When Laughter Falls to Insanity
Twilight Sparkle heaved into the toilet, the sight still fresh within her mind's eye too much to handle. Princess Celestia held the young Alicorn, making sure to hold the young Sparkle's mane back.
"How did her uterus end up in the oven....hrrrauuuuugh?!!!!!" Twilight lamented unto the porcelain god before gifting the deity the bile that was in her stomach.
"Indeed, I also would inquire if there is significance to the number '666' that was carved on the inside of Ms. Pie's eyeball. Or the words 'HAHA' that were scrawled over the entirety of the wall in her feces, or why there was semen inside the multiple holes that had been made throughout her body. Truly a gruesome way to die." Celestia continued, her statement causing another bought of bilious discharge from her former student, ending with Twilight's dry heaves shaking the young mare's body.
A knock came upon the bathroom door, a low melodious voice drifting in.
"How is she doing, Tia? Methinks young Twilight has given way more in her offering then she went in there with. You might want to make sure she doesn't burn her throat on the bile or dehydrate. You know, like what happened to you after your first public execution. The one were the noose caused the mare's head to separate from her body and spray you from head to hooves in offal."
Celestia turned green at the memory. "Move over Twilight dear, I have my own offering to give."
Gathered around the friendship map, the remainder of the Mane 6 sat in shocked silence. Two of Celestia's special investigation ponies, both in black suits and ties, looked lost among the Heroines, unsure of where or how to begin. Finally, one of the detectives spoke.
"I am Detective Cumulus and this is Detective Kickback, We are terribly sorry for your loss but we would like to ask you a few questions. The sooner we do this the sooner we can move on to other parts of the investigation."
Clearing his throat, Detective Cumulus continued. "As Princess Twilight will not be able to join us, we can take her statement when she's recovered. So for now, why don't we go around the table clockwise, starting with Ms. Apple. Do you know of anyone that would wish Ill of Ms. Pie?"
Applejack looked up at the two detectives, biting off her angry words like a particularly sour apple, she sighed.
"The villians she helped defeat for one. We have had a whole slew of adventures after all. But other then them no. Everyone liked Pinkie. Yes, she could be..... difficult, but I honestly can't think of anyone that would hate her enough to kill her."
Detective Kickback spoke up, "Even with her frequent Pranking?"
Applejack narrowed her eyes, but replied. "Yes, even with her Pranking. No one was ever really mad about that because if you got her she accepted it. Hell, she might even congratulate you on a prank well pulled."
Nodding his head, Cumulus interjected, "No need to get defensive Ms. Apple, we're just trying to establish motive."
Applejack snorted in amusement, "Just telling like it was, ain't nothin defensive on that."
The two detectives glanced at each other. Silence stretched as each silently queiried the other with eye motions and head movments. Finally, after about 10 minutes of this, Cumulus continued the questioning.
"Did Ms. Pie appear unusually depressed or scared recently? Was she in any kind of financial distress?"
The element of Honesty shook her head. "You kidding me? Pinkie was the happiest she'd ever been. Her and Cheese Sandwich were going to go in on a business venture together. As for financial distress? Girl was loaded.
She was an equal partner in Sugar Cube Corner and had invested in businesses all over ponyville. Hell, she was even one of my biggest investors."
Detective Kickback looked over the gathered mares, then asked, "How many of you is that true of?"
Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash all raised their hands.
Whistling in surprise, Detective Kickback stated, "That's a whole lot of Bits. Who is her beneficiary?"
All four of the mares glanced at each other. Rarity was the one who rose.
"Spike? Can you come in here please?"
The Detectives glanced at each other, "What does my question have to do with Princess Twilight Sparkle's Pet Dragon?" Detective Kickback stuttered.
All four mares lasered in on the doomed Unicorn detective. Cumulus wisely took a step to the side, leaving his partner standing alone.
"Princess Sparkle's Dragon," Rarity sneered, "Happens to be our business manager and lawyer. He's been Twilight's assistant for most of his life, which by extension meant a life within academia and the halls of power. Spike has several doctorates which include, but are not limitted to, Political Science. Abnormal Psychology, Arcanism, Alchemy, and Medicine. He's a fully certified Lawyer with the Royal Equestrian Legal Board in civil, criminal and contract law. He is also a fully certified Paramedic and has his Mechanical Engineering masters. Apparently the move to Ponyville meant he couldn't finish that last one. He technically also knows as much about magical theory as Twilight does and fully understands it. I would hope that you can remember that."
