it, but if she attacks him, he'll get his lawyers involved. And it'll be an even bigger problem.

So, quickly, I got in between them. I stopped Twilight from using her magic on him. Even if he did deserve to get the shit beat outta him.

"I think we're done now, Rocky. That's all the information I need. I think we'll leave now. I can see what a hard time your having mourning over your son. Goodbye." I told him, as I pushed Twilight out of the office door with me. I could tell Rocky and Emerald were pissed too.

********Outside********

"Are you crazy Twilight? What were you thinking?" I scolded her.

"Am I crazy? What about him?" She asked pointing at the church. "This guy admits he doesn't miss his own son he brought into this world, all because he happens to like stallions more than mares. AND he admits a fucking rapist is more of a son to him than his real son is. Is that crazy or what, huh?" Twilight asked sounding angry.

"I agree with you Twilight. Rocky is a piece of shit. But, remember what I told you before. Don't let your personal feelings get in the way." I told her.

"Shadow, but he--" She started.

"I know Twilight. I know. But, we have to be professional. We can't beat up somepony, just because they are horrible ponies. We never fight, unless they engage first. If you attacked him Twilight, and you almost did, I would've had to arrest you for assault."

"Why me? You should arrest him."

"For what reason?"

She was about to speak, until she stopped herself.

"Exactly. We can't arrest him, if we don't have anything on him. Yeah, he's a fucking asshole, but we don't have proof that he killed, or was involved in the killing of Steel. I know it's hard, but for now, we can't touch him." I told her.

She groaned very loudly. I know she's frustrated. I am too.

"Alright, let's get back on this case. I'm gonna go check out the gay bar "Cruzin Colt" myself. Not that I don't want you there, it's just they won't let you in. You being a mare and all." I told her.

"Okay, so what should I do for now?" She asked me.

"I need you to dig up some research on Rocky's church. I think he's hiding something about the members." I told her.

She nodded, bid me farewell, and went off someplace to do what I told her. I think her castle may have a library to it.

As I was walking toward the bar, I heard something on my phone. Must've gotten a text. I look at my phone. It's from Cadaver. He's sent me two mugshots of these stallions. One was a light brown coated, very muscular looking, stallion with a sandy brown mane.

Holy shit! This was the mugshot of Duke Bronco. Now I finally know what he looks like. Thank you Cadaver.

Now, the other mugshot, was a stallion with a dark brown coat, also very muscular, and a tan mane. This guys name was Bold Ice. Says here, he's Duke's younger brother. Also a member of F.A.G.S. Lives with Duke in that apartment somewhere here.

The mugshots also came with a text that said, "Hey, sorry it took a bit, but here's what I've got on these two suspects. Here ya go."

Thanks Cadaver. Again.

Then, while walking, my phone rings. "Hello?" I answered.

"Shadow, where the heck are you?" A familiar voice said over the phone. It was my big sister Melody.

"Hey sis, long time no talk. I'm in Ponyville right now." I told her.

"Why are you there?"

"Angel got me a case to help out with my damn bills. Some Royal Guard was murdered last night. It's a big fucking mess, let me tell ya."

"Oh." She said sounding concerned. "Well, I'm happy your trying to find justice for the poor guy."

"Yeah, well, I'm just doing my job. So, why'd ya call?" I asked her.

"Well, I just wanted to see how you were doing on all your financial troubles. I could have helped ya know." She said to me.

"Thanks, but you've got a birthday party to throw for my favorite nephew. He's more important than I am. So, don't worry about me."

"Heh, always looking out for other ponies, aren't you little brother?" She asked light hearted.

"Hm. Yeah. I mean, you taught me."

"I did. I did. Hey, so you know you don't have to get Comet anything huge right?" She told me.

"Well, I actually have something, kind of huge, on hold for now. I just have to find the fucker who did this, and I can get it for free."

"What did you get?"

"It's a three comic book collection of The Dark Stallion. 100 bits. The store owner is the victims uncle. Said if I get the guy, he'll give it to me for free. A win-win situation if you ask me."

"100 bits? Shadow, isn't that a little much out of you?"

"Nothing's to good for Comet. I want to get him a good birthday present for once. And I'm sticking to this one."

"*Sigh* Okay, I guess I can't talk you out of this one." She told me. Then, I heard a hyperactive voice on the other side. I knew who it was.

"Hey, Comet wants to say hi." She told me.

"Put the little guy on." I said. I waited for a few seconds, until....

"Hey Uncle Shadow." I heard my little nephew say, getting all excited to talk to me.

"Hey kiddo. How you doing? You know, besides turning 10?" I asked him.

He then told me everything that was happening with the party. Mel was making a lemon cake, Solar was setting up amps and stereo's for outside music, and he's invited all of his friends over, and plans to introduce them to me. Heh. Guess he can't wait to show everypony who his idol is.

"Sounds like you all are keeping busy." I said to him.

"Uh huh. Hey, are you on a case right now?" He asked me sounding excited.

"Yeah. I'll just say it's a murder case, and leave it at that." I told him.

"Well, I know you'll find the pony who did it. Your awesome Uncle Shadow. I just know it."

"Well, thank you kiddo. I'll be sure to get the guy."

"My dream is to work on a case with you someday. That would be the coolest gift ever."

"Yeah, you'll have to wait until your older someday kiddo."

I could tell he had a little pouty face on him. "I know. But, I'm patient. I'll wait." He said.

"Yeah. Anyway, I gotta get going buddy. Gotta get back on this case, okay?" I said to him.

"Okay. I'll see you on Saturday Uncle Shadow." He said to me.

"Yeah. Tell your mom I love her, and tell your dad I said hi, alright?"

"I will. I promise."

"Alright. See you later kiddo."

"Bye Uncle Shadow."

"Ba-Bye." I said, finally finishing up the phone conversation. Hmph. That kid looks up to me so much. Sometimes I wish he didn't, seeing as how traumatizing my job can be at times. I wish he would consider a different career path. But, he wants to be a detective like me when he grows up. And he wants to learn from me.

I love that kid. I hope he has a great birthday party. Better then any of mine I had growing up, that's for damn sure.

......

Author's Note

Earlier I accidentally hit the publish button, and then I quickly unpublished it. I wasn't finished with it yet, as you can see. So, sorry about that inconvenience.

Also, sorry about this coming out so late. I had some other "projects" I've been working on for a long period of time. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

PS: If you think in this chapter I am legitimately attacking the Westboro Baptist Church, then you are correct. And if anybody who actually is apart of that group is reading this right now and is offended by what I have posted, well, three words....

I DON'T CARE! Fuck you all.

Anyway, thank you all. Make sure to like, comment, favorite and follow my story for any future updates. See ya later.