Equestrian Chronicles: The Sparkle Experiment

I staggered back a bit, despite sitting in a chair. I was shocked. Did this random ass guy just tell me to break the law, and figure out what was going on behind the scenes of the ESF? I’m already in enough beef with them. I used to work there when I was 26. It was only for a year. I was fired after I caused an experiment to go wrong. But since I was very passionate about this job, I learned everything. But now this guy was telling me to figure everything out.

No. I couldn’t. Could I? No. That would be treason. At least I think it is. But technically I would be doing it for the greater good, wouldn’t I? But I would still be going against Celestia!

My brain fought against itself as I tried to think rationally. But how the hell was I supposed to think rationally if this guy just asked me to infiltrate the ESF? I tried to shut my brain off as I thought of an answer. These thoughts wouldn’t help me jump to my conclusion. What could I do? What should I do?

“I’ll think about it.” I suddenly choked out. Somehow I just came up with an answer out of nowhere. How strange. At least it would buy me some time to think about it. Hell, I’m already thinking about it right now. The stallion got up, trotted over to the door, not even looking at me. At least, I don’t think so. As he opened the door, he turned his head round back over to me. He pulled out a small piece of paper and dropped it on my doormat. He then said to me, flatly, “Thanks for the help Tango. Make sure to call this number once you’ve made your decision.”

He left the house, slamming the door behind him.

This was the biggest case I’ve ever had, and I was still unsure whether or not I should turn it down. But I remembered, this is the case I had been wanting to solve for years. Ever since I first heard about it. Ever since the Princess disappeared. Now it was my chance. But now I wasn’t so sure.

I thought for a moment.

There’s five mares I should talk to first.

I lived in Ponyville, where Twilight had met all of her friends, so it wasn’t hard to find them. Especially since I lived very close to Sweet Apple Acres, where Ponyville’s cider is made and where Applejack, the Element of Honesty, lived.

I trotted up to the barn. It was shining a new shade of red, as if they had just painted it. I knocked on the barn door, and sure enough, Applejack answered.

“Well, howdy there, Tango! What brings you here?” The farmer said in a slightly shaky voice, as if she was intimidated by me.

“Applejack, I need to ask you something. You are not in any sort of trouble, I just really need to ask you something. I need to make sure we’re alone. It’s a very secretive matter.” I explained the basic situation to her without spilling much of the secrets right at her front door.

“What’s this all about, Tango?” Applejack said, in a very quite whisper.

I came back with a whisper. Only this time she wasn’t left shocked afterwards.

“Twilight.”

It was around half an hour later when finally I followed Applejack to a specific point in the fields. She said that no one should be able to hear the two from the barn, or anywhere else for that matter. She lifted up her hat a bit, and then spoke.

“So, why did you bring Twi up again, Tango? Is there somethin’ wrong? Did you find ‘er body?”

At this point, Applejack was seemingly worried. I reassured her that I did not find the mangled remains of her friend.

“No I didn’t find her. But I’m trying. What I mean by that is... some stallion came up to my house, handed me a page from the ESF. It was a page of details about an experiment involving Twilight and other family members. It also says they committed the murder of Princess Cadence, and they were all in on it. Honestly I find it hard to believe. They didn’t present any forensic evidence at the trial. But the reason why this seems strange is because one day... the four of them vanished from their cells. The guards apparently didn’t even question it. It was all so strange. Th-“

I was cut off by Applejack. She was shaking, and managed to say, “I think this is a bit too much to take in at once. Before you continue, is there anyone else that needs to hear this?”

I nodded, and said, “I will need Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy to hear this. I’m also considering that maybe I should fit Twilight’s assistant Spike in there.”

“Well can’t ya just group us up? It’ll be much more simple that way! Maybe I could send a message to the rest of ‘em so ya don’t have to break your back trotting around Ponyville!”

I had to agree with Applejack, as I said, I was getting old. “Okay, that seems fair. Once you have grouped everyone up, head to my residence. I shall be waiting. Make sure to get Spike, and also, there might be a guest you won’t expect.”

Applejack, was confused by this, but then nodded and headed off to group up the rest of the Elements.

But I had a phone call to make.

I dialled in the number, and called it. Sure enough, the stallion picked up.

“Is this Tango?” He asked, still sounding as he did when he left.

“Yes. I would like to investigate the ESF. I will do it without them knowing, and I will figure out the whereabouts of Twilight and the others. But first, I need you to come back to my home. I’ve got a few mares I need to speak with.”

I ended the call. The case had begun.

It’s time for the truth to come out.