Rainbow snorted, picking up where Rarity left off. "Not to mention the little guy has been help us all this time too. At this point he probably has the equivalent of my Weather Studies Bachelors, and picked up some of my awesome weather instincts to boot. Which combined with the nerd stuff that Twilight stuffs down his throat means he's my backup in stopping the Arcane storms that form over the Everfree. Those Weather Wards, that he designed by himself, are nearly as awesome as me.
Fluttershy glowered upon Detective Kickback, unleashing the full stare unto the speciest detective she finished what her friends had started. "Spike coordinates all of the running of our businesses while we are off saving the world. When he accompanies us our businesses suffer for it. But within a week he has them running smoothly and profitably again. Spike is more than 'Princess Sparkles Pet Dragon.' He is a valued friend and assisstant to us all. I am terrified of dragons, I have never been afraid of Spike, nor will I ever will be. He's a better being than somepony that judges based on species of birth ever will be. You can leave, go and think about what you just said."
Detective Kickback wilted under the glare enhanced words of the three heroines of Equestria before him. Turning he fled out into ponyville, leaving a vaguely yellow, vinegar smelling puddle on the floor.
Detective Culumnos moved forward to continue his questioning, but a low, deep baritone interrupted him.
"I believe that my Clients can not answer that question as Pinkie wanted the beneficiary to remain anonymous."
A tall, chiseled dragon walked into the room. Well muscled and lean of build. He wore a pair of slender fit, black cargo pants, tailored for his lithe frame. He wore a fuschia polo, the sleeves rolled up to reveal long, thin, toned arms. Extending one of his clawed hands to greet Detective Culumnos, he introduced himself.
"Prince Spike Sparkle, Duke of Ponyville at your service. I hope that the attitudes of Detective Kickback does not reflect the attitudes of the greater Ponyville police force. I'd hate to have to start a civil trial against the town I grew up in. It would get awkward way to quickly."
Spike let the threat drop of as he shook the Detective's hand. Releasing the Detective from his grip, he looked down upon the much shorter Pegasus before continuing, "Oh, I apologize! I do hope I didn't hurt your hand. Sometimes I don't know my own strength. After all, I am my mother's Pet Dragon, after all."
Snarling the last words and letting smoke blow out his nose, Spike watched as Detective Culumnous considered his words.
"I assure you, Duke Sparkle that Detective Kickback will be properly dealt with on my return to the precinct. He's from Canterlot, not Ponyville, his attitudes most certainly do not reflect anything that the Ponyville Police force represent, believe, or otherwise allow to flourish within our ranks. The only thing I can say in his defense is that while in Canterlot he did enforce the law equally. It was that commitment to the law that got him the post here."
Spike chuckled, "So he pissed off the nobles huh? Good, tell him if he apologizes to my face the next time he sees me, as well as to the mares at this table, then I will in no way hold anything against him. Now, since you have no further questions, I suggest you leave my clients and I to our mourning. I wish you luck in the investigation and if you have any further questions please direct them to me. I will be more than happy to make sure that the girls are well represented in assisting the police in all matters."
Looking up at the Purple and green Dragon before him, Culumnus smirked. "I'll show myself out then. Good to know you grew up right Spike. I'll be in touch with any information I have."
Bowing respectfully to the Mane 6, the brown trenchcoat wearing Pegasus bumbled out the door. As he left, Spike sighed. "Alright Girls, Mom is just about done getting sick and she should be ready to tell you what she has planned shortly. And for further reference, do not let yourselves get questioned by the police without my presence. The police force needs someone to blame on this one. They can't afford to look stupid. Problem is that it's unprecedented for a Murder to happen in this day and age. The resources and training don't exist in this world anymore."
"What is dear Twilight planning Spikey," Rarity queried the dragon, batting her eyes at the dragon as she leaned forward. Giving Spike a more than ample view of what she kept under her shirt. "Surely, you can tell us."
"Sorry Rares, if you got Sweetie, AB, or Scoots to ask that way, I might let Mom's plan slip. But you're 5 years to late on that one. Ship has sailed." Spike said, not unkindly.
Rarity flushed lightly as she leaned back, "Well can't blame a girl for trying, can you?"
"No we can not!" Rainbow and Applejack both concurred, eyeing the handsome beefcake before them.
Spike deadpanned at the girls. "Seriously! None of you were interested till I wasn't."
"That was before puberty, Spikey Wikey." Rarity clarified.
"Heh. Yeah, now you've all grown up." Dash teased.
"Hey, Sister's share things, right?" Applejack queried.
"That they do." Rarity throatily growled.
Spike threw his hand over his ears, "Not Listening! LALALALALALALA!
The three older mares winked at each other.
"We still got it darlings."
"Oh yeah, we're still Awesome!"
"My Apple Pie Ain't dried out yet!"
Several weeks had gone by and still the Ponyville police force had found nothing. Detective Cumulus stared at his partner, Detective Kick Back.
"You really shouldn't have called Spike her pet."
Kick Back sighed, "I'd never interacted with a dragon before," sneering to himself, he continued, "guess I'm more like the nobles then I care to admit."
Cumulus smiled at his unicorn partner, "Better you find out now then later, ignorance can be cured."
Shaking his head ruefully, Detective Kick Back snarked back to his pegasus friend, "Yeah, except my screw up made all of them shut down on us. Without a timeline of the victim's last day we have very little to follow up on."
Cumulus cocked his head, "Odd that."
"What?" Kick Back queried.
"You'd think they'd be eager for us to solve this, yet the elements keep stonewalling us." Cumulus stated.
Kick Back's eyes narrowed as he followed his partner's train of thought. "That's a very dangerous train of thought, Cumulus," Looking around for prying ears he quietly finished, "unless you want to join me on my next 'transfer' you had better have all the evidence."
"That mean you backing off?" Cumulus asked, "Wouldn't blame you, you just got moved in after all."
Kick Back snorted, "I go were the evidence goes, and I'll have your back as long as that's true. I just want us to be cautious, were moving among a Princess's court." Holding up his hand to forestall Cumulus' objection he clarified, "just takes one to ruin the group. It's why I'm here after all."
Cumulus sighed again, he'd known Rarity and Applejack since they were kids and he honestly liked Fluttershy and Rainbow. He'd been so proud to see Spike grow up to be the stallion he had. However now the evidence, circumstantial as it was, pointed in a direction he did not like. Getting up he grabbed his brown trench coat, placing it around himself he turned to his more dapper partner.
"C'mon we have work to do. And I think I know where to go to find out some of what we need to know."
Smiling, Kick Back rose and joined his partner as they went forth, once more on the hunt.
Princess Twilight Sparkle glared out over Ponyville, "Several Weeks and no leads, Hmph!"
Besides her Spike glanced over at her, "Mom, nothing of this nature has happened in the past thousand years. The Police are going to be slow to catch up. No one from Equestria even has much training on this," Seeing his mother's questioning look Spike Clarified, "Yes, I studied criminal law, but most of that is about theft and assault, not any kind of murder. I know nothing about how the Police are going to investigate or how to cooperate with them. The only thing I know how to do is protect my clients, and that mostly is making sure they don't say anything to the cops. Detective Kick Back calling me your pet just gave me the best excuse I could use." Snarling out his frustration, Spike plopped down in his chair.
"He called you WHAT?" Twilight growled.
Spike's eyes widened, turning he saw his Adoptive Mother beginning to smolder, "MOM! I just washed those, cut it out!"
Predictably, Twilight calmed down instantly. Taking the advantage Spike clarified.
"He's a Unicorn from Canterlot, he probably has never even interacted with a Dragon before. Lack of knowledge is not speciesism. I looked into him, the dude is a stand up guy. Some of the Nobles were importing Diamond Dog 'indentured servants' to clear out the catacombs. Turns out those indentured servants turned into slaves real fast. Nobody cared. Diamond Dogs are ignored, even your school has yet to have one. Well, Kick Back cared. He made sure the whole ring went before Celestia. However his star witness disappeared. Without that witness the evidence against the leaders was circumstantial."
Spike smiled nastily, "Still it will be a while before any noble tries that kind of thing again. For Kick Back's trouble he was shipped here, were he proceeded to shutdown a black market catnip ring selling to the Abyssinians. Again the leaders slipped away, but that operation won't be coming through here again. Dude is a beast of an investigator. I honestly wish we were on the same side, he deserves a drink and a commendation as far as I'm concerned."
Twilight smiled at her adopted son, "Sounds like a standup stallion, alright I can forgive ignorance."
Looking back over Ponyville she sighed, "I wish Starlight was here, but until the Murder investigation is done, she's stuck in the human world. I shut down the mirror as soon as I could. Couldn't take the chance that whoever did this would try to pull a Sunset."
Twilight turned her eyes from Ponyville and out over the Everfree, looking down at the reports she'd been putting off she started going through them.
"The Parasprites are keeping to the forest, no incursions from the Timberwolves lately, and Zecora says the human living in the forest is getting on...."
Twilight looked over at Spike, muttering to herself she continued her thought, "A human not from the Mirror world..... from a World Of Darkness."
Spike looked on in concern as his mother's eyes flashed back and forth.
Still muttering to herself, she followed her reasoning to its logical solution, "A world much more violent and terrifying than Sunset's. One were the darkest nightmares walked in secret among the world, till the fall wiped them out. Nightmares like the one we are facing." Twilight's eyes lit up, "Spike gather the girls, we are going to recruit a consultant. One that should be experienced in exactly the way we need."
Spike sighed, this wouldn't end well, but he knew better then to argue when Twilight was like this, so he jotted down a letter and sent it out, his green flame shooting off in the separate directions of his mother's friends.
Several Hours later the Girls had gathered at the edge of the Everfree, joining them were Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.
"So what do you think Twi called us here for?" Applejack asked.
"Maybe she's tired of the Police doing nothing." Rainbow Dash snarked.
"Although I confess to frustration myself, it is hardly fair to blame them," Rarity admonished the Multicolored speedster, "The one we should be blaming is the one that took our Pinkie from us."
Dash glared at Rarity a moment then sighed, "Yeah, I just wish there was more we could do."
"We all feel that way, my little pony," Celestia stated, "But it's best if we let the police do their job."
"Indeed, we will not need a return of Mare Do Well anytime in the near future. Nor will we require any other vigilantism, Ms. Dash." Luna interjected.
Fluttershy rested a hoof on her friends shoulder, "We just need to be patient, besides Twilight always has a plan. I am sure this time will be no different."
"Sorry I'm late girls!" Twilight called out as the flash of her teleport announced her presence, "I had to make sure that Spike had everything to begin auditing and authenticating Pinkie's will."
"So what's the plan, Egghead." Dash interjected.
Twilight pursed her lips but let the nickname slide. "A human lives in this forest. One from a Different world then the one Sunset ran too." Shuddering at the memory, she continued, "All I could find of his former world were reflections, and those were enough. He came from a world where Vampires ruled the cities, were beast changers ruled the wild, and darker things ate at the world. But an event he referred to as the Apocalypse harmonized his world, at the cost of his entire race. Somehow the tattered remains of his soul entered into our universe and reformed his body. He can no longer go home because he does not belong there anymore."
Twilight took a breath as she collected her thoughts, then she took the plunge as she blurted. "So, we are going to recruit the human that calls himself Anon Y. Mous, (Yes Dash I know how bad a pun that is.) and get him to help solve Pinkie's murder."
A gasp came from Fluttershy, as all eyes turned to her, Princess Luna stepped forward.
"Ms. Shy, might I have a word in private."
Escorting Fluttershy by the arm Luna marched the young mare a distance away, a quiet stern discussion took place, then Luna escorted Fluttershy back to the group.
"Dear Sister, what was that about." Questioned Celestia.
"Query me not, lest I tell you a tale, it is a matter concerning my duties and the executions of. Ones that Fluttershy has been a part of. Neither of us can answer, nor will we."
"Very well Sister, We shall all find out the truth soon enough." Celestia harrumphed.
Twilight's eye twitched as she pointedly did not ask a question, instead declaring, "Alright then! Now that that is settled, onward to the house of the Human!"
Rather stiffly the princesses and their entourage proceeded onto the path that led into the everfree. Directly on a path to the only human in Equestria.
Soon a house was seen, nestled within a side clearing of the path. It was of simple construction, two walls built from wood hewn from the everfree itself jutted out from an embankment. The front of the little house was from random bits of rock that had been gathered and mortared together with mud and clay, a roof made of tar coated bark shingled the upward sloping roof, until it leaned against the hill to the rear. The clearing itself had a well tended garden and a path wended from the front door to the path the girls walked upon. It looked peaceful and picturesque. Naturally an unholy amount of noise issued forth from the house.
"C'mon Girls, we need to see if we can help!" Twilight exclaimed as both she and Rainbow darted forward, only to stop dead as they entered onto the front lawn.
Luna shared a smile with Fluttershy as they slowly followed the rest of their friends.
A female voice sang out her Heartsong over the cacophony coming from inside.
I Thought My Life Was Ruined
They Took Away My Stage
So I Fell So Far
I Fell Right Into Sin
It Was A Shitty Thing
To Spread All TheIr Lies
But That Doesn't Make What I Did Alright
Buck Away My Shame
Erase It From My Brain
Buck Me Like You Hate Me
C'mon And Shame Me
Buck Away The Hurt
Treat Me Like Dirt
I Can Forget All Of My Shame
When I'm Screaming Out Your Name
While You Buck Away My Shame
"Well, There's her wagon." Applejack deadpanned, "Can't really blame a gal for getting it hard and good."
Twilight was in full blush as she stammered, "Should I, uh, you know, knock?"
"Oh, heavens no Twilight!" Rarity exclaimed, a redness laying claim to most of the fashion mavens face, "We can wait till after they're done."
Rainbow narrowed her eyes, "You just want to listen in and take notes, don't give me that crap. I say we pound on the door and.."
A rather loud thump from the inside of the door interrupted Dash's statement, soon followed by the continuation of Trixie's Heartsong, each line punctuated by an ever increasing bang as Trixie was railed against the door.
I Hate The Way They Talked Behind My Back
Just Because I Didn't Fall To Their Attack
But I Want You to Use Me
And Tie Me To Your Bed
Cause It's What I Need To Move Ahead
Buck Away My Shame
Chase It From My Brain
Treat Me Like Your Slut
Use Me For A Rut
Give Me What I Deserve
I'm A Dirty Little Girl
I Can Forget All My Shame
When I'm Screaming Out Your Name
When You Buck Away The Shame
Dash plopped her ass down, shocked at what she had just heard.
"Never mind we can wait." Dash said, "Girl needs her release."
Celestia stood, ramrod straight, her face reddening as she was forced to continue to listen to the sexual Heartsong that was clearly reverberating out into the clearing.
Luna and Fluttershy had found a bench off to the side and were quietly conversing, unaware or uncaring as another verse blasted forth.
Stronger Than Any Friendship
Or Any Redemption I Can Make
Buck Away The Shame
Drive It All Away
Buck Me Like You Hate Me
C'mon And Hurt Me
Treat Me Like Your Whorse
This Guilt Is So Much Worse
I Can Let Go Of All My Shame
As I Play This Little Game
While You Buck Away My Shame
Driven From My Brain
I Don't Need You To Love Me
Make Me Into Your Cock Sleeve
Cum Deep Inside Your Slut
I'm Your Dirty Little Whorse
There Is No Longer Any Shame
When I'm Screaming Out Your Name
Just Buck Away The Shame
Buck Away My Shame
Just Buck Away My Shame
Trixie's last ecstatic cry echoed out into the empty clearing, soon falling to silence. Glancing around for instruction, Twilight was waved forward by Rarity and Dash. Walking right up to the door she extended her hoof and knocked, loudly and clearly. Despite that no one else could even hear the knock. Only see the knocking motion of her hand as it lightly brushed the door.
"Alright, No answer, time to go!" Twilight exclaimed as she quickly turned on her heel.
A gutteral shout echoed forth from the house. "Alright already, I'm Coming. No need to knock so loud." The voice took on a rather lewd chuckle, "Oh wait I already came. Heh Heh. Just let me put pants on and I'll be right there."
Twilight froze, her eyes wide as she heard heavy hoofsteps, no Footsteps, approach the door. She turned around in time to watch as the door slowly swung open to reveal the human. He was eye height with celestia, which meant that Twilight's eyes were at his chest level. His very scared, very muscular chest. Another chuckle echoed out of the human before he pulled a tshirt on as he noticed were Twilight's eyes had been.
Grinning mischievously The Human snarked, "Ah The Princess of Cliques has arrived!" Gesturing behind her he growled, "Oh and Look she brought Gold digger, Hick, and Braggart with her."
His Eyes twinkling, his smile grew even wider when he saw Princess Celestia. "And Low the Young Princess has brought unto this poor mortal the Ancient High Princess of the Realm. She whose words are always right and who all misfortune turns to her favor and whose ass this world revolves around. What have I done to be so blessed."
"Hey Bud, I have no idea who you think you are but -" Rainbow Dash began.
"Have I not Introduced Myself?" The Human interrupted casually. "Forgive me please, the only name I care for is Anon, for here I am Nobody and Nobody is me. Therefore I must only be Anon Y Mous."
Dash Snarled in rage, "Twilight, This Guy can't possibly help us. Buck, he's a bigger jerk then Discord."
"Oh I should only wish to be as Big a Jerk as Discord. But alas I am but A Humble half a jerk and done, while Discord can jerk for days."
Blushing, Twilight shook herself, "Rainbow, calm down. He does this. If I understand correctly he was a bard where he came from. Called a Galliard, I think?"
Anon narrowed his eyes upon the Lavender Alicorn. "There's only a few that have that knowledge. I suppose they all would have reported it to you. Well, all except one." Tapping his finger against his nose he continued. "Still knowledge of my previous life is interesting, but it does not answer my question. Why are all of you here? Make your answers quick, I have a snuggle to return to and my patience with all of you is wearing thin."
Rainbow again answered out of turn, "Pinkie is DEAD! Twilight thinks you might be able to help. Personally I have no idea how. C'mon Twilight lets leave."
There was movement and the human was nose to nose with Rainbow, a serrated dagger held to her throat.
"That Joke was in poor taste, Braggart. Pinkie's a good friend."
With no fear Rainbow looked back into Anon's eyes, "I am telling the truth. Something horrid killed Pinkie. It did things to her." Rainbow began to shudder. "There was so much blood. We never found her face. Why would something take her face? Huh can you answer that? Can YOU!?"
On the final shout Rainbow pushed forward, the Dagger drawing blood, but she cared not. An arm, strong as steel wrapped itself around her. Pulling her close, another arm enclosed her. Soft words spoke softly into her ears.
"Shh, even warriors have to mourn the loss of friends. Even those that strive for the heavens need to remember those lost. Let it all out. Any that seek to shame thee over your tears will have my blade for answer."
Rainbow felt the tears coming. Unable to stop them she beat at his chest, her full strength being brought to bear. She might as well have been striking the walls of canterlot. As her anger subsided, the real tears fell. Soon she was sobbing into the arms of this stranger. This one that just held her.
As her sobs subsided he released her, glancing around he looked once more upon Twilight.
"Is that what you have come to ask? For me to seek out that which took our Pinkie from us? What of your Policeman, are they not up to the task? What makes me so qualified? Why must I go once more into blood and death? I am a hero no more. I am not Garou any longer. I am just a human, nothing more. I seek only peace of solitude, that you all are breaking."
Rainbow looked upon the human, "Why you little coward! You Piece of Shit! Pinkie was your friend! Don't you want to find her killer?"
"I am no detective. I am a Bard, a lorekeeper, at best a planner of parties. But more importantly, I watched all of my people die so our world could start the cycle aknew and be reborn. I am tired of blood and death. The only reason you think I can help is because I came from the World Of Darkness. Which I find insulting. Because after all, if I know violence so well what's to say that I am not the culprit. Nevermind that I never leave the forest, and haven't since I arrived. Nevermind that I could not have slipped into and out of Ponyville unnoticed. The rumors will start now simple because all of you sought me out."
Turning away, Anon walked back to his door. "I am tired, leave my lands. For I owe not the Princess of Sun or Friendship any Services. You assumed much, that is why I say no. For that reason and many others."
Screaming in rage, Dash shot forward, to the surprise of all Anon grabbed Rainbow out of the air by the throat. The arm that previously held her so comfortably now slammed her into the ground. Dash struggled but felt the hand around her throat only tighten. She was powerless.
"The one you seek will incite you as I did. They'll play off your fears and insecurities until this is the outcome. That arm is made of oriachlum. It's powered by a chimera spirit. When I was a garou it changed forms with me, but it has another power." His next words caused all to pause in their actions, "It nullifies all magic."
Dash fell still, staring up into Anon's eyes, she saw their coldness. This was a man that had seen death and survived, for the first time terror crept up her spine.
"I give you a choice Dash, I let you go and you all leave. Or I drag you inside and use you until I'm done. Afterwards I'll seek the one that killed Pinkie and deliver them unto all of you. Take your pick."
Rainbow did not even pause, "Whatever it takes to find Pinkie's killer."
Anon smiled, "Good answer, you've raised in my estimation. But I will still say no. You've attacked me and tried to force me to bend to your will. One of you could've come, instead you all came to try and bully and guilt me into helping. I owe nothing to any of you."
Applejack's voice called out, "What of that which you owe Pinkie?"
"Asks the Mare that has lied about who she is from the beginning." Returned Anon.
"What? I've never lied about who I am." Applejack snarled, "I'm the element of Honesty, I would never tell a falsehood."
Anon smiled nastily. "A Lie of Omission is still a Lie, Honesty." He sneered, "You were born in ponyville, but raised in Manehattan among the oranges. Which means that you have a first class education. Indeed it means that you, dear Lady Applejack are a sophisticate, not some hick that has no idea what a magic show is. You knew and hid behind that honest shit to justify first heckling an entertainer, then helped spread lies that ruined her business. True you never actually told a lie, but that does not mean you told the truth either."
Applejack's eyes dropped as the truth of what he said echoed within her element, honesty thrown back in her face.
Rarity's voice then wrang loud and clear, "Now see hear you ruffian, Applejack is my friend and I will not see her so abused."
"Says the mare that is more hick then Applejack will ever be. Do you know I trade with your parents. You're no more a Lady than I am. Just a Common Mare that puts on Airs. Hell, the first time I heard about you was when the papers reported how you attempted to snag Blueblood. Not to mention Trenderhoof and any other Stallion that you thought could provide you something you needed. But I also talk to Spike on occasion. He's the one that helped me get set up here. Got me all the permits and everything. Which means I also know that the only time you showed interest was when it helped you"
Anon spit on the ground, "Yeah, your Generosity all right. Generous , with your affections. Gotta network right? And if your jaw gets sore, then it must be from talking to all those handsome rich stallions, right?"
Turning to go back inside once more, this time he was let go.
Inside, Anon climbed back into his bed. Trixie Lulamoon snuggled up to him.
"Anon, is it true that Pinkie was murdered?"
"Yeah." He muttered while Trixie stroked his hair.
"And Your not going to help?" Trixie asked.
"I am not." Anon confirmed.
"Why?"
Anon closed his eyes harder and drew the mare to himself, Trixie squeaked at the tightness, even as she felt the wetness of his tears upon her breasts.
"I know what their hunting. I had to hunt a few myself in my world. They're hunting a killer that enjoys killing. Nothing more or less. Gets off on the pain and terror they cause." Tighter he squeezed his mare before finally adding, "I don't think I have the strength to face that again. Especially alone."
Trixie held him close. "At no point will you be alone. Besides, you know that we don't have a choice. The Pies gave us work when none would. We owe them for the kindness. Marble is our Little sister by friendship. Pinkie was her world, she'll be destroyed. Trixie and You can't ignore that."
A knock interrupted his answer. Rising to his feet, Anon threw his clothes back on, stomping to the door he threw it open.
"I thought I said -" He began, only to be greeted face to face with a canary yellow mare with a pink mane who looked at him imploringly.
"My Fluttershy, you've grown since last I saw you." Anon snarked.
"Luna is holding me up." Fluttershy replied.
"I can see that." He Deadpanned. "Alright Luna what do you want?"
"I want you to find Pinkie's killer." Luna answered
"Yeah. still gonna say no on that, Princess."
Luna once more brought Fluttershy level with Anon's face.
"Don't say it to me Anon, tell Fluttershy here why you won't act to find the killer of her friend, why she feels the need to lock her door. After all she does live far out near the Everfree. Tell her no."
"Luna, you're the biggest bitch I've ever met, and as much as I love you as a friend, I really hate you right now."
"Why would you hate little old me?" Luna asked innocently.
"For using Flutters as a weapon! Now please put her down! Gaia above, It's not like I can argue with all four of the mares that my heart belongs to."
Anon then got a smirk, it was an awful nasty smirk, "I'll only do this if Trixie is my partner, and if you're the sole princess I deal with. I've no patience to play politics or for social calls."
Luna smirked back, "Then the deal is done, though I add one last condition."
Anon's eyes narrowed, "What are you planning Selune?"
"Me? I'm as innocent as a new babe. My condition is that you oversee Pinkie's funeral and the party afterward.
Such is my addition, are these terms agreeable?"
Anon sighed, "Thrice it is said and done, We have an Accord."
Author's Note
Holy Shit this thing is long. Yes I am doing a Old WoD Crossover. I will post "Anon's" stats for all to see. As for what is actually going on, you will just have to wait and see. Look forward to whatever comments I get and to how this is received. Just for clarification, I have been up since 5 in the morning and it just turned 1204, so I am sure this is not as polished as I would like. But I am posting anyway because when I read this to my girlfriend I will edit the shit out of this.
